Legislature of Virginia.
Senate.
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 1861. The Senate was called to order by Lieutenant-Governor Montague. Prayer by the Rev. Dr. Head, of the Presbyterian Church.
Senatorial election.
A communication was received from the House of Delegates announcing the adoption of a resolution to proceed, on the 9th of January, to the election of Senators to represent the State in the Confederate Congress.On motion of Mr. Dickinson of Prince Edward, the subject was laid upon the table.
Resolutions of Inquiry.
By Mr. Whittle.--Of insuring the more prompt collection of the public dues by sheriffs and other collectors, and of their stricter accountability therefore.By Mr. Bales.--Of changing the name of the county of Scott.
By Mr. Ball.--Of providing that no State tax shall be imposed upon the seal of the Court where the said seal is required in the authentication of any paper or record necessary to the recovery of the wages or other dues of deceased soldiers.
By Mr. Johnson.--Of more effectually regulating the charges and responsibilities of Express companies.
Bills reported.
By Mr. Brannon, from the Finance Committee--A bill to authorize clerks to sign treasury notes; a bill to compensate the jailors of Bedford county for keeping certain negro convicts; and a bill amending and re-enacting the 39th chapter of the Code, in relation to taxes on dividends, &c.
The James river Canal Company.
A House bill to amend and re-enact the 4th section of chapter 10 of an act to incorporate the Virginia Canal Company, so as to extend the time of acceptance of the charter, by the French company, to the 29th day of January, 1848, was taken up and passed — ayes 31, noes 0.
The Senatorial vacancies.
The bill to provide for holding elections to fill vacancies in the representation in the Senate from the 46th and 30th districts came up on its second reading. Sundry amendments were adopted, and the bill was ordered to its engrossment.
Reconsidered.
On motion of Mr. Dickinson, of Prince Edward, the vote by which the Senate rejected the bill to compensate Peter P. Penn for the loss of his slave, was reconsidered, and the bill was laid upon the table.
The Holidays.
The resolution providing for a recess of the General Assembly was called up, amended and adopted as follows:Resolved, (The House of Delegates concurring,) That when the Senate adjourn on Monday, the 23d of the present month, it be to meet again on the 2d January, 1862.
On motion of Mr. Caraway, the Senate adjourned.
