Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/266

 S4J SIvETCHES OF THE

While Mr. Henry continued a member of the house, the progress of this bill \^ as unimpeded. It passed through a first and second reading, and was engrossed for its final passage^ when his election as governor took effect^ and displaced him from the floor: on the third day after which event, the bill was read a third time and rejected.

It were an useless waste of time to speculate on the probable effects of this measure, had it succeeded. It is considered however, as indicative of great humanity of character, and as marked with great boldness, if not soundness of policy. Mr. Henry is said to have been extremely sanguine as to its efficacy, and to have supported it by some of the highest displays of his eloquence.

The other two measures to which I have adverted as having been patronized by Mr. Henry at this session, were the incorporation of the protestant episcopal church, and what is called, "a general assessment.^'

��seminary of learning as the executive may direct, and be tiiere educated imtil the age of twenty-one, at the public expense, to be defrayed out of such unds as may hereafter be appropriated to the same. And the governor, with the advice of council, is hereby authorized and desired to cause the benefit of this provision to be extended to all such male children; and if any such male Indian shall become an inhabitant of this commonwealth, he shall be moreover exempted from all taxes on his person or the property he may acquire.

" And be it fiulher enacted, That the oftspring of the intermarriages afore- said, shall be entitled in all respects, to the same rights and privileges, under the laws of this commonwealth, as if they had proceeded from intermaiTiages among free white inhabitants thereof.

" And be it further enacted. That the executive do take the most effectual and speedy measures for promulging this act to such tribe or tribes of Indian? as they may tliink necessary.'*

On the third reading of the bill, the fii-st blank was filled with toii — the second with five — the third with ten — the fourth with three — and the fifth with ten years.

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