The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
| II. |
TO JAMES MONROE. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO JAMES MONROE.
Dear Sir,—Since my last by the preceding post
the fate of the assize laws has been determined by a
negative in the H. of Delegates on the Bill on which
its execution depended. The majority consisted of
63 agst. 49. A reform of the County Courts is the
substitute proposed by the adversaries of the Assize,
and if it can be put into any rational shape will be received
by the other side as auxiliary to the Assize
plan which may be resumed at another Session. It
is surmised that the Senate will not part with this
plan in any event, and as the law passed at the last
Session, unless repealed or suspended, stops the proceedings
of the Genl. Court after the 1st. day of Jany.
A bill must be sent to the Senate which will give
them an opportunity of proposing some amendment
which may revive the question at the present Session.
waste of time produced by the inveterate and prolix
opposition of its adversaries, & the approach of
Christmas. The Bill proportioning crimes & punishments
was the one at which we stuck after wading
thro' the most difficult parts of it. A few subsequent
bills however were excepted from the postponement.
Among these was the Bill for establishing Religious
freedom, which has got thro' the H. of Delegates
without alteration, though not without warm opposition.
Mr. Mercer & Mr. Corbin were the principal
Combatants against it. Mr. Jones is well. With
sincerity, I am
| The writings of James Madison, | |