General Assembly of Virginia.
[Extra session.]
Monday, April 1st, 1861.
The Senate met at the usual hour, Mr. Johnson in the chair.
A communication from the House was read, announcing the passage of sundry bills, together with a substitute for other resolutions in regard to the removal of troops and arms across the soil of Virginia, which was laid on the table.
Covington and Ohio Railroad.--The bill for the relief of the Covington and Ohio Railroad was then taken up and considered.
A substitute, offered by Mr. Wickham, was adopted, and the bill laid on the table.
The resolutions in regard to the "big gun" to be moved through Virginia, with the amendments of the House, were then taken up and agreed to.
Mr. H. W. Thomas presented a protest against the passage of the resolutions into a law, signed by Messrs. Carter, Wickham, Marshall, Johnson, H. W. Thomas, Carraway, Jr., Stuart, McKenney, and Townes.
Messrs. Brannon, Neeson, and Coghill, objected to the protest being spread upon the journal of the Senate, because it was a protest against the action of the House of Delegates, and not against an action of the Senate.
Mr. Thomas defended his position in reply.
The Senate refused to permit the protest by a vote of ayes 7, noes 26.
Covington and Ohio Railroad.--Mr. Wickham's substitute to the Covington and Ohio Railroad was agreed to, and the bill authorized to be reported to the House.
Increased Pay.--Amendment of the House to Senate bill increasing the pay of certain officers of the Public Guard, was concurred in.
Bills Passed.--House bill appointing the Superintendents of the Staunton and Parkersburg Turnpike Road; House bill for the relief of Jas. J. Spalding; Senate bill for the relief of the personal representatives of Wm. S. Croxton, dec'd; Senate bill authorizing the Governor to pardon a slave, John Rix, and restore him to his former owner.
A motion to remove the injection of secrecy from the Saturday night's Executive session of the Senate, was made by Mr. Thompson, which gave rise to some debate.
Tabled.
On motion of Mr. H. W. Thomas, the Senate, at 2 o'clock, took a recess until 4 P. M.