Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1845-02-20
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
SATURDAY. January s

liz
SATURDAY, January s.
On motion of Mr.. Winfree, the resolution Of
the Committee of Courts of Justice, rejecting
the petition Of Richard Bartlam for divorce.
was reversed, and the petition was declared
reasonable
MIR. Mcpherson Of Page moved that the res
olutlon OF ting committee against the formation
OF new county out of parts of Rockingham s,
Shenandoah be taken up
Mr.. Cootes and Mr.. Denison opposed the
motion. Due notice, they said, had not Been
given, and no polls had been held, and it
would be waste of time to take up. The
motion to take up was rejected.
A bill divorcing Amanda Crow from her
husband Samuel Crow, was passed
JUDICIAL REFORM.
The bill to expedite the cases in the Cour.
OF Appeals, and to prevent unreasonable delay
IN chancery causes, came up as the order of the
day.
Mr.. Preston explained the importance, and
urged the absolute necessity for some such
measure as this. The Court Of Appeals is Sc.
ven years in arrears with the business. 1t an
nually grants 100 appeals, thus aggravating
the evll-and putting justice farther and far
ther from those who seek it. This waya CRYING
evli-which imperiously demanded redress at
the hands of the Legislature But there were
other evils connected with the mode of pro-
ceeding in the circuit courts. This bill did rot
propose to break up the circuit courts, or form
particular districts for clancery jurisdiction
He knew that the system for holding a superb
or court, both for law and cliancery in every
county, was popular, and he would no: disturb
that system. He proposed that no appeal shall
GO to the court of appeals, where the matter
IN controversy, is less than $500, or is fran
chise or freehold He proposed to have two
chanceilors, one East and one West-who
shall have jurisdiction of all cases under $500.
He did not propose to change the mode of pro-
ceedlng-he merely instituted a new court to
hear certain cases, which now go to the Court
Of Appeals, where they must, from necessity,
lie for years, without hearing. MIR. p. said
he also proposed to allow the Court of Appeals
to refer certain other cases, involving mere
matter of fact, to this new ehancery court
BY this expedient, Mr. P. had the authority of
some of the Judges of the Court of Appeals,
ny causes now before that court, would be dis
posed of, and the business advanced full
| ly three years. Mr. p, in framing this bill,
,
the ablest judges. and profoundest jurists, in
every section CT the STATE. He also proposed
to abolish the General Court. In the opinion
of all rejecting men, this court was mere ex
crescence. 1t sits not more than seven days a
| year, and costs annually upwards of $30CU.-
/ The business Of this court he would transfer to
the Court of Appeals and the Judge Of the
Circuit Court at Richmond. He would sp
propriate the money now expended upon the
General Court to defray the expenses of the
] two Chanceilors-so that there would be a We
| ry small additional charge upon the Treasury.
| Mr. z. also proposed that when two Of tie
! present Judges Of the Court or Appeals shall
dir, their places shall not be suppied-but
their duties shall devolva upon the others-ai
ded by their Chancellcrs. BY this provision
there would be saving Of expense-an impor-
tant consideration in every system.
Mr. Strother opposed the bill. He could not
conceive of any advantage resulting from this
change in the judicial system. That he, as
much as MIR. Preston, was in favor of shorten
ing litigation and rendering ready justice to
all-but the proposed bill would not, in his
opinion. effect that object. egtrsg
Mr.. Taylor of n. IS. opposed Mr.. Preson's
bin. and advocated scheme which he himself
proposed to offer.
Alter some further discussion upon the bill
by various gentlemen, MIR. Broadus moved its
indefinite postponement, which was lost. The
bill was then ordered to be eGgrossed.
Mr.. Denison offered a resolution, that leave
he granted to bring in a bill in reference to de-
linquent lands, aud extending the time to the
Clerks of this Commonwealth to make deeds
for lands sold for taxes.
Mr. Blue presented petition of Elias Twigg
of Hampshire. praying 10 be divorced from his
wife.
nIr. DEFY moved TO reverse the decision of
the committee, rejecting the petition of Marga
ret Warden praying to be divorced from her
husband.
Z. S. SENATOR. 4
Mr. Brcadus moved joint resolution for the
election of Senator Of the Z. S. on Friday
next. the 4th inst.
After considerable discussion, the resolstion
was adopted.
A select committee was appointed to exam
inc the eligibility Of Mr.. jackson. from Wood
s. Richie, consisting of Messrs. Lee, Banks,
Davis Of K & q. Lacy, VERIFY, Leake, CAT
nett. and Dcnison.