General Assembly of Virginia.
Tuesday, January 13, 1863.Senate--The Senate was called to order at 12 o'clock M by the Lieutenant Governor, and opened with prayer by Rev. Mr. Burrows, of the 1st Baptist Church.
The Senate were notified that the House had agreed to Senate joint resolution relative to the procurement of passports for members by the Governor; also, of the passage of an act for the relief of the Sergeant of the city of Richmond.
Mr. Conhilli presented the memorized of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad Company, praying for the modification or repeal of the 5th section of an act on the 28th of March, 1858 authorizing a loan to the company, so as to authorize the Beard of Public Works to adjust and regulate in the event of disagreement between the companies the terms on which the Central railroad from Gordonsville to Charlottesville shall be used by said Central and Orange and Alexandria Railroad Company.
Mr. Conhill presented the report of the Committee for Courts of Justice on so much of the Governor's message as relates to the "act concerning slaves for work on fortifications." Report accepted and committee discharged.
Resolutions of inquiry into expediency were offered as follows:
By Mr. Isbell, of reporting a bill limiting the cultivation of tobacco; by Mr. Spitler, of repealing so much of the militia laws of the State as requires the election of 2d Major; by Mr. Newman, of releasing B'F Stevinson from all liability incurred as security for Wm. Hatcher, the traitorous Clerk of Wood county.
The act to refund money paid the State in cases of religions serapes for exemption from military service was taken up, read the requisite number of times and passed.
A petition asking for an increase of fees of office was presented on the part of the clerks of courts in Petersburg, Surry and Prince George.
A manorial was presented from the stockholders of the South side Railroad asking that the arrears of interest due by it to the State be converted into stock of the road, so as to enable said road to change its line, in pursuant of the act passed Jan. 26th, 1862. A resolution to inquire into the expediency of the proposition was adopted.
On motion of Mr. Hart, of Albemarle:
Resolved, that the Secretary of the Common wealth, the Auditor of Public Accounts, the Second Auditor, the Treasurer, the Register of the Land Office, the Secretary of Board of Public Works, and the Adjutant General, be requested to inform the Senate the amount of compensation received by them respectively, from all sources, and of the clerks of each of their offices.
On motion of Mr. Carson:
Resolved, That the Governor he requested to communicate to the Senate the names, rank and pay of the several officers and employees of the Ordnance Department of Virginia.
The Senate were notified that the House of Delegates had agreed to a joint resolution postponing the election of Confederate Senator till Tuesday, January 20th.
The Senate refused to postpone the election; eyes 15, 24, and Mr. Johnson, of Bedford was requested to communicate the information to the House. After the lapse of an hour, a message, was received, stating the readiness of the House to proceed with the execution of the joint order. The Senate awaited the action of the House till 2½ o'clock, when a message was received that the House had postponed the execution of the joint order till 12 ½ o'clock Wednesday. The Senate concurred in the postponement.
Adjourned.
House of Delegates--The House met at 12 o'clock M, and was opened with prayer by Rev. Dr. Duncan.
A taint resolution was received from the Senate authorizing the Governor to inquire what number, if any of the citizens of this Commonwealth have been arrested by the enemy; and if so, for what cause, and how confined. Referred to the Committee on Courts of Justices.
Mr. Rives his resolution of yesterday, so amending the 26th rule of the House as to authorize the speaker to appoint a Special Committee on Confederates Relations. Passed.
At half past twelve o'clock the resolution for the of Confederate States Senator was called up.
Mr. Dunn moved to postpone the election until Tuesday, the 20th last. This gave rise to a debate, which was participated in by Messrs Richardson and Rives in its favor, and opposed by Messrs West, Barbour, Newton, and Bisgerville.
Mr. Maticry demanded the eyes and nays which being called, resulted: eyes, 53; nays, 49.
A message was received from the Senate announcing the non concurrence by that body in the House resolution for postponement.
Mr. Woolfolk then offered a joint resolution, making known to the Senate their readiness to pressed at once to the election of a Senator.
Another Reffentual attempt was made to postpone the election until Saturday, but after some tery discussion the House proceeded to the confederation of the joint order, when.
Mr. McDonald moved that the House adjourn, upon which the eyes and nays were demanded and resulted in the negative eyes 18, nays 83.
Fomiactions for Senator.--air. Anderson, of Rockbridge put in nomination the Hon. Wm. C. Rives, which was ascended by Messrs. Prince, Mag Rives, and Staples.
Mr. Anderson, of Botetourt, nominated Judge John J. Allen.
Mr. Green, of Jefferson, presented the name of Hon, Chas. W Russell Wheeling, which was accorded by Messrs, Edmund and Lairdly.
Mr. Wynne nominated Gen. John B Floyd, each gentleman taking occasion to pay an appropriate to the candidate of his choice.
It's being found impossible to conclude the election today, its further consideration, was on motion, postponed until 15½ P. M. to-morrow, and, at 4½ o'clock, the House adjourned.
