Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-03-23

entirely. Ibeieve the Revenue bill, 90 it came from
the House Of Delegates, TO be imperfect IN many re-
specis and 10 require amendment. In come OF us pro-
visions il is unequal-n some, 1t may be oppressive
But, while consider Tie bill defective in many Of It's
features end shall eEdeayor TO perfect it, when reflect
upon the high considerations Of patriotism in which 1t
originated, caInot permit myself, even by inference
10 cast censure upon The motives conduct OF those
who gave it their support. trust that nothing contain
ed in the preamble ard resolutions which am aboutto
present, may be construed no disposition on the part
OF any portion OF my constituents to reflect any censure
either branch of the General Assembiy If they
furnish any expression tending towards harshness OF
pronunciation, am it may be attributed, not to any
want of respect for legislature OF the peoples choice,
but TO The Inherent interest and excitement oil the SUBJ
ect matter discussed. You know, MIR. Speaker, that
The pocket is the most sensitive OF all others
You know that the most vigorous state OF Inc
system, it hes TO be handled with great decacy
and tenderness. In the present distressed and debi.
'ated state, The s'ises, touch may induce excitement
If not inflammation. The Senate then, wall not be sur
psed, if portion Of my constituents expressing
themselves boldly even harshly, when they conceive
the Legislature ~ usiag this very senSitirc with
rather too much freedom and familiarity. The Senate
s too well acquainted with the history of the Town o
Petersburg has had loo many evidences of the enter
prise gailanty aud patriotism OF her citizens TO believe
that they either willing to the faith of the State
violated to desire 10 escape their just and fair cont
button 10 the support of Government Of their
choce-As commercial community, they understand
well the connection between State and commercial
credit 10 desire TO impair eitheras honest and patriotic
men, they sensible of the obligation resting on them
to contribute their aid in support o! both. When il is
known that the very agitation OF the subject of the in
of taxes has already had sanitary effect upon
the credit OF the Sate-when it is considered, that
State bonds, which, al the commencement OF the pre-
sent session OF the Legislature were selling heavily at
II, in demand at 90 good citizen but
desire preserved sacred and invioats the
faith Of the State--N None but will be willing to contri-
butte his fair proportion, though IT be as the "widows
mite, towards the accomp ishment Of that desirable
object
But, although all may agree in the end there must,
from the very nature of the subject exist greater diff
Guilty in adjusting and preparing the means. Although
all may agree that the taxes should be raised TO the
deficit in the Treasury, yet the subject which the
increased burdens should be imposed, must naturally
give rise 10 great diversity of opinion. The great
geographical extent Of State, with the diversity of
trades, occupations and pursuits of people, resulting
therelrom, render II utterly impossible for human wis
dom TO devise scheme OF taxation entirely unorm,
and which will give general satisfaction to all the class
es and interests, which It must necessarily embrace
Add to this the chance that the uhoy spirit OF party,
for its selfish ends may be invoked, to perpex and
enharrass and render unpopular it possible, any action
which may be had On Tie subject; and you have the
tax bill in all of its difficulty But should party raise
its unseemy front in this great question of National
interest, sit must down at the bidding OF people
who sufficiently intelligent to know, and patriotic
enough deeud any COST the honor and dignity of
this good old Commonwealth. The people understand,
as well do, that the necessity of imposing in
creased burdens upon them, orig mated not with the
present Legislature. They know, that when this Lee
sisature convened, it found the State sadded with
debt created by its predecessors; and they will doubt
less duly appreciate pure motives and exalted feelings
which have induced their Representatives, even at the
risk OF their popularity to endeavor to rescue from
oboquy and shame the fair of the good old mother
OF us all.
The las! of the series of the Resolutions which l
have the honor to present, feel myself particularly
called upon to express my acquiescence in. believe.
while we are imposing fresh burdens upon the people,
we should cdulousy endeavor to retrench the expen
ditures of the Government. am prepared, and shall
endeavor on all suitable occasions, 10 apply the pru
ming knife of reform.
Mr. Speaker: ! have already transcribed the limits
prescribed to myself, when | shall now ask
tina, the Preamble and Resolutions may be read and
laid on the table. should ask for their printing, but
for the laeness OF The session. and the necessity OF
prompt action the subject 10 which they refer
They have already received my most serious conside
ration. ! trust the Senate will give 10 them that cons
deraon which their merit demands, and which the
Importance Of the subject they embrace imperiously
requires