The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-01-13
LEaIsLArIvn pRocEED1Nas.
Correspondence Of The Western Democrat.
RALEIGH, JAN.Y 10th, 1857.

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Correspondence efthe Western Democrat.
RALEIGH, JAN'Y 10th, 1857.
Mr. EDITOR: We have seen the most ex-
traordinary exhibition in the exercise of an
unjust and arbitrary power perhaps ever
witnessed in the halls of any deliberative
assembly. I allude to the rejection of the
Danville and Greensboro Railroad by the
Senate, by majority which cannot be mis-
understood Ia Senators in the Legis-
lature of North Carolina were willing to
do the people justice in this matter. The
vote stood 80 to IA.
The Bill to re-charter the Bank of the
State of North Carolina being the special
order for yesterday, passed its second read
ing by large majority; no amendments
were added to the Bill as originally intro
duced by Mr. Wilder. except the taxing
clause-in that particular it is the same as
passed last year; limiting the tax on the
stock to 81. It now stands in a shape that
hope the Stockholders will not refuse.
The BillintroduceG by Mr. Brogden was con-
sidered making it prima -taeie evidence of
negligence by Railroad Company when
ever stock is shown to have been killed by
said company. The effect of this bill is to
throw the burden of proof on the Company.
thereby shifting the onus. It was Discus
sed at considerable length by Senators,
and passed its second reading by large
majority. 1t is poor encouragement to the
enterprizing citizens of our State to embark
in works of internal improvement, from
which no dividends or profits can be real
lied, if they are to be legislated against,
instead of being protected as benefactors.
The engrossed Bill from the Senate in
regard to the location Of the County town of
Harnett, was, after an animated debate,
lost in the House. Justices of the Peace,
by special order. were appointed this eve
ming by both Houses. The House then
resolved itself into Committee of the Whole,
Mr. Pickett of Arson in the Chair; Subject:
Mr. Rough's Bill to remove the Capitol to
where the moon shines.
1t the Senate, on the 5th, the Bill to pre-
vent the telling of timber in Emo river and
Fishing river, was read the third time; and
on motion of Mr. w. r. Myers, was amended
by adding Sugar creek and it's four prin
cipal tributaries" and passed. Mr. w. r.
Myers introduced bill forbidding the clerks
of County Courts afixing the seal of their
Counties to free papers of free negroes.
In the Senate, ON the I'd, Mr.. White of
CASTOR, presented the memorial of sundry
citizens of that county. The committee
recommended the rejection of the bill to
charter Bank at Salisbury. Mr.. Clark
introduced bill to repeal the act requiring
the Judges of the Superior Courts to reside
in their respective Circuits. The bill to in
corporate the Bank of Lincolnton was laid
on the table on its second reading. The
bill to authorize the examination of wives
passed. Mr.. Coleman introduced bill
concerning oaths. 1t establishes the COM
potency of Universalists as witnesses.
In the House, MIR. Baxter introduced
bill to increase the revenue of the State
1t imposes tax of one per cent on bank
profits and dividends, provided the tax does
not reduce the profits less than six per cent.
A bill to alter the time of the meeting of
Venefal Assembly 10 the 4tn MONDAY In
December was introduced. [ A good move
undoubtedly
In the Senate, on the Sd, the bill to allow
wives to testify against their husbands in
open court, was passed Sd time.
In the House, Mr.. Meares presented
memorial from certain mechanics, petition
ing for the passage of more stringent laws
against slaves hiring their own time, and
against free negro labor coming into com
petition with white labor.