Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-01-12
THE LEGISLATURE.

We are frequently questioned by our country
friends to the probable duration of the present
session Of the General Assembly; but, notwith
standing the apparent advantages of our metro
| politan position, constrained to confess
Our entire inability to give satisfactory an
swer to the interrogatory. We can only say to
the public that their representatives. are not VET
in ght ofland, although nearly two months have
elapsed siuce they embarked on the sea of
legislation, and it would be impossible, under ex-
listing circumstances, for the most sagacious of
their own pilots much less tor an outsider TO as
sign limit to their voyage.
The main business of tho session still remains
undisposed OF, we might almost say untouched -
The question of Internal improvement, which is
the great question of tho day, has not yet been
taken up in earnest, but the discussion having COM
menced, We presume that the whole subject will
soon undergo thorough examination. On Monday
next the discussion of the South Side Railroad
bill, which WIS begun on Saturday by Messrs
Newman and Rives. will be resumed Il is GEN
erally und 7rstood, believe that the fate of all
the other internal Improvement bills, now pend
Ing before the Legislature, is involved in that of
the South Side bill, and we may, therefore, ex
poet to see the great internal improvement battle
fought upon this question. The discussion will, of
course, take within its range not only the South
Side Rairoad but the whole internal improve
lnent system of the State. When we consider
the magnitude and diversity of the interests in
volyed in the consideration of this important sub
Ject, may reasonably anticipate that much
time will be consumed before it is finally SOL
tied.
Various other questions of less Importance, in
deed, than that to which we have adverted, but
still not wholly free from difficulty, remain to be
disposed of before our Legislators can return home
TO receive the benedctions or maedictions of
their constituents. A tax bill has to be passed.
the congressional districts must be To arranged
the Board of Public Works is to be organized,
shin plasters to be- suppressed and sundry
other matters looked to, all of which will, Drobn-
bly, give rise to debate and contribute to spin out
the session.
The Antwerp scheme and the subec, of the
public lands are also before the Legislature, but
these questions have already been thoroughly
discussed, aud now. it is to be presumed,
pretty we'll understood, it is probable that they
VIII Do foLcu ol, IL Ill all, Without u9Dhte.
Of the topics TO which we have alluded that
of the currency stands next to the question ofin-
ternal improvement in point of Importance
This is subjact in which every man in the Com
monweath, whether Of high or low degree. feels
adeep personal interest, and it is to be hoped that
our legislators will not deem their labours com
plets until they shaIl have delivered the State
from the curse that afflicts it, Tho people
expect, and have right to expect, that the Le-
gislature will provide a remedy for the present
disorders of the currency. This is duty which
the dominant party acknowledge, and from the
performance of which they cannot escape, with
out manifest dscredt to themselves. Let our
rulers i've a sound and safe circulating me
dunn, and we venture TO predict that the people
will readily forg i've long session in consideration
| of this inestilnabie boon.