Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-01-17
LEGISLATURE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
SENATE.

MONDAY, Jan. 10, 1857.
Mr.. W. II. Thomas, from the committee on inter.
nal improvements, reported favo,ab!y to the bill
providing for the western extension Of the n. c.
railroad.
On motion of Mr.. Clark, this bill was made the
order of the day for Thursday next. II o'clock, at
which time the Senate will resolve itself INTO COM
mittce of the whole the consideration Of said BILL
Mr. White Of CASTOR, asked that the report on
the western extension be printed. Concurrcd in.
Mr. Thomas also reported on several turnpike
roads.
Message received from the House of Commons
transmitting appointments of directors for the lu-
natic yun, and asking the concurrence of the Sc
nate. CONQUERED in.
The bill! to establish the county of Allegheny was
taken up on its second rcadirS
Mr. Pool moved to postpone the same indefinitely,
which was not agreed to-whereupon, a lengthy de-
bate cnSned.
The bill was finally rciectcd-27, OF 10.
Message frsm his Exccllency, transmitting from
the House, accompanied by report from Maj.
Gwynn, on the Deep river improvement, with prop
osition to print. Cuncurrcd in.
Mr.. Holt offered resolution calling on the pre-
sidcnt of the CapeFear and Deep River Navigation
Company, for report the financial condition of
said company. Adopted.
Mr.. Gorrell introduced memorial from the Club
foot and Harlow creek canal company. Referred
NJ. Mills introduced bill to establish normal
school in the county Of Polk.
The bill introduced by Mr.. Houston Of Dupn, to
remodel the courts Of pleas taken up and read
the second time. The bill provides for establishing
courts of pleas, to be presided over by county
judges, to be elected by the people. Authorizes APP
pcals only to the supreme court, &c.
Mr.. Eaton opposed the bill. 1t would be taking
away the powers enjoyed by the county courts
and contrary to the constitution; would provide for
the election of additional judicial officer by the
the people. Mr.. Z. cid not believe the system Of
H., IL,
ferrcd to Virginia and other States proof Of this
assertion. Mr.. +. did not like the principles con.
tanned in the bill, and objected to it in detail.
Mr.. Houston had introduced the bill because a
change in these courts was demanded. He had con-
versed with numerous gentlemen of intelligence,
and not one had Offered objection to his bill
Mr. Fl. could not speak for the whole State; but the
section with which he was acquainted complained
of the incicieiency Of the present system Of the
county courts. Magistrates, general thing
were not competent to preside, though he was well
aware they intended to dispense justice, and acted
honestly, and in accordance with their construction
of the law. Mr.. Fl. referred to the tedious process
of obtaining final decision in important cases, I'M
der the present law. His bill took an appeal to the
highest tribunal, at whose hands speedy decision
| was expected. MIR. II. was ready t., 90 for any
change to get rid of the abuse now suffered 10y the
people. Mr.. Fl. denied the charge of its provision
for electng judge by the people to be situ.
tional The constitution distinctly referred judges
of the superior courts, and not to county courts
Mr. H. referred to the fact of Judges Badger, Ruffn,
Settle and Others presiding over county courts, be-
cause they did it from a love Of justice, and this
alone prompted them to preside these dsor-
ganized bodies He did not believe that any Of these
dsinterested gentlemen could be induced to accept
| a iuds ship in any Of courts lie Wilt z,
and preferred, that the bill should be amended as
to refer to the magistrates Of each county for their
adoption or rejection.
The bill was rejcctcd-yeas II nays 81.
| Mr. Gorrell introduced bill to repeal the 82nd
section of the Goth chapter of the revised c"de. :
The bill to incorporate the Shepherds Point land
| company. was read the first time. ~
Mr. Boyd introduced bill to repeal the law fix
ing the time for the meeting of the General Assem-.
! bly, Referred.
Mr.. j. B. Jones introduced bill to incorporate
| the Currituck Steamboat Company. Referred.
Mr. Coleman introduced several memorials, which
i were referred.
Senate then adjourned till tomorrow 10 o'clock
| HOUSE OF COMMONS.
| On motion Of MIR. Lewis, of Wake, message wa