f
(general assembly
Abstract of such of the proceedings of the Legisla
ture as are considered interesting to our readers. J
SKXATK Tuesday, Dec. 17.
On motion of Mr. Clayton, the com
mittee on the Judiciary wcro instructed
to inquire into the expediency of so a
uiending the law of evidence, as to au
thorise the depositions of females, taken
by two Justices of tiic Peace, by a com
mission issuing from the Clerk of the
Superior or County Court, as the case
may be, to be read in evidence in ull civil
causes.
Th bill making appropriations for
carrying on and completing the Capitol,
was amended, on motion of Mr. Mat
thew, by adding a proviso, that the ap
propriation shall not exceed 75,000 dol
lars, read tho second time and passed
ayes 50, noes 5. It was then read the
third time, passed, and ordered to be en
grossed. IIOUSC OF COMMONS.
Mr. Long presented a bill to incorpo
rate the Halifax Rail Road Bridge Com
pany. Read the first time.
On motion of Mr. Battle, the commit
tee on Finance were instructed to en
quire into the propriety of exempting
from taxation all slaves now subject to
taxation, who are permanently disabled
from service.
Mr. Taylor submitted a resolution, in
structing the Judiciary committee to en
quire into the expediency of so anient ling
the law relative to executions issued by a
Justice of the Peace, that tho time for
which said execution shall remain good
may be extended from three to six mouths;
which was rejected.
The engrossed bill to erect a new
county, by tho name of Yancey, was read
the third time, passed, and ordered to be
enrolled yeas CO, nays C5.
The bill to re-charter the Bank of
Cape Fear was read the second time;
when Mr. Daniel moved for its indefinite
postponement; which motion was nega
tived by a vote of 93 to 33. Several a
inendments were proposed, which were
rejected. The bill was then amended
and passed its second reading.
SENATE Wednesday, Dec. 18.
Mr. Mcndenhall, from i ho committee
on Education, made a report, accompa
nied by resolutions, declaring that, in the
opinion of the Legislature, all the vacant
and unappropriated marsh and swamp
lands in this State, were, by the law
passed in 1325, actually transferred, and
do now belong to the Literary Fund of
this State; and also authorising the Pre
sident and Directors of the Literary
Fund to expend of said fund any sum
not exceeding 830,000 in the draining of
any of the vacant and unappropriated
swamp lands belonging to said fund,
which they may deem advisable. Which
report and resolutions were laid on the
table and ordered to be printed.
Mr. Ilinton presented a resolution, di
recting the appointment of a select com
mittee to enquire whether the Congres
sional Districts of the State cannot be so
altered as to make them more nearly
equal; and, if so, that thev reoort a bill
for that purpose, and prepare a table of
me luuerai population or eacn district
ntui county in the btate; which was a
dopted. Messrs. Hinton, Spaight, Col
lins, Flowers and Moore were appointed
the said committee.
The engrossed resolution authorising
the Governor to cause tomb stones, at
the public expense, to be placed over the
graves of the members of the Legisla
ture who shall die ot the seat of Govern
ment, passed its two last readings, and
was ordered to be enrolled ayes 30,
noes 27.
HOUSE OF COMMONS.
Mr. R. IJ. Alexander, from the com
mittee on Education, to which was refer
red the bill to incorporate the Episcopal
School of North Carolina, reported the
same with sundry amendments; which
were ogreed to. The bill was further
amended, and passed its second reading
by a vote of 35 to 38.
Mr. Alexander a!30 reported the bill
to establish a Literary and Manual La
bor bcuool in Wake county, with several
amendments. Mr. Settle moved that the
bill be indefinitely postponed. 1 '
question thereon was decided in the ,iw.
2ative-vcos 32, nays 90. The bill then
passed its third reading, and was ordered
to be engrossed.
Mr. Outlaw, from the committee to
which was referred the engrossed bill di
recting the sale of tho lands remaining
unsold, acquired by treaty from the Che
rokee Indians, reported the same with an
amendment; which was agreed to, mid
the bill was further amended, read Hie
second time and passed.
Mr. J. IV. Potts presented the petition
of Martha Lawrence, praying to be di
vorced from her husband Arthur Law
rence. Referred.
Mr. Weaver, from the committee on
Cherokee Lands, reported against tho
expediency of reducing the regular pri
ces fixed on the Cherokee lands which
have been surveyed, and subjecting the
urisurveyed lands to entry; and also a
gainst the expediency of passing a law
reserving to the State'a portion of all gold
and silver mines. Concurred in.
SENATE- Thursday, Dec. 1 9.
Mr. Sitton presented u bill reducing
the salaries of the Supreme Court Judg
es, which passed its first reading,
nousi: or commons.
Mr. J. n. Potts, from the committee
on Propositions and Grievances, to which
was referred the petition of Martha Law
rence praying for a divorce, reported un
favorably thereon. Concurred in.
The bill directing the manner in which
Constables shall be appointed in this
State, passed its second reading yeas
74, nays 53.
On motion of Mr. Wilson, the commit
tee on the Judiciary were instructed to
enquire into the expediency of so amend
ing the law relative to emancipation as to
make it lawful for executors to send a
way, according to the will of the decea
sed, any negroes that may be liberated by
said will, provided that it shall not inter
fere with the lawful and iust claim of
persons against the estateof said dee'd.
SENATE Friday, Dec. 20.
Mr. Moyc, of Pitt, presented a bill to
alter the name of William Lawrence
Cherry of the county of Pitt and to legi
timate him. Read the first lime.
The bill reducing the salaries of the
Supreme Court Judges, was indefinitely
postponed ayes 33, noes 32.
HOUSE OF COMMONS.
Mr. Edmondston, from the select com
mittee to which was referred the bill cre
ating seven Judit-ial Circuits in the State,
reported the same with an amendment.
On motion of Mr. Long the proposed a
mendment was ordered to bt- printed and
made the order of the day for Monday
next.
The remainder of the sitting was occu
pied in the bill to establish a Bank on the
funds of the Stale.
S E N A TE Salu rday, Dec. 21.
Jesse Cooper, the Senator elect from
Martin county, vice David Latham dee'd,
appeared and took the oaths of qualifi
cation. Mr. Ilogan presented a bill to estab
lish a Bank in the State of North Caro
lina. This is an exact copy of the bill
introduced in the House of Commons, by
Mr. M'Gchee. Read the fir st time.
The engrossed bill to establish a Lit
erary and Manual Labor Institution in
Wake county, passed its third reading
by the casting vote of the Speaker, and
was ordered to be enrolled.
HOUSE OF COMMONS,
A message
vernor, transmitting the annual Report of
"v. iicuauiui ui un; university or iorth
Carolina. Ordered to be printed.
The House then proceeded to the con
sideration of the bill to establish the
Bank of North Carolina.
med in the consideration of the bill to cs
ublisli a Bank in the State of North Ca
rolina, to be owned conjointly by the
State and individuals.
HOUSE OF COMMONS.
Mr. Jordan presented a bill to prevent
the murdering or destroying bastard chil
dren. Read the first tune.
The remainder of the sitting was oc
rnnin.i in the consideration pf the bill to
ki:,k Hnn1c mi the funds of tho
State: which was finally indefinitely post
poned ayes 73, noes 54.
ii?Nf2wsP y i j Willis
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1S33.
(TFan conformity with ancient usage we ten
tier lo our readers the compliments of the season
"a merry Christmas and plenty of 'cm.
TWe have inserted several commumca
vr
lions on our first page. Correspondents wi
bear in mind that to insure publicity for thei
effusions, it is requisite lhat they be accompanied
by the author s name, or a responsible relercnce
03 We learn that the late election for Senator
in martin county, to supply the vacancy occa
sioned by the death of David Latham, resulted
in a majority of 12 votes for Mr. Jesse Cooper.
The poll stood: for Cooner 1G5. Wm. K. lien
nett 153.
I aroorough female lcademy. the semi
annual Examination of the students in this In
stitution took place on I ucnlay last, We wit
nessed with pleasure the examination of severa
of the classes, and are happy to learn that thro
out it cave the hishest satisfaction to the Trus
tees and to the visitors, and that it fully sustain
ed the merited reputation for ability and success
in her vocation which the accomplished Precep
tress has so long enjoyed.
(QFIn reply to our remarks on the subject of
Internal Improvement last week, the Raleigh
Register says that we are in our "notions about
a century behind the spirit of the age." Wil
me woriny r-aitors oi me nesister jniorm us
how far they think we are "behind the spirit"
ol iNorth Carolina?
Extract of a letter to the Editor, dated Ha
high, Dec. 24, 1 S3 3.
Since my last the Legislature has been princi
pally occupied in the consideration of the seve
ral propositions for the establishment of Hanks
The plan reported by Mr. Fisher, for a Bank up
on the funds of the State, was rejected yesterday
in me House ol Commons by a majority of 19
A debate of unusual animation and ability was
nad upon this subject, in which Messrs. Fisher
Daniel and Seawell engaged for the Bank and
Messrs. Graham, Outlaw and Barringer against
it. I he debate turned mainly upon the consli
lunonai question. Mr. Uraham was extremely
lucid and I think conclusive upon this part of the
auojeci. ne is a gentleman ol high promise am
win uouDiiess attain an elevated stand amon
the public men of North Carolina.
To-day Mr. Shepard's bill for establishing
ianu in me towns ot JN'ewbern and Edenton
came up, and after some random discussion the
House refused to postpone indefinitely. This
oiu win pass the House of Commons. Its fate
in the Senate is doubtful.
Mr. M'Gehee's bill proposing a Central Bank
with branches in such towns as may be determi
ned on by the Directors has been under discus-
aiuu iur me last two uays in Ihe Senate. It is
mougni mis bin will pass the Senate; but I can
not conjecture what reception it will meet in the
ne CT 3' sl?ck. 01 Bk is
i,ouv,uuu; one-mini ot which is to be owned
Ujy , oiaie, me resmue oy individuals. It has
ucen projecieu, 1 understand by one of the most
5 was received from the Go- emiiientjfinanciers ia the State, and from the best
mining the annual Reuort r.f deration I have been able to rrive tho .,h.
SENATE Aonefoy, Dec. 16.
Mr. Beard presented a bill to provide
for ascertaining the sense of the people
of North Carolina relative to amending
the Constitution of thcState. Mr. Klutts
a bill to prevent betting on elections!
1 liese bills passed thekfirst reading
The remainder of the dqy was consu-
ject, ,t appears to me the plan best calculated to
ou.fc u,u u.u.,uraie oi an parties. However, as I
vo Deiorc intimated, ,t is idle to predict the
. p nriv 7,u n omitted to the Legisla
ture ol North Cam nn hm "
n.,n: . '"ere are so many
confiic ting interests, so many miserable jealous-
l bear uPn evcrv '"Meet,
mat it it almost imnossihlo in
I , -w a I J y ill III
c.ple purely upon its merits. This is parlicu.
larly man.lest in the great reluctance exhibited
"V , !nleresled 'n the mammoth scheme of
...... improvement recommended by the
Convention lately held in this city, to grant in
dividual charter, for Rail Heads in the northern
parts of the State. The chimerical hope, of rea "
ng a great seaport at Heaufort, is accompanied
with a sort of horror whenever a proposition is
maile to incorporate a Company for constructing
a road which does not terminate at Beaufort o"
Wilmington. And if the enterprize which hai
been spoken of, of connecting Tarborongh with
the Petersburg or Portsmouth Hail Koad were
attempted, these exclusive North Carolinians I
have Jit lie doubt would throw every obstacle iu
its w;iy that ingenuity could slight. I have as
little doubt that stock in a Kail Uoad from Tar
borough to some point in connection with one
or the other of the Virginia roads, would be pro.
fitable to the holders and that it would greatly
facilitate the transportation of produce and tlm
directly increase its price is equally clear. Sucii
is the uncertainty of your river thai it is not fair
to relv upon water transportation for more than
half the year. Whatever accumulates in the
summer and fall is either dead upon the hands of
your merchants and farmers, oris to bd taken off
in wagons at a very heavy expense. The con
struclion of this road would obviate this difficul.
ty, and develop a great many resources of which
the people of Edgecombe have been unable to a
vail themselves in consequence of the difficulty
of getting to market.
Kesolutions have been introduced in both
branches of the Legislature recommending Hobt.,
Potter to the clemency of the Executive and in
both were rejected by decisive majorities.
Congress. Both
Houses have been so far
principally engaged with the removal of the
Deposites and other matters relating to theJUank
of the United States. In the Senate, on the 10th,
Mr. Clay introduced a resolution calling on the
President for the "paper relative to the depositee
of the public money in the Treasury of the Uni
ted Slates, under date the ISth day of Septcm
ber, 1833, purporting to have been read by him
to the Heads of the several Departments." A
debate of considerable length and warmth ensu
ed with regaid to the propriety of the call; after
which, the resolution was adopted by a vote of
23 to IS. On the 12th, the President transmit
ted to the Senate a Message, declining lo comply
with their request which was laid on the table.
On the 19th, it was again brought forward by
Mr. Mangum, Senator from this State, and
disposed of as follows:
Mr. Mangum said, lie rose with the
most profound regret, and actuated only
by a sense of duty, to call the attention
of the House to the President's Message
of the 12tli instant, responding to a re
quest which had been conveyed to him,
the President, relative to a paper which
purported to have been published by hi3
authority. Next to the necessity of de
manding from the President the authen
tication of that paper, he (Mr. Mangum,)
regretted that the task of bringing for
ward the matter upon the present occa
sion should have fallen upon him. The
subject involved great and high matters,
inasmuch as it touched the constitutional
rights of the Senate, and called in ques
tion the high courtesy which had hitherto
characterized the proceedings of that
House: and the observance of which, was
so necessary to the efficient action of the
various departments. That the Semite
should have attempted an invasion of ihe
constitutional rights of the Executive.
would be a subject of regret to every lov
er of the Constitution and of his country.
That they had done this; that they had
invaded the rights of the Executive, the
1 residents message most unequivocally
declared. The subject, therefore, re
quired to be attentively reviewed, and
deeply considered, in order that, if the
Senate had done wrong, it might retract;
that course would be due to the Execu
tive. If, however, after a HlihomtA re
view of their conduct, the members of
that House found that they had not in any
way exceeded the rights accorded to
them by the Constitution, it would then
become them to maintain and oursuc,
with dignity and firmness the course
which they had adopted. He (Mr. M.)
was one of those who voted for the reso-
ution which called upon the President to
authenticate tho paper. In the simplici
ty of his heart he had not dreamed that
that resolution would have been consid
ered an infringement of the rights of the
xccutms.
Mr. M. continued: he held that the
question should be reconsidered calmly,
and that each branch of the Government
hould claim its rights. The Senate, he
aid, could have no wish to invade the
prerogatives of tho President.
who. framed the
Those
Constitution saw the
propriety of distributing power eauallr
among the different departments of Gov
ernment, and by that distribution thcV
well understood how neqessary for the
preservation of our liberties was the per
petual guardianship of one over the oth
er. As the Senate had no objects of
ambition to gratify in an infringement of