‘-r-=3:-.-;
cinl warrant, tried and deprived of bisconimis-‘
gion ofa justice of the peace. , j
(C vvhereas it is the unaniinous opinion of
this meeting, that the people of this Statel are
at present without a constitution of civi go-
vernment Resolved, That itis expedient totake
2 - _
measures preparatory to the formation of a
stitution, and that a committee bfe ppposiitijtee 0;:
draft an address to the people 0 tn; f to
that subject, and make their report x0r€Q_ ,
this mccm,,,_n Then follows the address, in
which occufs the goiloiving passages? ,“ 1“ *1
perfect state of society, (were that possib 91) We
should need no constitution ; but universal ex-
perience has shown the insecurity of trusting
mere men to set bounds to their own power, and
to remove the landmarks at pleasure. Pijjvalte
interest, ambition or temper may tempt I 9 9‘
gislature to sudden and dan9:eI'0US Cxerclses 0‘
power, but a constitution is to the people a per-
manent shelter and defenG0- AS 0“? 51“"““°"
now is, what erie legislature does may be revok-
edby the next, but what the people do in their
coiiecfive capacity is done permanently for every
man and cannot be revoked in haste, or with-
out the full consent ofthc ll“3~’Pl‘-‘- If ‘L °°"“”i‘
tution shall declare taxation and representation
inseparable the leoislator cannot separate tlicm
with his bicath. ‘If a consti iition shall give
permanence and indep_eiidence to the Judges,
the legislator cannot make judges annually de-
pendent on his will.” “ It is,” says the address
speaking of the state govtfrllmtflllss “t0 "S9 3
bad government, because judges appointed by
such legislators, and hostile to us as their ma-
kers, have the uncontrolled (ll-'ClSl0Il of all our
rights, and are annually dependent on our p0'hti-
cal opponents for continuance in ofliee. Iiie
grounds on which we call the government bud,
are referred to the very nature of the govern-
ment, to the construction of courts. and ‘J0 the
unavoidable operation of party af}€l P3551011 :
hence we sliallbe excused a detail of l.ll0.-\Vl‘Ol‘XgS
we have arrived at under this governnicnt. '1 be
same wrongs would arrive to the opposite party,
provided the same dangerous, unliiiiited power
was to be placed in our hands. In seasons of
party. a constitution is an invaluable iiistru-
ment ” The independence of the judiciary and
the consequent danger to the rights and liberty
of the citizen, is the only Slleclfic 8'“eV‘“‘°9_°°‘“'
plained of in this address, and for the relief of
which they sought the o_uly.1'em€<l.Va “I the for‘
mation of a State Constit.iition. The indepen-
dence and permanence of the judiciary was their ‘
firs, great object, and the repiiblican party ril-
ways kept that object distinctly in View until
they accomplished it in 1818. The constitution
then adopted, divides the powers into three dis-
tinct departments, and confides each of them to
a distinct; magistracy, “to wit, those wlneli are
_ legislative to one ; those which are executive to
another; and those _which are judicial to
another." The preface to the statute book pub-
lished soon after, contains the following para-
graph. “ In 1818, a con_ven_tion was assenihhril,
who agreed upon a constitutionthiit was ratinod
by the people. The most prominent advantages
derived from it, are that it divides the govern-
mentinto three branclies-, the legislative, the
executive and the judiciary, which are confided
to separate magistracies, and also secures the
independence of the judiciary by a permanent
appointment.’ Now, sir, all these occurrences
took place in the very height ofrepublicaii power.
The republican party had complete riosscssion of
every department oftlie governnieut, high in the
confidence and affection of the people, the old
federal party were prostrate before them, and
they effected their great favorite measure of
framing a constitution of ci\'il §1t)\’Cl‘lllllCllli Igntl
making the judiciary independent by placing
them beyond the reach of the Legislature.-
“Ziili the knowledge ofihese facts will. any gen-
tleman say that the principles for wliich I con-
tend are not the doctrines ofdemocratic republi-
canism; that they are not indeed the very
essence and spirit of it? It was forihe profession
and open zivowal of sentiments like these. that
\Villiam Judd was sacrifices upon ilie altar of
party, and his fair fnine vilified and r:aliiiiiiiiatetl
by the political -fanatics of his day. But how is
it now-—tlie victim and the priest have rzlinngr.-«J
places at the altzir—-that which was good rcpu lili-
canisn in 1804 and 1818. has become rank
federalism now, and the pure tlcmocracy oftlfc
present day, the disciples ofJiidd, are preparing
to iniinolate, without coiripuiictioii or remorse.
the very poliiical principles for whicli he stiller-
ed. No sir—I beg pardon, I will not profane the
memory of that \'(3i‘i6l'£ll€-.‘(.l nanie—a iiiartyr in
the cause of civil liberty, he should be rcinciu-
bered only with all'ectioii and grziiiinile. A new
race, professing to be his disciples, and ili.-giiis-
ing themselves under the name of deniocrzic_v.
are endeavoring to impose i:pon nstlie most
obnoxious principles and rneasures ofold fashion-
ed federalism. They would put us back where
we were under the charter of King Charles, and
make our Judges annually dependent upon the
Legislature for i.lieir appointment; they call
upon us to discard the if1lprU\'CInHilS of lll(MlL‘l’l)
times, and go back to the dark pt‘l'iUIl of proscrip-
iion and tyranny in 150-l. This, sir, is not the
republicanisin l profess.
In further evidence oftlie fact that this is the
true republican doctrine, I have hrouglit in the
Book ofCoiisli1ulions, and of seventeen constitu-
tions contained therein, iiicludiiig tiae coiistitntiou
ofthe U. States, and the fortii ofgovernmcnt for
the North \Vest Territory, 13 contain provisions
that tliejndges of courts shall hold their otlices
during good behavior; they are the constitutions
ofiheUnitedSia:cs, of New Hzimpsliire. Massa-
cliusctts, New-York, Pennsylvania. Delaware,
Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Tennessee. Kentucky. and —Nt‘l'llI
\Vestern Territory. In Rhode Island and Ver-
mont tlicjiidgcs are appointed aiiniially; in New
Jersey for seven years, and in Georgia for three
years. The constitution of Mas.-tziclitisc-it.s, in
the twenty-seventh article of the bill of iiglits,
says, “It is essential to the prescrvatioti ofilic
rights ofany individual. his life. liberty. property
and cliaracicr, that there be an impartial inter-
pretation ofilie laws, and admiiii.<irution of_ins-
lice. It is the right of every citizen "to be tiiorl
byjudgcs as for impartial as ilie lot of liiiiiinuiiy
will admit. It is ilicrefore not only the best
policy, but for the security of the rights. ol'tlie
people, and of every citizen, that the judges of
the supreme judicial court. should hold their of-
fices as long as they behave tlicirisclves well,
and that they should have lioiiornlile salnric.-:,
ascertained and CSl8lJll~‘llCll by staniliiig laws.”
The bill of rights of New Hitiiipsliire, and of
several ofthe-other States, contain provisions of
much the same import. The example of iliesc
various St-ates, Ilie plain and det:idc‘l laiiguagc
held by them in rc-laiioii to this cardinal princi-
ple, w‘iZl not be wiilioui their due wciglit in the
deliberations of ilie House. If any question of
this kind can be said to be settled by precedent
and experience, this is no longerrlelinteublc. The _
independeffi'}c'of thejudiciary has liitherio been
upheld and successfully defended by all political
parties, it has remained for modt-iii times to pro-
duce a faction. who would poison the fountains
nfprivate justice, and prostitute the siiiicttiary of
ourjurlicizil courts to effect their iinliallowed pur-
pose. We have now, sir, in some counties
such arrangeiiienis made by l.lIU'(lt)IlllD'dlll power._
that no pelitjuror is ever returned upon a panel
whose party politics are not known to be firuily
and decidctlly with the niajorily.
may be his qiialilicatioiis, WllilleV(‘f may be Ill!’
voice - ftlic corniiiunity, none but political parti-
znns can become petiijiirors. And why is all
this but for the very purpose of t;orruptiou .l-...
u
\Vli:itever,
_
;
Should a cause assume even a. tinge 0521- party f
_'c'o in-plcxi'ori-,-
either from its own merits, the poli-
tics of the suitors or ofilie witnesses or the‘ law-
yers, who does not see that justice would be given
to the winds, and our unfortunate fellow citizen
must either change his political faith, or be
crnslied beneath the weight of this accursed
political intolerance. Have we not seen. sir.
juries of precisely this character, packedtand em-
pannelled for the special purpose of condemna--
lion, go up to tliejury box and do the will oftl-ieir
political masters, in defiance of the law, of the
testimony, of their consciences and their God !—
And now will you add to these means ofiniquiiy
and ctirruption, an influence and power over our
courts, which no firmness or integrity could be
expected to withstand--will you prostitute the
forms ofjustice -—the courts oflaw,juries and all
to ilie purposes of party vengeance and maligni-
iy? And if you do, limv long will, how long
ought a free and independent people to submitlo
it C’ Havethe minority on riglits Ll Oppression
will make a wise man mad. Let me bcseccli
gentlemen to weigh well the vote they are about
to give on thisqiiesiion. Are gentlemen anxious
to got rid of an obnoxiousjudge? Do not let us
break down the great institutions oftlie land for
that purpose. It is infinitely better to bear with
him. or remove him in a_constitiitiontil way,
than to destroy this invaluable feature ofour
constitution. If he is unworthy of his station,
ll will not be dilficult to make his stay so uncom-
foitable that he cannot remain, and do not let us
make this immense sacrifice to accomplish so
infi-rior a purpose. -
The cliaracter and reputation of our Supreme
Courts is deservedly high. I have lie.-irtl their
reports spoken of abroad in terms of high coin-
iiiciidniioii. I was gratified with the compli-
merit to my native state; her reputation is, and
lirnst will always bodclar to me. But, sir, if you
mlopt the proposed amendment, limv long will
your Courts or their decisions be regarded with
complacency by ourselves or olliers. The
character of thcjudicial courts in some of the
states to which I have alluded, where they hold
their offices for short periods, is most melanclioly
evidence to the truth of my position. It always
will be so. \Vhat eiriiiietii lawyer, possessing ii
lucivitivepraeiice, can be induced to abandon it
for u sliori Ierni upon the bench; he is sure to
lose ii practice which years cannot regain. and
in reiiirii gels at least but a small salary, and a
chance of reappointiiient. '\Vc have always
found great difficulty in inducing our eminent
men to take seats upon the bench, even when
they could hold iliein during good behavior ; let
the tcrni be limited to five years or less, and
none but second rate men will accept the ap-
pointment, men who will have comparatively
but little pride of character, or self respecl—ihe
witliering influence of inferiority will depress
their energies, and they will, they iriust yield to
the personal and political influences that will be
constantly brought to bear upon them. This.
sir, is the very evil complained ofin Judd’s ad-
dress of 1801.; the sky was rent with the cry of
the oppressed, and the people came up to the res-
cue. lfyou adoptihis resoluiion.if a majority
ofiliis House will approve ofit, in what dotliey
dill'er from the House of Assembly of October
180-1. The inception and prosecution of this
measure, shows the some political fanaticism,
the same oppressivcintolerzince which sacrificed
Mr. Judd. If you repudiate his doctrines and
principles, and sustain and practice those of his
political vililiers and persecutors, how are you
better than the priests who ministered at his
sacrifice?
The desigii of removing our bench ofjudges,
and filling their places with more pliant ineii—
origiiiated with some furious partizan lawyer,
who deeply feeling his own inferiority, was de-
sirous ofincreasing his o\vii inipoitaiice by break-
ing down the respectability cfthe Court. and by
making upin arrogance and pariizan fury. what
he wanted in talents and learning. But I trust,
sir. that the trick is too well understood to be
overlooked by the house. But, sir,I fatigue you,
allow inc to express my gratitude for the kind
tlfltl indulgent manner with which the house
have listened to me, and in coiiolusion, read zi
j)ElS>‘ng('. from an English author of eminence,
relative to the matter in hand. In England the
rights ofnian are as safe, and the principles of
civil liberty as well understood, as they are in
any other country. The writer was never sus-
pected of being a VVliig. but was as thorough-
goiug it Tory as the most arbitrary despot could .
desire. -
He says, “To strengthen the ndtiiiiiistraiion,
it had been deemed necessary to summon the
aid of Lord Sidnioulli’s friends; and his lord-
ship's terms were two seats in the cabinet, one
for liiinself and one for Lord Ellenborough, the
cliiefjustice of the king‘s bench. This direct at-
tt’:‘mpl to connect the ministry with the courts of
law, awoke an alarm throughout the etnpire.—
7'/ic praclical caluc oft/zc free constitution of
England crisis in the courts of law. If the
.Legi.-‘lature is ilic bnlwarl-' of English liberty;
the purity and completeindependence, pecuniary
and political, of the beticli ofj udges is purity it-
self. For as no coiistitiition can be worth the
paper it is written upon, while the subject fears
for his person or his property. the first ground
and security ofnational freedom must be in that
niajc.-ty of law which protects him in doing all
things that are manly, honest and lawful»; and
it is then, that while legislatures may have been
\V‘.Zll{, and ministers rash or arbitrary, the practi-
cal fret-dorn of this first and most fortunate of
countries, has suffered no disturbances for u
liiiudred years. and has continually become
more precious to its people."
Sir, I have done—ihc great importance oflhe
subject. the deep intense interest which I have
felt in the preservation of an independent. incor-
rupiible judiciary ; that grand palladium of our
rigliis, must be my apology for occupying the at-
tention of ilic house so long.
DUINGS OF THE LEGISLATURE.
1":z'clrz_i/ aflcmoon, June 2.
The discussion of amendiiicnls to the Joint
Stock tjorporaiion bill resumed; amendments
adopted, and bill postponed to 3d reading. ,
Resolution appointing Erastus Osborn sheriff
of N. Haven came from Senate amended by
substituting Samuel Cook. Mr. T. A. Cook
called for the yeas and nays on question of re-
coiisideraiioii and concurrence ; ordered. A
bricfclehtitc ensued—it was urged that Mr. Os-
born had been in office upwards of 20 years, and
though well qualified for the otlice, yet it was
texpedicnt oiiilie principle of rotation, that another
sniizibleinan should be appointed. Onilie other
hand it was claimed to be Ilie wish ofthe people
in that county, that Mr. Osborn should be reap-
pointed. On taking the question it was answer-
ed, yr-as 93, nays 023. The Chair gave the
casting vote in the alliruintive; so the House
concurred with the Senate.
On motion of Mr. S. Raymond, to-tnorrow at
10 o'clock was assigned for -consideration. of bill
concerniiig Taxation. On niolirinbf ‘Mr. Sier-
liiig. Tticstlziy next was assigned to take up the
several bills relative to banks and banking. On
inoiiori of M r. I]. Goodwin. the bill relative to
Joint Stock Corporations was assigned to Tues-
day next. at 2, P. M. '
M r. Terryintroduced a bill for an act concern-
ing bauks ; read twice, and 300 copies ordered.
Saturdai/, June 3.
Prayer by the Rev. M r. Bangs.
(luiiitiiiilec on resolution relating to laying
Roads by county courts; Case ofGr.inby, Sun-
1
lord of Derby, Latham, Curtis of Monroe, Day
of Brooklyn, Hinsdale, Lewis and Parker.
Committee on lncorporationsotherthan banks,
on petition of David Bassett and others. reported
:1 resolution incorporating a tire,‘ company in
Derby; accepted,resolutionadopted. Commit-
tee on Military Returns reported names of sun-
dry persons to be commissioned; accepted.—'-
Committee to whom was referred the subject of
regulating tolls on steel spring carriages, report-
ed ibat it is inexpedient at this time to legislate
on the subject ; accepted. ,
Judges of Probate appointcd——Disi. of Hart-
ford, Thonias H. Seymour; Hartloud, Austin
Ensign; Berlin, lra E. Smith; Granby, Joel
C. Ilolcoiiib; Simsbury, John O. Peitibone;
Soutliingion, Timothy Jones; Sullield, Luther
Loomis ; Enfield, Henry Kingsbury ; East
VVindsor, Chauncey Belknap ; Farniingion,
Win. A. Ives; Bristol, Geo. Mit,clieil;.B.u_rling-
ton, Mm. Marks. Ira E. Sniiih, chieljudgc,
David Hubbard first, and Jeffrey O. Phelps
second associate Judges oftlie County Court, and
the usiylal HUllll)‘Cl'OfjUS1lCeS for Hartford county
severa y passer . .
Petition of Webb Downes and 0lllCl'S‘al'l(I
Simeon Hinmnn and others, with bill in form,
reported by the coiniiiittee, continued to next
General Assembly. .
House took up the bill relative to Taxation.
Mr. Kingsley moved an amendiiient that “ the
polls ofall persons taxable by law shall be set In
ilie list at ten dollars each.” The amendment
was advocated by Messrs. Kingsley, T. A. Clark,
J. L. Chapman, J. L. Smith, Bushnell, and
others; opposed by Messrs. Curtis‘, Taintor.
Sharpe, E. Judson, Huntington, R. R. Phelps,
and others; negatived. Suudryoilicr amend-
merits were proposed and discussed, till on motion
ofMr. T. A. Clark, the bill was laid on_ the table.
Bill relative to sale of Spiriiuous Liquors, ta-
ken up on 3d reading. Motion to lay on the la-
ble, ncgatived. The question ofits passage, re-
jected. Bill introduced by Mr. Dixon, to pre-
committee on judiciary.
;A_/lernoon.
Bill changing time of holding Superior.Courts
in New London County. read 3d time and passed.
Bill relating to Turnpike Roads, read first lime.
' Resolution appropriating a sum not exceeding
$6000 for repairing State House in New Haven,
and for appointing a committee to superiritcnd
such repairs, read 2d time.
Bill repealing Crow Law, read 3d time and
passed. Bill relating to School societies and
common schools, with report of coinmiltee unfa-
vorable to its passage, read; report accepted,
bill negative-d. Bill authorizing Juries to define
punishment of crimiiial offences, and for other
purposes, read third iimeand referred to com-
mittee on Judiciary. Bill confirming doings of
town meeting in Asliferd, read third tiniejand
passed. ‘ Bill relaiivcto Slavery, read firs! time.
The committee on Real Estate on petitions of
Merritt Hemingway, of Anthony Guernsey, of
Jonathan Pcase, reported favorable; accepted,
resolutions granting prayer of petition, adopted.
Bill relative to distribution of arms belonging
to the state, read third time and passed. Coni-
mittee on claims on petition on Alvali H. Buck,
reported unfavorable ; accepted and leave grant-
ed to withdraw. Bill relating to.Pounds and
ilie liiipounding ofCreainres, read third time and
passed. Bill relative to Notaries Public, making
their appointment for one year only from date of
their commission ; read a iliird time and laid on
table. Bill autliorizing Town Clerks to take ne-
knowleilgnienl of COIl\'Q)’Z.1flCCS,I'CEll.l third time
and laid on the table. ' '
The committee on Judiciary on petition of
Geo. M. Saunders and others for an extension of
the lien law, asked to be discharged ; granted
and petitioners had leave to withdraw.
Bill extending provisions of existing law
authorizing Superior Courts to grant Divorces,
read third time and passed. Bill relative to state
paupers, read third time and negatived.
Coiniiiiuee on Judiciary on petition of John P.
Price and oiliers, reported resolution continuing
petition to next General Assembly, and ordering
notice thereon ; accepted, resolution adopted.
Bill prescribing four months residence to quali-
fy to vote in Town meetings, read third iinie.——-
House adhered to former vote rejecting the bill.
Resolution reported by committee on the sub-
jcci, relative to distribution of surplus revenue of
the Uiiiied States, read second time.
Committee onjndiciary on petition of Mayor,
Aldermen, (Sic. city of Hartford, reported a bill
ZlI1l€lJdlDgCl)fll'lCl'OfS¢'.lld city, and authorizing ap-
pointment of measurers ofwood and wcighers of
coal, read ‘twice.
Bill relative to Fraudulent Conveynnces, read
third time and passed.
Bill repealing an act of 1836, relative to school
societies and common schools, read first time.
I Jlfamlay. June 5.
Prayer by Rev. Mr. Bushnell.
Resolution appointing Aniariali Brigham,
Jedeiliali Post and Ozias Roberts, Directors of
State Prison for the year ensuing. adopted.
Resolution appointing William Field and
Jeremiah Brown a committee to inquire on what
terms the interest of the county of Hartford in
the State House at Hartford, can be purchased,
and report to next Legislature ; adopted.
Bill relating to roll gates and iuriipikes, read
twice. Committee on School Fund, on petition
of Abraliaiii Holman and J. Barrow, and of 9th
school district in Cheshire ; reported favorable,
accepted, resolution grunting prayer of petition-
adopted. Bill relative to execiitioiis where towns
are a party, from Senate referred to committee
onjudieiary. House reconsidered and concurred.
Bill for iuiniediaie discharge ofdebiors on taking
poor debtors oath. read first time. Conimiiiee
on judiciary on bill relative to service of writ
against copurtncrsliip in copartnership name, re-
ported amendtiients, recom mending adoption and
passage of bill ; passed. Bill relative to collec-
tion of executions against turnpike and toll gale
coiripanies, read 3d time, amended and passed.
Bill relative to entry of petitions. at any time
‘ without paying fee for entry, passed.
Resolution directing payment of expenses iii-
curred in 1835, by S. Scolield, in defending his
seat, read twice. Bill relative to School So-
cieties and coriimon schools, providing compensa-
tiot: for visiting committee, passed. ,
Bill exempting libraries of professional men
from attacliiiieiiton execution, read 2d lime.
"tesoliiiioii appointing Lewis Allen State Di-
recioroftlie N. London bank ; adopted.
Bill relative to filling vacancy in ullice ofslie-
rill} by Governor, in certain cases. referred to
coniruittee oiijiidiciary, Bill relative to ilie dis-
position ofestates belonging to idiots. lunaiics, &c.
rend 3d time and passed. Resolution authoriz-
ing sub.-cription in belialfofstate for copies of
Conn. Reports, for each town read 3d time and
passed. Bill relative in fraudulent ronveyau-
ces, read 3d time, injected.
Bill relative to disposition of U. S. deposite
fund, read second time. Resolution reported by
committee on coinnioii schools, requiring certain
annual returns from the several societies. read,
report accepted, resolution adopted. Bill zip-
poiniing auditors to the aoconiiis of the State
Treasurer for the disposition ofthe U. S. deposite
funds, read 2d tiine. Bill repealing linwof183(5,
-relative to taxing real estate by school districts,
of iion-residents of such districts. read 3d time,
passed. Bill to amend the charter of city of
Hartford, relative to measuring wood and weigh-
ing coal, read 3d time and negativcd. Bill rela-
tive to Slavery, and bill relative to taxing stock
holders in turnpike companies, severally road
vent vexatious suits ; read twice and referred to I
*1.
second time. Resolution directing Treasiirer to
pay members halftheir debenture bills iiispecie,
read and indefinitely postponed. '
_ Aflcrizoon. .-
Committee on nieiri'orial of Trustees of the
Retreat forthe liisanr-, made :.i repoit with resolu-
tion appointing committee toinvesiigate the sub-
ject, report accepted,resoluiion adopted. House
look up the -bill relative to taxation. and discus..-
cd sundry amendments ; bill as amended
passed. Committee to whom were referred pe-
tition for repealiof 8th section riiedical law, re-
ported favorable; bill read once. Bill changing
time oflinlding County Courts in Litclifield co..
read third time, passed. -
Committee on banks, on the hill to repeal
charter ofQninebaiig Batik. and the communica-
tioii oftlie directors ofihat institution, made ex-
tended report with reference to refusal ofiliatin-
stiiuiioii to submit to investigation by the investi-
gating committee, and attendant circumstances,
assuring that ilic course taken by the officers of
the bank, was iinauiliorized by ilie directors, and
expressing the opinion that the bank ought not
to .be held to so strict ari accountability, and so
severe :1 rneasiire of pli"ri‘isliment for acts of its
President, as is conteinplated by thebill. M0-
tion for the yezis and nays on acceptance of re-
port, lost. Motion that report of coniiiiiiiee willi
acconipzinyang resolutions, be laid on table, pre-
vailed. *
Bill relative to Notaries Public, on 3d read-
ing, rejected. Resolution appropriaiiiig $6,000
for repairs on State House at New Haven, read
3d lime; amendnicnt clizinging ilio sum to
$4,000. and that conditionally that $32,000 shall
be provided by the county, town, and'city of N.
Haven, and expended in like nianner;‘negaiived,
79 to 80. Resolution amended by requiring
county, town, and city to pay one fourth, ilie stale
three-fr.-urtlis of a sum not exceeding $86,000.
passed. Eli \V. Blake, R. S. Hiiimaii, James
English, appointed committee to superiiiiend the
repairs.
Resolution appropriating $350 to coinplele re-
pairs on State House Yard, Hartford, read 3d
lime, rejected. House by vote of reconsidera-
tion, again took up bill to amend the charter of
city of Hartford, relative to appointment of
measurers of wood and wcighers ofcoal ; bill read
again, and advocated by Messrs. Terry and
Barnard, and opposed by Messrs. Welles and
J. C. Palmer, ncgaiived. Adjourned to 8 o’clock
to-morrow morning.
Tuesday. June 6.
Prayer by Rev. Mr. Burgess.
Bill relative to schools, read second time. Bill
relative to settlement of Estates and Fraudulent
Conveyances, read 2d time.
Resolution introduced by Mr. Phelps cf \Vood-
bury, as an amendment of the Constitution, ad-
mitting as Electors, citizens of other States on
one year’s residence, with the other conditions as
at present prescribed by the Constitution, read
and adopted, 103 to 55.
House took up hill reported by Bank Investi-
gating Conimittec, concerning Banks, which
was considered by sections and after making
sundry amendments, the further consideration
was iritertupted by the
Order of the day——Resolution amending con-
stitution, relative to Judges ofthe Supreme and
Superior Courts. On the question of adopting
the resolution it was adopted, 110 to 71. .
_ House again took up the bill concerning banks.
Some further amendinciits were proposed and
discussed, and the bill as amended passed.
Bill relative to Fraduleut Convcyances, nega-
tived yesterday, reconsidered and passed.
Committee on the subject of the Mineralogi-
cal and Geological Survey oftlie state, made an
extended and interesting report, which was read
and accepted; and acconipaiiying resolutions,
making further compensation to Dr’. J. G. Per-
cival for services, and appropriating $1500 for
continuation of the survey, read first time. .
After7ioon.—-Bill authorizing collection of
reasonable compensation, by any person em-
ployed as a physician or surgeon, read 2d and
3d time. Mr. Phelps of Manchester, moved its
indefinite postponement. Mr. J. C. Palmer
thought that the petition of 14 or 15,000 citi-
zcns ought to be entitled to some consideration ;
at least the House should be prepared to assent
or deny the petition ; that common courtesy
required this at least, at the hands of the mem-
bers. Motion to lay on the table, negatived.
Passage of the bill advocated by Mr. Welles-—
opposed by Dr. Abernethy, Dr. Vail, and Mr.
S. Raymond. Bill on the final question, nega-
tived.
Order of the day, the bill relative to Joint
Stock Corporations, taken up, and sundry
amendments were proposed and adopted; yeas
and iiays were called for. and call sustained by
the requisite number. On taking the question
it was answered-—yeas 108, Iiays 84. So the
bill passed.
House took up tiie petition of Jonatluin But-
ler and others, and the accompanying reports
and bill incorporating a new town with the
name of \Vest Hartford. Report not accepted
and bill negatived..
House assigned 9 o’clock to-morrow morning,
for the consideration of the bill relative to small
bills.
Bills relative to state paupcrs read twice.
Resolution granting credit of the state to
the amount of 150,000 to the New-Haven and
Hartford Rail Road, in certain event and upon
certain conditions, read and referred to commit-
tee on Rail Roads.
I/Vcdncsday, June 7.
Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Moore.
Resolution for the appointment of a Deben-
tiire Committee, passed. Bill for the appoint-
ment of Justises in Tolland county, came from
the Senate amended. House adhered to former
vote.
Resolutions a; pointing \Villiam M. Burrall,
ChiefJudge, Morris VVoodrufl', first, and Abijah
Catlin, second Assosinte Judges of the County
Court. Judges of Probatc—District of Litch-
field, E. S. Abernethy; B.-irklizimsted, Amos
Beecher, jr.; Harwinton, Benajah Hayden ;
New Hartford, Tertius VVadswortli; Woodbu-
ry, Charles B. Phelps, Plymoutli, Calvin But-
ler; Norfolk, Michael F. Mills; New Milford,
George Taylor; Sharon, VVm. M. Burrall;
\Vasliing1oii, Daniel B. Brinsmadc; Kent, Na-
thaniel 1’. Perry ; \Vatcrtown, Holbrook Curtis,
severally read. '
Mr. Phelps of I/Voodbury, moved an amend-
ment,to erase the llfl.lIl6‘Al)ij-‘Ill Catlin, and
inst rt the name of Hugh P. Welcli, the present
incumbent. Mr. Sterling" was opposed to the
amendment, and for this reason ; it had always
been the practice in L-itchfield county to appoint
as Judges men of different political character;
the harmony of the county, and the purity ofthe
Court could be preserved in no other way; he
had nothing to say against the candidate pro-
posed by the gentlcniaii from Woodbury, ex-
cept that lie is of the same party character with
the other two gentlemen nominated, and that
in his opinion was a sufficient reason for the ap-
pointment of Mr. Catlin. Mr. Sterling pro-
ceeded to comment in strong terms, in relation
to the conduct of the gentleman who represent-
ed in part. the town of New Milford in the Le-
gislature last year.
Some W’l.l‘m words passed between Mr. C. B.
Phelps and M r. Sterling. The amendment was
advocated by Messrs. C. B. Phelps, Hiiiman,
and J. C. Palmer, and firrtlier opposed bv Mr.
Vail; motion to amend prevailed. '
Mr. Hadley moved an ainendinent, to erase
the name of Daniel B. Brinsniade and insert
the name of Ithel Hicko_x;. amendment advo-
Ti}
taér.’
cated by Messrs. Hinman and Warner; oppos-
ed by Mr. Vail—amendment prevailed. ‘
Mr. Warner moved to erase the name of N a-
thaniel P. Perry and insert the name of Wells
Beardslee; amendment advocated by Messrs.
C. B. Phelps, and Warner ; opposed by Messrs.
Hopson, Sterling and one other; amendment
prevailed. '
Mr. Judson of \Voodbi.iry moved to erase the
name of Holbrook Clirtis and insert the name
of Merrit Hemingway ; amendment adopted,
resolutions severally passed.
Order of the day, came up‘; bill suspending
the small hill law, till the 1st of July, 1838.
Mr. Sterling commenced the debate. He
hoped the House would view the subject dispar-
sionately. He was the only member in 1835
who had opposed the passage of the bill, and
had predicted the state of things which now. ex-
ists, at that time. \Ve have now no specie—
the Banks all suspeiided—:ind it- is almost im-
possible to excliangc a three or a five dollar bill ;
and something must be done. The people ask
it.—thcy ask.for bread—shall we ‘give them a
stone? Probably before this Assembly adj-)urn's,
we shall be called to lay a tax, for the debenture
bill of the members cannot be paid without bor-
rowing; two-thirds of the tax-payers pay less
than three dollars each, and if you deny them
small bills, how are they to do it '1 It is impos-
sible—it is asking them to make brick and de-
nying them straw. They could not pay their
taxes and their property must be sold to_ raise
the specie, and how and where are they to get
the specie-even then '2 - "
Mr. Phelps spoke at some length in opposi-
tion to the bill, and concluded by moving to
strike out the enacting clause.
Mr. Sterling said he barely wished the House
the motion ; it was, if the motion’ prevailed, vir-
tually saying that they would neither susp'end
or repeal the law; that they would do nothing
at all about the matter. It was no half-way
-matter. ..
-. Mr. Phelps said that was exactly what he iii-
teiided. He wished to be distinctly understood ;
he would do nothing half-way. Mr. Sterling
said he _must then call for the yeas and nays ;
which were ordered. .
Mr. Boardman said he considered the decla-
ration of the gentleman equivalent to saying that
we will do nothingto relieve the present dis-
tress of the community ; it is equivalent to say-
ing that you will starve the people ; for if you
deny small bills you destroy all small trade, and
if you destroy small trade, you starve, actually
starve all who trade in a small way. It is cru-
elty--it is more, it is an outrage to refuse to re-
peal or suspend this law; it is rin- outrageous
violation of right.
Mr. Phelps of VVoodbury followed Mr. Board-
man, and was succeeded by Mr. VVoodrulf in
opposition to the bill. '
The debate was further continued by Messrs.
Catlin, Barnard, W. W. Boardman, and Kel-
logg in support of the bill-—Mr. S. Raymond
against it. On the question being taken, “ Will
the House strike out the enacting clause 1'” it
was answered--ycas 88, riays 107——ubsent 15.
Adjourned.
Aflernoon.
Mr. Phelps of ’Woodbury offered an amend-
ment to the billunder consideration, when the
House adjourned this morning. a bill which pro-
vides that the small hill law oflS35 he suspen-
ded till July 1838, that all bills of a denomina-
iion less than three dollars shall be redeemed in
specie on penalty of forfeiture ofcliarter of any
Bank refusing or failing so to redeem, that after
the 1st of July 1838, no bill shall be issued or
circu ated of a denomination less than five dol-
The proposed amendment was read, when
_ Voodrufi was invited to the Chair, and the
Spefiker took the floor and addressed the House
at some length, in support ofihe amendment. .
On motion of l\'Ir. Sterling, the yeas and navs
were ordered, on the adoption oftlie amendment.
and were given, yeas, 113; nays. S7.
The question then occurred on the passage of
ilie bill. '
M r. Sterling moved that the bill be passed on-
ly by section ; motion lost. .
Mr. Curtis of Watertown moved to lay the
bill on Ilie table ; negaiivcd.
Mr. ‘V. \V. Boardinau moved thatilie furllier
consideration of the subject be postponed till 10-
morrow at9 o'clock ; negatived.
The question on the final passage oftlie bill as
ainended, was taken by years and nays and
answered ; ycas 10:3, nnys 80. '
Mr. VVightinan again took the Chair.
The committee on tliejudicia-ry :o whom was
referred a resolution for an inquiry wlint altera-
tions if any are necessary in the existing laws
authorizing iiiiprisoiiinect for debt. reported‘ a
bill abolishing such imprisonment in certain cases.
Bill read twice, laid on the table; 300 copies
ordered to be printed, and further consideration
postponed till -to-inorrow at 2 o'clock.
Bill relative to Tolls on Stage coaches read
third time and passed. Adjourned.
Thursday, June 8.
Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Bangs.
Report from committee on Military Returns,
read and accepted.
Sundry resolutions granting money to school
societies, read third time and passed.
The committee on New Towns and Probate
Districts. on petition of John ’I‘liorp and others,
reported favorable, accepted; resolution grant-
ing petition, adopted.
Bill concerning banks, came back from the
Senate, with some amendments, which were
adopted by the House.
The committee nppbinted to investigate the
concerns of the Union Cdrnpany, made a report
with resolntionsdireciing the States Attorney for
Hartford county to issue a writ of qua warranlo
against said company : and suspending its
authority to take toll on any vessel. till the case
shall have been adjudicated. Report accepted ;
resolutions adopted.
Resolution appropriating $500 to Doct. J. G.
Percival, as a further compensation for his ser-
vices rendered in the Geological survey of the
State adopted.
Resolution appropriating $1500 for the fur-
ther prosecuiion ofthe survey ; adopted.
Resolution, repealing that part of the law of
the last session, which requires towns of Hartford
and East Hartford to support a part of the Bridge
road within thelatter town ; read and accepted.
Bill coiicerniug banks. introduced by Mr.
Terry. authorizing the issue of notes payable in
New-York and Boston, in bills of other banks
current in those cities, read iliird time, supported
by Messrs. Terry. Sterling. and Hinsdale. op-
posed by Messrs. Welles, Woodruff, and J. C.
Palmer; laid on the table. Adjourned.
Afternoon.
House took up the bill reported by the Bank
committee, authorizing issue of Post Notes and
for other purposes.
Mr. Sterling .nioved as an amendment. to
strike otit all aflerthe enacting clause, and substi-
tute certain other sections, described by Mr. S.
as criibracing most ofilie provisions ofthe bill in-
troduc.cd by M r. Terry. and the best parts o‘fthe
bill introduced by the comniitlee on banks. The
amendment was discussed at some length, and
numerous atiiendnients and alterations proposed.
The amendments proposed by Mr. S_. were
principally adopted. Mr. Welles called for the
yeas and nays on the passage of the bill as
amended, which were ordered and given ; yeas
138, nays 54. ‘ ,_
Bill for appoinimentof Justicesiii Tulland Co.
read, and after sundry aiiiendiiicnts was passed,
to understand the intention and the effect of
‘ ‘ I 1'
‘Resolution appointing" as Judges of Probate
Dist. of Stratford Samuel Stralton.
“ Fairfield, Thomas Robinson.
Norwalk, Wm. St. John,
Newiown. Tliomas'Blac_l;man,
Weston, Eli Adams, ~ I. .
Danbury. Silas H. Hickok,
Westport. Thomas F. Rowland,
Slflmlbfd. Charles Ha'\vley,' ,
and the cgusl number ofJusIices in the several
towns in It airfield Co. severally read, and after
making somejalteralicns in lhelist of Justices,
adopted. Adjourned. » . .
‘ Evening." _ .
'lll8_ C0mmn_tce_ on J inliciary reported a bill
removing requisition of freehold qualification of .
Jurors. read third time and passeih '
Bill relative to state Paupers, read tbirdtimo
and passed. . "
Bill relative to levy of executions where towns
are a party, read third time and passed.
“ Monsieiir Tonson come again,” in the shape-
of petitions of ~Webb -Downes and others and »
ofSinieon Hinnian and others with accompany-
iqg papers, which have been before the H9.;.,,
ainijost every day diiring the session; House
again for. the fourth uuie. voted to adhere to its
vfloie continuing the same to next session ofthc
bicneral Assembly. ,
I Reslqjuiion appointing Johri Paliiier and
Isaac . Prior, Bank Commissioners, under the
aty_ofilie present session ; passed.
_ gill relative to scltleiiient of Estates, read 3d -
time and passed. .
Resqliipon, granting from the Treasury, the
=[1_]n1f>UI11 (I) ,,expenscs of sickness and funeral of
. 01- C 18 iod Bulkley. read three» times and
passed. ' ,
u
u
(6
u
u . ,
so
‘to examine the accounts aml inquire iiiio the-
nmnageinent-ofilie School Fund, passed S
Foot Guards be annexed to the ls!-Regimen: of
resolution was indefinitely postponed.
B_ill_ authorizing license oftheairical and other
exhibitions. read third time.
roe moved its indefini-te postponement ; motion
prevailed. - ‘ »-
- Resolution appointing \ViilterB. Kibbc, Judge
of-Probate for district of Somers, came from
VV00d;' Hoiiseconciirred. , .
‘ Resolution appointing Cliauncey F. Cleave-
land, State Director of ilie Windliani Bank’
passed. ‘ ’
The committee on banks-on the repealing cha,--
ter of Stamford Batik. made a report showing
numerous violations of charter, (bin adverse ,0
and forever disqunlil'ying those of the prcscni
Directors who wcre,Direclors at the time when
the charter is "reports-t.l to have been vii.lme,]_
from any participation in the direction of said
Bank. Report and rcsoltitioiis were laid oti the
table, bill to repeal the charter. called up by Mr.
Phelps of_\Voodbiiry, read, and made the order
ofihe day to-morrow at 9 o'clock. .
The same C()H‘lH.llll(‘e on the bill repcalinn
charicrof New Haven City Batik, iiindc a i'(.‘[0l?i
with resolutions rcnioving and forever disiiiialify-
ing ilie President of that institution, mild and
laid on the table and made the special order at
2 o'clock to-morrow. Adjouriicd. , -
Frir/d_i/. Jimc 9.
P"l§"‘l‘ ll)’ lllc RC“ Mn Turnbull.
Bill relative to asscssiiicni of taxes from Sen.
ale,indefinitelypostponed; com. of coiifcrciice’
Mcssrsl S. Raymond and Lailiam.
lesolutioii uppiopriiiiiiig money fiir repair of
SW”? l'l"US‘-I‘-l" N€W*Hil\‘€n. from Senate, iii-
defiiiitcly posipoiicd-—I-loiiso rccunsitlg-red and
concurred. ‘ - 5
Bill relative to D0pi_ity- Slierifffi, from the
Senate, read three times and passeilf
with bill for a public zici rt-giilniingz tlic fi-cs of
-, . . . . . - ./
Slierills and Jnilors in certain cases, rind three
times and passed.
tioii oniliis subject and report at the next ses-
Boardniuii, appointed. _
Resolutions relative to public and private
acts of the General Asscii~_bly, reported by com,
on that siihjcct, read and adopted. ' , ‘
Cue and others. reported urifavorahlv with leave ‘
lo witlidraw—rcport accepted. I l
The com. on military returns. reported a bill-
nniiexing the several regiments of Artillery ti)
the line of Infantry, read third time and passed.
The corn. on state prison, on petition of
Lawrence, severally, rr-ported favorable, with
resolutions discliargiiig ilie_iii _ from coiifineiiicnt
—reports accepted, resolutions adoptt.-d.. \
The com. on new towns and probate districts
on petition of Lyrnan Ativaier and others, re-
port favorable, with bill in form granting prayer‘
passed, ,. _
The order of ilie day—ihe report oftlie com.
on banks with the accompariyiiig resolutions...
Mr. Himnan moved that they be laid oiitlic ta- ~
ble, and the original bill repealing charter of
Stamford Bunk, taken up, motion prevailéiil.-—
C. B. Phelps, and opposed by Messrs. S. Ruy--
riiond, Cuiiis of \Vatcrlowr.and Curtis of Mon-'
roe... On, motion of Mr. \Velles, the yeas and
nays were ordered, and givcri—yeas, 97-; nays
92; so the bill passed. Report of the com. and
restilutioris, not accepted.
Bill to abolish imprisonment for debt, read
third time. Mr. Sterling moved to refer the
subject tothe next General Assembly; motion‘
supported by Messrs. Sterling and S.‘Raymond-
and opposed by Messrs. Phelps of \Voodbury, '
73. Motion-that the proposed law be printed
with ilie enacted laws of the State—prevailed.
Resolution incorporating new fire company in
Middleiowii, read and passed.
The corn. on mineralogical survey made a
report. ret.-onimendiiig an appropriation ofa sum
not exceeding $500 for the publicaiion_ of Pro-‘
fessor Shepard. Report to be published un-let‘ .
his supervision, with resolution to carry the-
same into effect; read three times and passed,
Adjourned. _ ' ‘
NOTES IN THE STATE HOUSE,
— No. IV. ‘ .
The patien: democrats are in trouble, They
must do something to relieve the community, or,
at least they should show their good will; ' bi-ii
it requires a little more cunning and skill than -
nature had given them, to do any thing to re-
lieve the people, without compromising their
principles of deadly hostility to the banks.-
Even Dr. Niles niniself cannot prescribe a re-
‘iiiedy exactly fitted to the case of poor dying
‘ democracy,’--wliile pet bank directors are dai-
ly seen consulting with your real loco focos. as
to the ways and means of getting _out of the
scraps into which the ‘ experiment’ has brought
them. ~ ‘ “
In the House noiwitlistanding the length ‘of
the session, few bills have been passed. The‘
organs of democracy, such precious patriots as
John C. Palmer, and Curtis of Monroe,consurpe '
much time in saying notliing—apparrenily with
the intention or delaying business and .prei_rem-I
ing action, till the House, wearied and disgusted
are compelled to adjourn. ’ - '
T/iursdaiy, June 1.—To day it was discover-
ed iharwe have no Sheritiiiin the State, Amidst
s
\.D
;t\_
‘.
K
Resolution directing :he Bank Comniissioners ‘
Resolution that the 1.5L Cotnpnny15o\'ernor'8 I
[”fa“”.Yv "3?-‘ll; On motion of Mr. Terr)’ the
. ‘T
M r. C units of Mon- -
Sellllle fimcntletl by substituting name of Orson «
Paw’!-'3' 0r the blllsl With resolution removing .
The com’. on judiczil expert.-cs made a report
Resolmion fora com. to continue invcsiiga- '\
sion,1idoptcd, and Messrs. Buriiziid and \V. \V'. *‘
4
The com. on school funtl on oiiiiono ‘ ‘x if
2 P UNIS
Charles Hobbie, Daniel Phillips and Daniel -
of peiitioii: read, reports accepted, bill in form « ",
The passage of the bill was advocated by Mr, '
Hinman and Woodrufil motion prevailed, 7810 - =
i‘
1
."
'.
K .
I
c
Norwalk Chronicler