Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-01-11
Virginia Legislature.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.

HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
MONDAY, Jan. 1.
The following ensrossed bills were read third
slime and passed:
To amend the act entitled San act TO reduce
into one the several acts giving power to the
county courts to establish ferries, and TO regulate
the rates of feniage.'
Concerning fees of Shoriils in certain cases.
Trouble IN R,tchie.
The Speaker laid before the House a communi-
cation from the Governor-stating that by death
resignation, the number Of justices in Richie
county had been reduced below the constitutional
requisite. That is, only members of the court
were leit-who could not make constitutional
court, and the only remedy for the case was in
the hands OF the Legislature.
The communication, with the documents &C.
companying, was referred 10 the committee of
courts.
TUESDAY, Jan. 2.
The bill imposing taxes for the support of Co
vernment being the order of the day was taken
up. MIR Ednunds moved to fill the blank for the
tax on lands with l2l cents for every bundled
dollars worth. MIR Garnet moved to lay the bill
on the table, as he and many other members had
just returned TO their seats, and had had no OPP
por,unity of reading this most important bill. A
debate hero arose In which several members par
tcipated. The House decided TO proceed with
the bill, and the blank relative to lands was filled
with l2t cents. MIR Gdmunds :hen moved to fill
the blank relative to houses and lots In any city,
town, or borough with So, upon every hundred
dollars rent-the same us last year. Strong OPP
position was made to this as unjust and unequal
to the towns-The tax upon them last year
dsproportioned to that aii on the country, and
now when reduction of 30 per cent is to be
made on the land TAX the tax on town lots should
also be reduced. The sum of 50 was proposed
by Mr. Daniel, of r., and Mr. Garnett proposed as
compromise S., so. The question was taken
on the highest first, and decided in favor Of
1873 10 2I.
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 3.
Mr. Holeman, the Speaker, who had been alb
sent Tor some time, appeared and took his seat.
The consideration of the Tax bill was renewed
The tax on unoccupied town lots was fixed at l3l
cents-the tax on slaves at 40 cents-on stations
at $6-horses, mares, &c. l2j cents-on carriages
per cent on value, the minimum tax S2-on
stages S3-carryas $l-pleasure wagons SO cts
The tax on licenses to keep public entertainments
was fixed at SEQ, and an additional tax of "a per
cent ON the excess of yearly rent above $500
private entertainment SO, and if the yearly rent
exceed $50, tax Of per cent on the excess
Merchants licenses were fixed al $50, on annual
sales of less Than S5,000--S25, if not exceeding
SlO,OO0-S3O, if not exceeding SI5,OOO-S35
IT under $40, 000-St5 if $50, 0OO-G5 if $50
OOO-SSO 1t $4,000, and if over that sum 5 100.
The privilege Of selling ardent spirits was filled
with $l5 The taxes on law process and OH auc-
NohecIS PeuidfS ana iottcry licenses were also
fixed.
MIR Southall presented memorial from citizens
OF Albenarle, praying for an increase of the ca
pital stock OF the James river turnpike com pany
THURSDAY, Jan. 4.
The tax bill was again under considerations
The following further taxes were imposed On
every gold watch s. ; patent lever or l'epne sill
yer watch so cts other silver or metallic
watches, % cts; on every piano under the value
OF 500, Si-upwards, So; on all gold or silver
plate over the value of SO dollars, 1 per cent On
the value; on every metal clock, SO cents /; on
every wooden clock, 25 cents.
MIR Raymond moved to amend the bill by re-
uncinS the tax on wooden clocks TO l2J cents
supported by Messrs Byrd of +. and Stovall
MIR Stovall SAID, tn provide for the deficit which
would thus be occasioned, he Intended to move
tax on gold spectac!es. The House refused to a.
mend--46 to 70.
Dividends declared by incorporated Joint stock
companies were taxed two per cent.
The tax on interest received per cent, and on
salaries over 500, per cent.
MIR Fulton presented three petitions from An
gusta for change Of the Jury system, and a me-
mortal praying for an Increase of the capital stock
OF The Staunton and James river turnpike COM
pany.
FRIDAY, Jan. 5.
The HoaSo was again engaged on the Tax bill
Inc question OF taxing interest, which was set
Tied The day before, was re-considered !; but moth
ing more was done before the adjournment.
SATURDAY Jan. 6.
Mr.. Edmunds called for the Tax BILL
Mr.. Garnett contended that the resolution in re-
lation to the land money was the order of the day
and had precedence.
The Speaker concurred with Mr.. Garrett.
motion was then made TO postpone the reso-
luton I'LL Monday the 18th, which after some de.
bate was carried-7O to 60.
communication was received from the Senate
stating that they had passed the bill to curtail the
expenses of the Legislature with an amendment
to the title of the bill.
The Tax bill was then taken up. One per cent
was imposed on fees over SlOO.-Attornies' in
comes over 500 and under $1,000, S5-over
$1,000 SlO--attornes' in court of appeals over
$4,000 $40. Two per cent on Bank dividends
TWO per cent. on collateral inheritances.
THE REASON WHY,
After the election of 1910 number of Loco.
fOcoS were earnestly enuaued discussinp tho re,