REPORT:
That in the present disordered condition of the country in every branch of business, the ordinary mode of raising revenue by direct taxation cannot be relied on to supply the immediate necessities of the State. The extraordinary pressure now existing, and the probability that there will be no mitigation, but rather an increase of that pressure before tranquility shall be restored, forbid the augmentation of the taxes which are already burdensome, and indicate the policy and expediency of resorting to some other method by which the necessities of the State may be relieved.
Three other methods have been suggested for the purpose, namely: the incorporation of a State Bank, the sale of State Bonds, and the issuing of Treasury Notes, redeemable in coin at an early day after the return of peace and tranquility shall have re-opened the fountains of wealth, which, under a new and more benign polity, must flow with unwonted exuberance.
It is the opinion of the Committee that the emission of Treasury Notes is the least objectionable of all the methods that have been suggested for meeting the exigencies of the State; and as the General Assembly possesses the power to adopt this plan, and consequently to regulate its details if adopted, no further action by this body is deemed proper in the premises.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN BEARD, Chairman.
Which was received and adopted, and on motion the Committee discharged.
Mr. Finegan moved to amend the minutes of yesterday so as to add, after the word "militia," in the notice of the ordinance amending the seventh article of the Constitution of this State entitled "Militia," the words "Was adopted;"
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Beard of Leon moved that Mr. Lewis of Wakulla have leave of absence until Monday next;
Which was not granted.
Mr. Sanderson of Duval offered the following amendment to the original ordinance reported by the Select Committee respecting the District Courts:
That the ordinance reported by the Select Committee be so amended as to make it applicable to the Northern District Court of this State;
Which amendment was adopted.
The ordinance as amended was then put upon its passage and adopted.
Mr. McIntosh offered the following ordinance:
1st. Be it ordained, That there shall be established a Court at
