QUALIFICATION OF WITNESSES.
Mr. Newcombs bill [S. 5-described on p. 13 of these reports]-being read the third time-
Mr. NEWCOMB said: Under the provision of the act of '52 there is a section which is construed into authority to assign by simple delivery notes and accounts. Under that practice the system has grown up of assigning, so that a party owning them could become a witness really in his own behalf, while the mouth of the defendant has been closed. This bill is to remedy that abuse-to give the defendant the same privilege, so both sides may be heard; and is not confined to any particular cause of action but to all causes.
The bill finally passed by yeas 34, nays 7.
