Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-12-13

Comment this distribution power, is useless.
1t will be that the interests Of the state at
the pleasure of private interests. which being wrong
in itself, WILL hope be corrected in every instance,
at the first practicable moment.
To prevent some of the evils to which have a
bove adverted it should be provided by law, that
officer of a company should act as proxy. This
policy has already been adopted in relation to our
banks, and it is equally important in regard TO
internal improvement companies.
deem ii matter of great consequence TO the
public interests that the state should own the three
railroads between the Roanoke and the Potomac
The heavy expenses of three several admnstra-
tions, and the want of harmony and combination be-
tween them, affect very injuriously, the incomes Of
their respective roads. Were these roads under one
administration, great saving of annual expense
would be effected aud moving with one will every
eXigency could be met with tact and vigor, and the
travel retained, in spite fall opposition. Were the
Board of public works authorized to enter the mar
ket and purchase at their discretion, it is believed
they could on very favorable terms soon obtain the
entire control of these companies.
Ii is indispensable that something should be done,
and that speedily, for the eXtrcation of the Rich
mond and Petersburg railroad, from its embarrass-
ments. The proposition made in its report is clear
ly inadmissible aud if the road should not be pur
chased by the state, the only measure can sug-
gest, is to provide by law for its junction with the
Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad
company, and an amalgamation OF their stock upon
terms that think, can be made satisfactory to all
concerned. regard the junction of these two roads
as of great importance to their prosperity and am
persuaded that the city of Richmond would grant
the necessary privilege, if the Legislature should
request IT,
! herewith communicate the annual report of the
James river and Kanawha company
| In my former annual messages, recommended
that it be provided by law, that the supreme court
Of appeals should pronounce no final judgment OF
decree in cause, except when three of the five
judges concurred therein am still of the same
opinion, and respectfully renew this recommended
ton. cannot think it polite or just to settle the
| rights Of property, except by adjudcations which
settle the law of the land. |, however, need not
repeat the reasons with which / undertook to en-
force my recommendations, as they to be found
/ in my former communications, to which respect
fully refer you.
! In the first message had the honor to submit tC
the general assembly, used the following Ian
guage:
81 have reason to believe that the circuit super
or courts of law and chancery, would be more &C
ceptabe 10 the people, if the Judges thereof were
required to hold the courts of the different circuits
in some prescribed rotation. Judges are men, will
many of their passions and in6rmltes Few pas:
through life without enmities, few without friend
ships, and fewer still can rise superior TO the inllu
friends and to in;uTe one TO whom feel antipa
thy, that Judge may unconsciously to himself, al
low his feelings TO warp his Judgment, and inhic
thereby great, and it may be fatal injury. Nor
is this all riding his circuit for years, he apt &c
share the feelings of his friends, and feel the excite
ment Of every tued therein Ii is difficult for an,
one however eminent, under such circumstances
to hold the scales Of justice i'll fair and equal poise
and it is more difficult TO satisfy his sutors that h
has done so. To do Justice is the first duty tn
second is 80 sasfythos interested, that justice Ina
been done to them. This can rarely be attained b
Judge who has grown up among those over whor
ne presldes, sharing with them, as he necessarl
must, those various affections which pervade al
, communities. Justice should not only be pure bu
unsupported.
"T'hr system would be productive Of great advar
tage and convenience, in suits in which the Jude
was concerned before his election, in which he is
suitor, in which he is related e either party and
which the sultor is his open enemy. Such suits al
usually sent to another jurisdictions TO the great al
noyauce and heavy expense Of the parties thereir
But the necessity Of change Of venue would ne
$ exist under the rotary system"
e ask, gentlemen, if you do not know or have M
heard that many of these evils extensively prevail
= And if so. may not hope that you will provide
law for their removal These evils. at least sou
{ of them have not for the first time occupied the a
enlion Of the public authorities As far back as Il
+ reign of Edward III, five hundred and ninetct
i years ago, statute was passed, followed by tv
, others, in the Teigns Of Richard H. and Henry VIII
o the purport Of which is thus described in the hi
c book Of Backstone's Commentaries THE prudo
jealousy Of our ancestors, ordained that no man
d law should be Judge Of assize in his own count
wherein ho was born or doth inhabit;" and Il
7 learned commentator proceeds and says and