Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-12-15
CONTINUED FROM FIRST PACED

man conduct rs To believe that II Is unnecessary TO
apply TO them those restraints which properly attach
to all persons clothed with important public trusts
The law, therefore, in giving them high judicial
powers, should take from them all the offices of
their county which they now fill, rs we'll as their
political power. This is the more important when
you come TO look to the formidable number Of justi-
ces in the State, consisting of about four thousand
This large number cannot escape the mischievous |
influences which, as the law stands, must in |
some measure bias their judicial conduct. recon-
mend, therefore, that the number of justices in each
county be regulated by law that each county be !
divided into districts that magistrate be assigned
TO each district, and be required to reside therein
and that nominations shall be made for each district
as vacancies occur. | recommend that the justices
be prohibited from holding any additional office
within their county, and that they be deprived of all
political powers, such as appointing commissioners
of election And propose that they shall receive
an annual salary for their services of one hundred
and fifty dollars payable out of the county reasu-
ry shall have right to farm out the sheritfalty for
the benefit OF their county and that such provisions
should be made will secure prompt and faithful
discharge of duty. am satisfied that law MAY
be enacted which will make the county courts a
most valuable and efficient branch of judiciary
and that this reform should be adopted without dc
lay.
1t is extensively believed that this reform cannot
be constutionally effected. An examination Of
this subject will remove all difficulty The iusti-
ces hold their office at the pleasure of the General
Assembly, and of course their present powers may
be terminated whenever it may be thought wise to
do so. As far back as 1860, this power was exer-
clsed, and the commissioners who then ofciatcd as
justices of the peace deprived of their powers
and reduced to eight in each county, the Oldest be-
ing retained If such policy were adopted, it
could go into operation promptly and without the
least difficulty embarrassment, and would rive
us court upright and efficient, and freed from ma
ny of those influences which have extensively and
fatally operated to lin pair its just value ask for
these suggestions careful consideration But what
ever may be your pleasure to the thorough refur
nation OF the powers of the county courts and the
justices thereof, which have recommended most
respectfully urge that the number of Justices now
required by law to constitute court NAV be redu-
'ced have often seen the great Inconvenience oI
court composed of four Justices which mipht be
wholly obviated if the law were TO provide that the
county court should hereafter consist Of not less
than three justices. The difficulty OF forming n
court, which is now frequently very great. would
also be essentially reduced. Incapable Of seeing a
single objection 10 this modification while lis ad-
vantages are obvious, trust il will receive your ia
vOrable considerations
1t is found upon examination that the resolutions
OF the lo'h OF March, 'lSi7, changing the time of
making and providing for printing the annual re-
ports OF public officers and others cannot be eyccu
ted, 1t being impossible for such reports to accom-
Pahy inc Governors message, bound required by
said resolution. 1t is practicable however within
the first week of the session, to furnish the printed
reports as required and suggest that the resolu-
lions be modified accordnalv
also recommend that the Journal of the House
oil Delegates be hereafter printed in octave form
Convention Of Medical Gentlemen assembled
in the City of Philadelphia in Nav last for the pur
pose OF taking into consideration the adoption of
measures for a general registration Of the births
marriages and deaths, within the several States
ne result was the adoption of two resolutions and
u memorial in support of said Objects | herewith
FIR
Doc No 29) ~
The highly patriotic and benevolent purpose of
These gentlemen, seeking NJ individual ADVANTAGE.
ont only tho happiness and longevity of their race,
gives force to their views, which it will be found
dillicul: to resist. Their design is, however not
new it has long engaged the attention of the most
enlightened and humane. II was part i'm fact of
our colonial system. II being required as far back as
1851, by various enactments of law, that each Min
lister should make "a register of all burials chris
Jennings and marriages - and that the minister or
warden should make report thereof on the lst of
June of each year.
The State Court House is finished, and now oc-
cupled by portion of the courts. for whose accom-
mediation it was erected 1t is a building well a
dapted TO its purpose, substantially constructed and
AN ornament to the public square and to this city.
It's cost VIII exceed the original estimate by some
three or four thousand dollars
respectfully ask your attention TO the various
suggestions of the Adjutant General, as embraced
III HIS report. repeat tNe opinion formerly eX-
pressed, that our present militia system involves
great waste of time TO the people, is immoral in lis
tendencies, ard productive of great personal and
public expense. In my Judgment two great objects
connected with this system ought be lostered and
sustained; first, to encourage the volunteer system
and secondly, TO effect cheap but certain me
'thod of enrolment (See Doc. No. III
hope, gentlemen, you will fix specifically and
in terms, the pay of the officers Of the Public guard
AS the law has been expOunded by the courts, they
are entitled to an amount of pay and allowances
never contemplated | am satisfied, by the officers
themselves, the first auditor, OF the Legislature
under tho pretensions that have been set up and
sustained S1,413 50 have been paid from the treas
nry the past year to the officers at present in COIN
'mand, TO two of the former officers, and to repre-
sentatlves OF two former captains. who have long
since departed this life The compensation of these
officers should be regulated by the laws of this
State and not by those Of the Federal government
trust, also, that you will not omit to direct the
sale of large amount Of public arms, useless at
present and daily deteriorang. They are not need
ed for any public use, and should DO disposed of
without delay.
herewith communicate the resignation of Brig
adler General J. r. Wallace Of the fifth brigade Of
the militia OF this State. doc No. $40
lalso communicate the report Of our vaccine a
gent. (Doc. No. 2l)
herewith communicate the letters Of Maj. Gen.
Zachary Taylor and brevet Col. NJ. VI. Payne of
the United States Army, acknowle lodging the recent
Of the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly
of Virginia on the 9th of March last directing
sword to be presented to those officers for their gal
liant services on the 9Th and 9th of May, 1876
dhis resolution also embraced Lieutenant Colonel
Garland, from whom have received no reply
The swords have not yet been prepared.
9'he condition of the Literary Fund will be fully
presented to you in the report Of that valuable off
thc q,