House of Delegates.
The
House met at 12 o'clock
Mr. Prayer by
Rev. Dr. Jeter.
The following bills, passed by the Senate, were committed:
An act to amend the 5th section of chapter 13 of the Code, in relation to administering the oaths to be taken by the members of the two Houses of the General Assembly.
An act to amend and re-enact the 13th section of chapter 42 of the Code, (edition of 1860,) so as more effectually to regulate the sales of
real estate under executions in favor of the
Commonwealth.
A communication was received from the
Governor, asking the General Assembly to appoint another permanent clerk for the office of the
Adjutant General of the
State; with a salary of $1,200 per annum.
Referred to the
Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.
The bill to incorporate the Mutual
Life Insurance Company of
Lynchburg was passed.
The bill to appropriate money to finish and repair the road from
Tazewell C. H. to
Chapmansville, in
Logan county, and appropriating $20,000 therefor, was taken up.
Mr. Anderson, of Botetours, explained the objects of the bill.
The road is a military necessity.
The want of it was felt in the late campaing, and if we desire to reconquer
Western Virginia the road will be absolutely needed.
Mr. Prince was opposed to the bill.
He wanted to know if the
Confederate authorities regarded this road as a military necessity.
Mr. Anderson, of
Botetourt, said he had conferred with the
Secretary of War, and the
Secretary had expressed the desire that
Virginia might afford the Confederate Government all the facilitates in its power for transporting troops.
Mr. Wilson, of
Isle of Wight, thought the bill was formed in accordance with certain plans of
General Floyd for the campaign in
Southwestern Virginia.
Mr. Anderson, of
Botetourt, corrected the gentleman.
General Floyd's only connexion with the measure was in the character of a witness.
Mr. Wilson had no evidence that the plan was in accordance with the views of the
Confederate authorities.
He wanted to hear a special report on the aubit of from them.
He wanted more authority the measure than
General Floyd. that the bill be laid on the table.
The motion was rejected
Mr. Robertson hoped that the
House had not sunk so low that is inspiration than itself and honor of
Virginia was . He would refer to the map to prove of this road.
Without means to carry and reinforcements to that portion of
Virginia, they would jeopardize the safety of a large and loyal community, He wanted no evidence from the Confederate Government,--As
Virginians, let us do what becomes us as
Virginians, He was prepared to ex-
pend all the treasures of this State in its defence.
Mr. Grattan saw no reason why the
Mouse should not have the information relative to the necessity of this road from those who were best able to judge.
He wanted to vote understandingly.
Mr. Booten thought, in voting appropriations for internal improvements, the
House should have the fullest information in order to vote properly.
He thought it possible that the
Generals might detail the soldiers to build roads, if they were necessary.
He was opposed to giving the work to speculators or contractors.
Mr. McDonald, of
Logan, testified to the loyalty of the people of his county.
Not one of them to his knowledge had accepted office under the
Wheeling Government.
He hoped that his constituents would not be abandoned to the enemy, by the defeat of this measure.
Mr. Prince reiterated his desire for information.
The bill might lie over for a few days, until the report of the joint committee appointed to confer with Congress upon the defence of
Western Virginia, should report.
Then we would have a statement of all the necessities of
Western Virginia, and know if this measure is really a military necessity.
Mr. Anderson, of
Botetourt, defended the bill.
It was only necessary for gentlemen to go to the map, see the positions of the enemy, and the dangers threatening our people.
It
General Floyd's information is not to be respected, whose information is to be respected?
What military Board could give better information that the
Commanding General in
Western Virginia, who has traveled over every foot of the ground, and who judged of the matter as an intelligent man?
He hoped the bill would pass, but for the present, he would waive his opposition to the motion to lay on the table and renew that motion himself.
The subject was further discussed by
Messrs. Laidly,
Bradford, and
Jones, in defence of the bill.
The bill was then laid on the table.
Several bills were read a first and second time.
The following resolutions of inquiry were referred to the appropriate Committees:
By
Mr. Jones: Of refunding to
Robert C. Selden the tax paid by him on certain bonds due him in the
State of New York.
By
Mr. James: Of reporting a bill to regulate by law the charges of Express Companies upon the different railroads of
Virginia.
By
Mr. Robinson, of
Berkeley: Of constructing a railroad from the town of
Winchester, in the county of
Frederick, to the town of
Martinsburg, in the county of
Berkeley, as a military necessity as well as a public convenience.
By
Mr. Baskervill: Of so amending the charter of Randolph Macon College as to authorize the institution of a military department.
Mr. Ewing presented the petition of
John H. Allen, praying that certain fines and damages paid by him as
Sheriff of
Lee county and by his securities, be refunded to him and them.
The
House then adjourned.
