The Daily Dispatch: January 18, 1865., [Electronic resource]

Virginia Legislature.

Senate.

Mr. Christian, of Middlesex, from the Committee on Public Institutions, to whom had been referred a resolution inquiring into the expediency of changing the location of the Virginia Military Institute, asked to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject, it being, in the opinion of the committee, inexpedient to legislate on the matter.

Mr. Christian, of Middlesex, offered the following preamble and joint resolution, which, upon being explained by him, was agreed to, the rules being suspended for that purpose:

‘ "Whereas, the ninth section of an act entitled 'an act amending and re-enacting an act passed October 18, 1863, in relation to an increase of the salaries of certain offers of the Government, passed January 22, 1864, providing that at the end of each year the Superintendent of the Penitentiary may receive an additional sum of one thousand dollars, and each assistant keeper five hundred dollars, if the net profits of the said penitentiary shall amount to a sum equal thereto; but, if the profits shall not be sufficient to pay the Superintendent and assistant keepers the sums aforesaid, they shall be paid prorate. And whereas, the manner of ascertaining the profits of said penitentiary operations has not been presented, so as to enable the Auditor of Public Accounts to pay so much of said salaries as are dependent upon the profits aforesaid:

"Be it, therefore, resolved by the General Assembly, That the profits for the purposes aforesaid shall be ascertained by the said Auditor from the Superintendent, certified by the Clerk of the Penitentiary, under the thirty-first section of the act re-organizing the Penitentiary, passed January 14, 1864, as well for past as for future profits."

’ On motion of Mr. Hunter, the Senate bill reported from the Committee on Finance with amendments, and providing for the suffering families of soldiers residing in counties within the limits, or under the control of, the enemy, was taken up, and the amendments were discussed by Messrs. Hunter, Brannon, Armstrong, Alderson and Marshall till the hour of 3 o'clock; after which,

On motion, the Senate adjourned.

House of Delegates.

A bill was introduced from the Committee on Propositions and Grievances, amending and re-enacting the code of Virginia in relation to the control of Capitol Square and the gates thereof.

Mr. Staples introduced a resolution calling for the appointment of a special committee of nine members of the House to take into consideration the subject of our slaves, and what legislation is necessary in the matter; and further, that the said committee inquire and report what position the General Assembly of Virginia should assume in reference to the proposed conscription of slaves by the Confederate Government. The resolution was adopted.

A message was received from the Senate, to be communicated to the secret session; whereupon, on motion of Mr. Deane, the House resolved itself into secret session; and when the doors re-opened, adjourned.