Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-07-09
VIRGINIA CONVENTION.

MosDAY, June 30-Tbe House went into Com.
mittee OF the Whole on thsi portion Of the Lepisa-
live report, relative to free persons of color. An
amendment Of Mr.. Bolts, leaving the whole matter
Of the removal VI this portion of our population, Tor
such laws as the Legislature may pass, was The
pending proposition, and subject of discussion, du-
ring The whole morning session. At half past one,
the House took recess until o'clock.
TUESDAY, July f.-irhe Convention was occr.
pied exclusively in the discussion Of that part Of
the Report upon the legislative Department which,
refers to the subject Of Taxation. Amendments
were Offered by gentlemen to the LIST section--one
TO exempt slaves under IL and another TO exempt
all neat cattle from being included 10 The ad valo-
rem assessment cfProperty liable to be taxed. The
deoate look wide range, and The principle Of the
ad valorem as well rs other systems Of taxation,
was discussed length. The Convention adjourn.
ed without taking any action on the subject.
| AT The evening Session Mr.. Lynch, of Campbell,
presented the proceedings ofseyeral public meiings
in bis district IN regard 10 The Basis. He stated AZ
SO that he held in his hand papers signed by up,
wards of 700 persons in Campbell, and upwards Of
| 500 in Bedford, nsITucting The delegates from
that district to move reconsideration Of the vote
on the compromise. Thereupon, Mr.. Wingfeld Of
Bedford, gave notice of his Intention 10 move re-
consideration Of the Basis Question, on Wednesday,
the 9Th inst.
WEDsEsDAY-The section of the Legislative
report relative to taxation, was the subject under
discussion on to-day. A. motion to strike cub
''ad valorem" taxation failed. isats
Mr. Condos motion TO exempt all slaves under the
age Of l2years, was adopicd-ayes IS, noes 27.
Also, motion Of Mr.. Ferguson to exempt house.
hold property 10 The amount of $3.50 from taxation.
| When the Convention took recess, the pending
motion was one Of Mr.. Stroller, to strike out the
whole section, and insert provision fixing the lax
on slaves atihree times and one sixth more than
the tax on every hundred dollars worth of land.
THURsDAY.-T The Chair announced the follow
ing as The Committee on the Division Of the State
into Judicial Sections: Messrs. Stanard, Whiuley
Letcher, Smith of Kanawha, Floyd, Bird of Shen-
anduah STROLLER. Chambliss, Jacob, Hall, Lynch,
and Stewart of Morgan.
On motion Of Mr.. Chiffon, the House agreed 10
repeal the order fur evening sessions, oy large
majority. The House also repealed the order for
taking The ayes and noes in Committee of the,
Whole tiF
The subject of taxation being then taken up in
Committee oeibe Whole, Mr. Wise moved 10 fill
I the blank created by The striking out Of the first
section, by inserting scheme Of capitalion and u
nifo:m taxation, and was proceeding 10 make an a.
bic and interesting speech 10 support thereof when
the Chairman announced that his hour had expi-
red. under the rule.
The Convention adjourned until Saturday at 9
O'clock. ff
SArURDAY.-The House met and took recess
till IL O'Clock, from sympathy for Mr.. Lyons,
member Of the Convention. the funeral of whose
wife was to take place at TO- v.X
On re.assembling. Mr. Wise, by consent of the
House, Withdrew his question Of order relative To
the one hour rule Of the House being an infringe
ment OF the freedom Of debate. The consideration
ufthe question Of taxation being then resumed, ha
modified his proposition, so as o.specfy the rates
oftaxaion per capita, under his scheme, which,
according To the present rates, could not at any
time he less than rs nor more than so cents.
Mr.. Faulkner offered as substitute for Mr..
Wiss's plan. which he had prepared, which
virtually declares that all taxes shall be ad pa
iorem.
After speech by Mr.. Wise the Convention ad-
journed. a