Virginia Legislature.
[extra session.]Senate.
A bill, reported from the House of Delegates, authorizing the transfer of the Bank of Pittsylvania from Chatham to Danville, was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banks.
A bill was introduced by Mr. Collier, by leave of the Senate, providing for a change of the name of the Southside railroad to that of the Petersburg and Lynchburg railroad. Referred to the Committee on Roads and Internal Improvements.
Mr. Christian, of Middlesex, from the Committee on Military Affairs, presented a bill providing an additional appropriation to the Virginia Military Institute, which was read twice.
Mr. Collier, of Petersburg, introduced joint resolutions upon the subject of slavery, taking ground against placing them in the military service of the Confederate States. Lie over under the rules.
A number of resolutions were offered, among which were the following, which were referred to the appropriate committees:
By Mr. Douglas--A resolution to extend the time for clerks of courts to quality; also, increasing the fees allowed to commissioners in chancery.
By Mr. Thomas--Authorizing the clerk of Warren county to transcribe the records of the court.
By Mr. Tayloe--Providing suitable punishment for slaves, free negroes and mulattoes that aid or abet the public enemy or desert to them, and prohibiting their traffic when operating against the general good of the country.
By Mr. Tayloe--On the expediency of taking steps to change so much of the track of the Southside railroad as crosses the High Bridge, in Prince Edward county, so as to avoid the passage of the same.
The bill to amend the Code in relation to duelling was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.
By Mr. Taylor--A resolution of inquiry whether any of the debts of the State Government can be dispensed with during the war.
On motion, adjourned.
House of Delegates.
The House was called to order at noon by Speaker Sheffey. Prayer by Rev. Dr. Woodbridge.The following bills were introduced:
An act amendatory of an act authorizing clerks of courts, in certain cases, to charge double the sums heretofore specified.
A bill to amend and do enact an act to authorize the purchase and distribution of cotton, cotton cloth, cotton cards, and hand cards, among the people of the State. Ordered to a second reading.
The following bills were passed:
A bill to exempt from taxation deeds required to be recorded a second time in cases where the records have been destroyed by the public enemy.
A bill for the relief of the securities of John E. Lewis, late sheriff of the county of Greenbrier.
A bill to amend and re-enact the 11th section of chapter 132 of the Code of Virginia, in regard to fiduciaries.
Mr. Ward offered a resolution instructing the Committee on Banks to inquire into the expediency of chartering an institution, with authority to establish branch offices in the other States, with the consent of their Legislatures, with a minimum capital of ten millions and a maximum of one hundred millions; which resolution was agreed to.
Mr. Woolfolk offered a resolution directing the Committee on Courts of Justice to inquire what additional legislation is necessary to provide more effectually against the owners of slaves allowing the same to go at large, trading and stealing for their support; and, also, to provide against butchers and others sending negroes to the country to buy stock, etc.; which resolution was adopted.
The bill to secure adequate supplies for indigent families of soldiers, and to equalize the burden of their support among the counties of the State, was discussed at length and finally referred back to the committee from whence it emanated for modification.
A message was received from the Governor, in response to a resolution of the House inquiring what course the Governor had pursued in regard to securing from the Confederate Government the exemption of certain State officers. The Governor responds that he has not obeyed the instructions of the Legislature; and further intimates that the Legislature lacks the right and the power to demand it of him, alleging that while the Legislature may increase his duties, it cannot clothe him with extra power. Finally, the Governor concludes that the resolution "directing the Governor to certify," etc., is not the language of official courtesy. The communication was laid on the table and ordered to be printed.
On motion of Mr. Deane, of Campbell, the House resolved into secret session. When the doors re-opened the body adjourned.
[Dr. Smith, the new member elect from Amherst, is detained from his seat by sickness.]
