Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-12-12
For the Spectator
'-~
RICHMOND, Dec. 9Th, 1855

Gentlemen ~ have little 0f general interest,"
to communicate, that you will not find in the con
denSed reports of Legislative proceedings IN the
City daily papers. A vast amount of Jusress has
been thrust before the Committees ready in the
shape of resolutions OF inquiry. For several days
there has been perfect avalanche OF resolutions
in regard TO internal Improvements. But this fur
nshes no indication OF what may eventually turn
out to be the policy of the Legislature on this sub
iect. understand and believe The Committee on
Roads &c, widths session adopt wiserand bet
Ter course than has for several years distinguish
ed lis labors. Heretofore that Committee has,
almost without exception, made it a rule TO report
bill on every proposition that came before It,
The eject of which was, To load down the Clerks
table early in the session, with mass OF Turn
pike ami Rail Road bills, that OVERRIDE every
thing else and three iourths of which should new
er have found their way out OF the Committee
| room. am glad 10 believe now that The commit
tee will subject every proposition to searching
ordeal on lis merits, and if found deficient reject It,
and thus relieve The House.
On the subject OF appropriations, am still una
bic to predict with any degree OF certainty, what
will be the ruling policy OF the Session; though
my very decided opinion is, that our action VIII
be limited to the extension of the necessary aid TO
complete few of The great lines. In this opinion
am sustained by s,me OF he most intelligent and
influential members Of both branches OF the Cen
eral Assembly. The Covingtnn and Ohio Road +,
is justly regarded as The great work that demands
our first attention. We will pass bill TO carry
on this work. You may rely on this prediction. ]
think, with implicit confidence.
| Second TO no other subject, the bank question
is engaging the attention OF some of the ablest men
here On this question there is much diversity Of
sentiment, and many difficulties in the way FIRM
ing correct opinion as to what may be the H.
nal judgement of the Legislature. There are
gentlemen of extreme views in favor OF the old
system, as well as of the new, whom it will be
| hard, perhaps impossible, to bring together. But
on the other hand, there are mang who ale uncOm-
mited 10 their views, On either side, and will ve-
~ wisely suspend their judgemnt until they have
heard all that both sides have 10 say. The strong
probabilities are that the old Banks will be rechar-
tered and required by degrees, to base their circu
lation on State Stocks, and that all the banks in
the Commonwealth, will be placed under one gen.
| eral law.
The public finances are in bad condition.
The Auditor IN his report expresses The opinion
that an increase OF one hundred per cent general
| ly, in The direct taxes, will be necessary And
have no DOUBT of his correctness. if we adopt his l.
|
the means Of dschargng the present deficit in the
Treasury and also defray the current expenses OF
the government But if we were To adopt his
views, the effect would be to throw upon the peo-
pie in one year, the burthen Of paying off large
debt, and then to fall back upon raIe oftaXation
for the future of about SO per cent above the
present rates. can at presenI discover neither
| the wisdom nor the necessity for such course
We shall be forced to increase the taxes, perhaps
% or 80 per cent at all events, but beyond this we
shall not probably have 10 go. The deficiency in
the Treasury is now in the form OF temporary
debt due the Banks and may very readily be fund
ed, and thus be scarcely felt by the country be-
fore the two great lines of road are finished and
in condition IN come with their immense reye-
nues to the relief of the good old Stale that has
SO generously and nobly extended her fostering
aid TO them. Such disposition Of this temporary
debt, seems to me 10 be far preferable 10 the
suggested by The Auditor.
To day the election of Senator came off. anna
rently, very quietly and tremendously, but in real
ity, il has produced as much heart burning as a
ny event of the kind that has happened for years
Flo: the sentiments OF the faithful, need only
refer to yesterdays, Examiner And that is bu,
''lhs beginning OF the end" You need not be sur
prised if The Standard of rebellion is soon raised
against the overbearing conduct Of some of the
party, at whose dctaton To day. outrage has been
perpetrated.
10 concluding this hasty letter, it nay not be
embarrassing to your readers to say that we have
the prospect ofa working session. The presen,
House OF Delegates is certainly composed of the
best maierieL have ever seen assembled in any
Legislature Last Springs canvass seems 10 have
had the effect OF drawing forth from their retire
ment quite number Of gentlemen of experience
and ability from every section Of the Stale, buj
more particularly in the East. There is feel
ing of cordial good will existing amongst the mem
beers from various sections, Irrespective of party
that encourages the hope that much will be done
this winter to promote the great interests Of the
State. Your, SC. |.