Mr. Southard.—The incorporation of almost all societies is for the advantage of the public; the incorporation of religious bodies has ever been beneficial to morals and to society at large. It enables them to give and to receive justice; to sue and to be sued. The benefits of incorporation are innumerable; what were society without them? what are we but a corporate body?
The bill passed to a third reading by a large majority.
Wednesday, February 19.
Church in Georgetown.
The bill to incorporate the Trustees of a Presbyterian Church in Georgetown was read a third time.
Mr. Elmer supported, and Messrs. Jackson, Sloan, Holland, and Rhea, opposed the bill.
The question was taken by yeas and nays, and the bill passed—yeas 72, nays 40.
Thursday, February 20.
Charlestown, (Kanawha,) Virginia.
Mr. Crowninshield, from the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures, made a report on the petition of sundry inhabitants of Charlestown, Virginia, praying that said place may be made a port of entry and delivery.