Senate.
Thursday, December 5, 1861.
The Senate was opened with prayer by
the Rev. Dr. Burrows, of the First Baptist Church.
Executive communication.
A communication was received from the
Executive, transmitting a report relative to the recent fire at
Dibrell's Warehouse, and recommending that all the tobacco warehouses of the
State be made fire-proof.
Referred to the
Committee on Agriculture and Commerce.
Exports.
Mr. Logan, from the
Committee on
General Laws, reported
House bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the act entitled "an act providing for the employment of negro convicts on public works," with an amendment; also, a bill constituting a part of
New River a lawful fence.
Resolutions of Inquiry
By
Mr. Spitler, relative to authorizing the Sheriffs in the counties' that have not been able to hold Courts of Inquiry for the present year to suspend the collection of muster fines until December 1, 1862; by
Mr. Newman, of paying to
T. P. Turner the sum of fifty dollars for services as Common wealth's Attorney, in the county of
Jackson; by
Mr. Ball, as to whether
James G. Armstrong was elected, and is now a Senator from the Hampshire district; by
Mr. Johnson, of amending the ordinance to provide against the sacrifice of property, and to suspend proceedings in certain cases.
Bill passed.
The Senate took up the bill relative to the employment of negro convicts upon public works.
It provides that they may be hired to proprietors of iron works, so amended as to include the proprietors of salt works.
Mr.Coghill moved to further amend by including any internal improvement company, which was agreed to, and the bill, as amended, passed.
Tribute of respect.
Mr. Whittle, of
Pittsylvania, arose to announce the death of his predecessor in the Senate,
Col. George W. Townes, paying a feeling tribute to his memory, and offering the following resolutions:
Whereas, Since the adjournment of the Senate of
Virginia,
Col. George.
W. Townes, a member of it, has departed this life, and the Senate being anxious to testify its regret at the loss of so estimable and worthy a member:
Resolved, That in the death of
Col. Geo. W. Townes, we lament the loss of a courteous, diligent, and efficient member; that as evidence of respect for his memory, the members of the Senate will wear the usual budge of mourning for thirty days, and that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased.
Resolved, That as further evidence of our respect for the deceased, the Senate do now adjourn.
The resolutions were adopted and the Senate adjourned.
