Richmond Enquirer

NORTH-CAROLINA.

Raleigh, January 3.

On Saturday last, the Legislature of our State adjourned, sine die, after passing thirty-four laws of a public nature, and one of a private or local nature, and a number of important resolves.

A list of Acts appears in our first page, and in the preceding page some of the Resolutions.

The most important acts have relation to the opening and making navigable all our largest rivers, in each of which it is contemplated that the state shall take such a number of shares as will insure the success of every scheme proposed.

The Neuse River, which most concerns this vicinity, it is expected, will be immediately opened. The rights of the corporation, which were by the former act confined to the river on this side Smithfield, are now extended to Fort Barnwell, in Craven county, and to all the smaller rivers and creeks running into the Neuse. This corporation is authorised also to make a turnpike road from Raleigh to the river. Books for increasing the capital stock are to be opened after the 1st of Feb. when the treasurer is authorised to subscribe, in behalf of the state, $6000.

We were in hopes the Legislature would have granted the petition of Mr. De Lacy, the proprietor of the steam-boats for the Southern Section of the United States, that we might have had these valuable boats running in our rivers. But we learn with pleasure, that, though he has been for the present unsuccessful, he hopes for countenance at a future session of the General Assembly, and intends, in the mean time, to establish a steam-boat from Tarborough to Ocracoke: one from Edenton to Plymouth; and another on the Roanoke river, from Halifax downwards.

The report and resolutions of the late session are not less important, than their acts. Indeed it may be questioned, whether at any preceding session a more liberal spirit has appeared in relation to public expenditures, except, indeed, the refusal to increase the salaries of the Governor and Judges. But this subject has now been so fully brought before the Legislature, & the justice and propriety of advancing salaries which, when fixed, were worth nearly double what they are now, so fully elucidated that we have no doubt the next legislature will do what has been left undone. This effected, and a Penitentiary established, and no state in the Union can look down upon North Carolina as wanting liberality and public spirit.

The Report on Education, made near the close of the session, which proposes the establishment of a system of instruction that shall pervade every corner of the state, confers honor on the present Legislature; and we trust that the Committee appointed to prepare a plan for the next session will produce an effective one, and such as will meet with general concurrence.

The opening of a new outlet to the ocean by Roanoke inlet, is an object of great magnitude. Whether it can be effected or not, the commissioners appointed for the purpose, will be able to ascertain. It is well worth while to make the enquiry.

The survey of our principal rivers, which has already been commenced, is again enforced, and the powers of the commissioners considerably enlarged. The commissioners have already met, and have taken means to have an early interview with Col. Baldwin, their engineer, on the subject, in order properly to arrange the important business committed to them.

Our commercial and mercantile friends in particular, will be pleased to learn, that our legislature have taken the necessary step for obtaining a branch of the National Bank in this state. The proposition originally located this institution in this city: but it was believed, on more mature consideration, that the location ought to be left to the President and Directors of the principal bank. As, however, a great part of the stockholders in this state, if consulted, would be in favor of fixing the branch here—and, as it would be most convenient for the Collectors of the United States' Revenue, and for the citizens of the state at large, being also upon the great post road from north to south, this will probably be the place.

In case the books of the state banks be opened for its unsubscribed stock, (as probably they will) the treasurer is authorised to subscribe for 1500 shares more, for the use of the state.

A fire-proof house is directed for the use of the secretary of state, for the better preservation of his records. This is no doubt a good provision.

The board of auditors, it will be seen, is continued for the settlement of all unliquidated claims of our brave militiamen. So that we trust there will be no room for complaint on this ground.

But what shews the munificent spirit of the legislature, more than any thing else, is their patriotic and liberal resolves in relation to our beloved and venerated WASHINGTON, and our brave, but unfortunate BLAKELY. To perpetuate the memory of the former, they have ordered a superb MARBLE STATUE, to be executed by the first artist in the world, the celebrated CANOVA, of Rome, to be placed in our state house, which is to cost ten thousand dollars, and which will no doubt be the finest piece of sculpture in the U. States.

[Register.

Whereas, it was resolved by the Senate and House of Commons of the General Assembly of North-Carolina, at their session in the year 1814, that a superb sword, appropriately adorned should be presented to Captain Johnston Blakeley, of the United States' sloop of war Wasp, upon his return to the United States:—And whereas, Captain Blakely having perished at sea, the opportunity has been lost of tendering to him this tribute of affection and honorable regard; but having left a wife and a child, endeared to the people of this state, by his gallant conduct in the service of his country; and it being proper that the sword intended for him, should be placed in the hands of his family:

Be it therefore unanimously Resolved, by the Senate and House of Commons of the General Assembly of North-Carolina. That his Excellency the Governor, be requested to forward to Mrs. Blakely the sword which was directed, by the General Assembly of 1814, to be presented to her husband, together with a copy of their resolutions on the subject: and to express to Mrs. Blakely the deep interest which the legislature will always feel in her happiness and welfare.

Resolved further, That Capt. Blakely's child be educated at the expense of this state; and that Mrs. Blakely be requested to draw on the Treasurer of this state from time to time, for such sums of money as shall be required for the education of the said child.

Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to forward to Mrs. Blakely a copy of the foregoing resolutions.