The Lower House. 435

in your bill does so much abridge the perquisites of some of
those offices as not to afford a Sufficient Support for the Char-

L. H. J.

acter and Stations of the persons who execute them, Besides
we conceive we should make but a very ungratefull return to
his Lordship and our Governour for the Many favours we
acknowledge to have received from them if we should at once
so Extravagantly lessen the revenues of those offices which are
their Immediate dependance, and as we are a part of the Legis-
lature for this Province We think we have a right to interpose
our Opinions and that such a regulation would have been
much more properly made by a Joynt Committee Consisting
of some of the members of both houses. In fine Gentlemen we
hope we have the Interest of our Countrey at Heart as much
as you and in Discharging our Dutys believe we ought not
to oppress the poor nor do Injustice to the rich, but to pay a
Just regard to all Degrees of men by divine providence estab-
lished amongst us, but if notwithstanding what we now offer
you resolve neither to revive the old Law nor admitt a more
Moderate regulation of the new one by you proposed, We
doubt not but that the Evill consequences which must neces-
sarily follow such a resolution will be Imputed to you and not
to us, who resolve not to pass that bill as it now Stands.
Signed p Order John Beard, Cl Up Ho.

p. 119

Then the Question was put whether a Conferrence should
be Agreed to as desired or not. Carried in the Affirmative by
the Majority of Votes.
In answer to which the following Message was prepared
Viz:

By the Lower House of Assembly June the 4^th 1719.
May it Please your Honours.
We have considered your Message of this day p Esq^r Hall
with the bill for limitation of officers' fees, and tho this house
are not willing to consent to the reviving the old Act Yet they
are willing that such of the Members of your house as you
shall think fitt to Appoint may be Join'd w^th some of the Mem-
bers of this house in a Conferrence for a necessary regulation
of those fees.
Which if your house agrees to we Desire the Gentlemen
may be Appointed.that they may proceed thereon this Morning
Signed p Order M Jenifer Cl. Lo: Ho.

And Sent to the Upper House by M^r Beall and M^r Wright.
They return & Say they delivered it.

p. 120