Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-02-07
THE COURT BILL.

ne Dill now D:lo[e tue Leg SId' uie ioohl'S
to change in the judicial system Of the State
is being fully discussed and 1t can hardly be
said that the time draws nigh when it viii be
disposed of. There Is strong opposition to
any change developed, while the friends Of the
bill are vigorous and active 10 its advocacy. 1t
is thought that the house is about equally divid-
ed and if the vote should be taken. which ever
way it NAV 20, there will be but Very small
majority. Delay seems to be rather the tactics
of the friends OF the present County Court sys-
tenn, believing that 1t is gaining favor each
day. They say that of all the provisions OF the
new constitution, not one is so highly esteemed
as that which gives to the people the County
| Court judge.
If eau be done without vi,latiny the pro-
visions Of the Constitution there will be an
effort made to substitute for the present. bill
one appointing county judge Tor several coun-
ties with the same jurisdiction that the County
Court now possesses and make no change 10
the present Circuit Court system. This is re-
viewed with much favor and the prevailing opin-
ion seems to be that it can be constituuoDaly
effected Ifthe present oil should be passed
it is quite certain that it will be So m4dted by
amendments that it would be impossible to
calculate, with any degree Of certainty, II done
at all, what would be its practical effect when
'twere be done.
The lawyers, as class in the Legislature, ia
vor the change aud are opposed to the great
number of courts that EDw exist. Ibis Is
poser" to the members generally who look
upon it as suicidal course and can account
for il.
Ifthere should be no change i, Is thought by
some that it would be unwisc IN the present
Legislature to elect County judges, but leave It
for the next. They recognize the fact that
there is too little conference 10 the Con -ervative
parry; and that there should be direct incentive
of this kind to awaken and kindlc an enthusiasm
10 the people TO return good men to the Legi<-
lature that they may secure upright and faith
full Judges. This to say the least of 1t is dan
gerous.
THE PUBLIC DEBT.
In view of the proposed conference of the
bond holders. the Auditor has issued another
statement of the financial condition OF the State.
compiled from the various statements hereto
fore published, by which it appears that the
debt is in nowise diminished. 1t is stated that
the amount in the Treasury on the lst Of Jau-
uary. 1873. was 81 ,6S3, GIG SO and the interest
due and unpaid amounted to S3,Ob, 624.Ol.
Within the fiscal year lS..l12 the sums OF
1868, $40 in currency, and $23, 80 in coupons,
we're turned over 10 the Auditor: and the fur
Their sum of $4,000 10 the months Of October,
November and December. 1872, leaving in the
treasury on the Isl day # January 1873, Of
the amounts so turned over the sum OF St. Gil 81
for the payment OF interest. The iucome tax
returns on Assessors books amounted to 3d.,
800, $50 IS; taxed at one per cent, 49,. 900. 50.
Tax Oh licenses, 1896, 704.90; on law possesses,
incorporated companies, &C., S2,SO5, 4S0.Sl.
Assessed value OF lands for 1872, S26l ALL
los. so; tax thereon at SOC. on the 500 value,
$l,3O7, 0j5.54. Assessed value Of property for