General Assembly of Virginia.
Senate.
Thursday, Feb, 13, 1862. The Senate was opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Daniel, of the Episcopal Church.
A communication was received from the House of Delegates announcing the passage of Sunday balls.
The amendments of the House to the bill to amend second 11 of chapter 162 of the Code, in relation to the removal of records and papers of Courts, were agreed to by the Senate.
Bills reported.
Mr. Robertson, from the Committee on Banks, reported a bill authorizing certain cities and towns to issue notes of a less denomination than five dollars. [Authorizes the corporation of Richmond to issue notes of the denomination of $1, $2 and $3, to an amount not exceeding $300,000, and of a less denomination not exceeding $100,000; and authorizes other cities and towns to issue in like manner, to an amount not exceeding two- thirds of their annual levies or assessments — the same to be receivable in payment of all debts and taxes due the said cities and towns.]Mr. Thomas, of Henry, from a special committee, reported a bill to prevent the consumption of grain by distilleries and other manufactories.
Mr. Brannon, from the Committee of Finance, reported the following bills. Authorizing the purchase for the State of certain lots in Hollywood Cemetery; Refunding to Sutton & Dizter a sum of money paid occerroneous assessment.
Mr.Johnson, from a joint committee, reported a bill respecting persons exempt from all-military duties.
Violations of the Sabbath.
On motion of Mr. Garrett,of Henrico, the Senate took up the bill to prevent certain violations of the Sabbath. [The design of this bill is to prohibit, under certain penalties, the practice of hunting, ranging after and shooting game, or wild fowl, on the Sabbath day.]Mr. Garnett moved to amend by striking out, in the first section, (prescribing the penalties,) the words ‘"and shall forefelt the gun or other instrument with which such shooting is done."’ Agreed to.
Mr. Whittle moved to further amend by making the bill applicable to persons hunting on the lands of another. Rejected.
Mr. Robertson moved to further amend by striking out the words ‘"on the Sabbath day."’ Rejected.
The bill was then ordered to its engrossment.
Resolutions.
The following resolutions, inquiring into expediency, were adopted:By Mr. Christian, of Augusta — Of enacting a law by which the civil authorities of the Commonwealth may be empowered to act and render aid in arresting deserters from the military service.
By Mr. Beanch--Of refunding to Henry Turner, of New Kent county, a sum of money erroneously paid by him into the public treasury.
By Mr. Coghill--Of legislation in respect to administration on the estates of loyal citizens who have died or may die in the State, but within the lines of the enemy; and also in respect to the recordation of deeds executed by or to refugees within our military lines.
By Mr. Dickinson, of Prince Edward--Of providing for the purchase of horses by the State, for such men as may be drafted for cavalry, etc.
Distillation.
Mr. Dickenson, of Grayson, presented a report of the proceedings of a meeting of the citizens of Floyd county, relative to the distillation of grain, &c.
Railway connection.
The House bill providing for a railway connection between the Orange and Alexandria and Manassas Gap, and the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac railroads, came up as the order of the day.Mr. Coghill resumed his remarks in opposition to the bill, and Mr. Armstrong spoke at some length of time in its favor.
On motion of Mr. Johnson, the bill was laid on the table.
Military Exempts.
On motion of Mr. Johnson, the bill amending and re-enacting the second section of chapter 22 of the Code of Virginia, respecting persons exempt from all military duties, and providing the mode of exemption, was taken from the table. A discussion took place on amendments offered to the bill, between Messrs Johnson, Collier, and Hart.Pending the consideration of the bill,
On motion of Mr. Thomas, adjourned.
