The Lower House. 371

on these little Animalls has Cost the Country by a Modest
computation in one year 7000^ls Sterling.
When I reflect on the happy increase of the Youth in this
Province, and the vast Importation of Europeans and Negroes
into it Yet that the Number of your Taxables, do not Amount
to what it might be reasonably expected from these causes It
is Natural from hence to conclude th^t there are not Just returns
made to the publick this is worthy your Inquisition, and in my
Opinion there Cannot be too Severe penaltys imposed on such
who willfully conceal their Taxables, and So defraud the
publick ; Whereas all that receive protection from your Laws,
ought to bear equal proportion of that Charge which is Levy'd
for the Common good.

Gent.

I have after my Accustomed method laid before you, the
intention and end of your Meeting, and what I have offered is
in the Sincerity of my heart proposed for your welfare. But
as you are, I thank God, a free people so may accept or refuse,
what I now deliver to you, as you shall find it for the Con-
veniency or inconveniency of your Country.
Jo. Hart.

L. H. I.

M^r Speaker and the rest of the Members of this house return
to their own House where M^r Speaker resumes the Chair and
reports What his Excy had before said.
The House proceeds to the Choice of their Clerk. Where-
upon Michael Jenifer is unanimously chosen.
Ordered that John Rousby Esq^r and M^r Phillip Lee go to
the Upper house to present the said Michael Jenifer for his
Excellencys Approbation and to see him Qualifyed.
They return and Say they see him Qualified by takeing the
oaths according to Act of Assembly and Subscribing the Test
and takeing the following Oath of Clerk viz.

You do Swear that as Clerk to the Lower House of As-
sembly you shall true entries make of all Such matters and
things as by the Honourable Speaker for the time being and
that House shall be to you Directed The Secrets of the said
House you shall not divulge to the Prejudice of the House or
any member thereof but Shall in all things as Clerk to the said
House well and truely Demean your Self According to the
best of your Knowledge.
So help you God.

p. 13