The Legislature.
The session of the Legislature closed Thursday night about 12 o'clock. After the close of our last report they passed an act to prohibit the issue of any ordinary license within any city or town, or within five miles thereof, or at any railroad station or depot in Virginia. Passed both House. There were no other bills of general importance adopted, and after the usual valedictory addresses in both Houses, they adjourned about 12 M.In the House,Speaker Sheffey delivered a short valedictory, contrasting the brightened prospects of the Confederacy with the gloomy picture presented at the opening of the session. The following is the conclusion of his address:
Gentlemen, before an Assembly of Virginia gentlemen I will be pardoned for saying a word of one of those men of history whom the present rarely comprehends. One who is daily making or moulding events which shall never die. I refer to the President of the Confederate States. We know him now better than we did. He came into our midst personally a stranger to us. He was said to be one who, stern, resolved and self-reliant, shunned counsel, and though true and honest in intent, was, perhaps, prejudiced and obstinate. He tolled steadily on in the duties of his high office, and into the shadows which surrounded him the popular eye could not penetrate Success, the test of administrative, ability, sometimes rewarded his tolls — disaster, the unpardonable sin of statesmanship, often confounded his councils, and brought the country to the verge of doubt and despair. I confess, gentlemen, the profoundest sympathy with this historic man in his hidden tolls and cares and heavy responsibilities, laboring on thus night and day for his country's good. And when an occasional lifting of the curtain has enable us to perceive "the very pulse of the machine"-- the heart, and will, and mind, and purpose — which animate the man traits of noble patriotism and heroic firmness, of lofty truthfulness and chivalry, and of unsullied purity and trust in God, have given joy to the popular heart and confidence to the mind of the country.
Gentlemen. I thank God that Virginia with the true courtesy of her ancient hospitality has never uttered one word to bring a cloud over his brow, or added one feather's weight to the burden of his cares. Our people trust in him; our women revere and honor him; our armies every where would die for him; Europe esteems and appreciates him, and posterity will exalt him to the true position he is destined to fill as one of the great men of this age.
We have hope gentlemen in our public men, in our public measures in our army and in our cause — in such men as our President and the leaders of our gallant, armies. I had intended gentlemen, to have spoken of the measures adopted by Congress and yourselves for the public good, but at this late hour, and wearied as we all are by protracted labors, I must forbear.
And now, gentlemen, in this solemn parting hour, the future all wrapped in doubt, our re-union uncertain, our paths diverging from this common point of concentrated feeling and kindly emotion, I can only commend you to the care of Him who is our fortress and defence; and, bidding each of you a kindly and fraternal farewell, invoke Heaven's best blessings on you and yours. I pronounce this House adjourned sine dit.
[The reporter returns his thanks to Mr. Shelton. C. Davis, Clerk of the Senate, and his assistant, Dr. J. D. Pendleton, and to Mr. Wm. F. Gordon, Clerk of the House, for many facilities courteously extended him during the session.]
