The Legislature.
--In the
Senate yesterday a bill was reported from the
Committee on Finance abolishing the
Auditing Board, and to provide for the settlement of claims remaining unsettled by said board.
On motion of
Mr. Dickinson, the following resolution was agreed to:
Resolved, That the
Committee on Finance be instructed to inquire into the expediency of abolishing the office of
Paymaster of the
State.
The order of the day (the militia bill) was then taken up.
In the
House, Mr. Magruder, from the Committee on Propositions and Grievances, reported a bill to amend the charter of the town of
Ashland.
He also reported adversely upon the resolution for the establishment of a home for disabled soldiers.
Mr. Bouldin, from the
Committee on Finance, reported a bill authorizing railroad companies to anticipate the time of paying debts due by them to the
State.
The following resolutions of inquiry were offered: By
Mr. Gilmer: For authorizing the banks to redeem their circulation with Confederate currency, and to compel holders of bank notes to present them for such redemption, under heavy penalties.
By
Mr. McCue: For compelling railroad companies to transport arms, ammunition, &c., at the prescribed rates, whether sent with the troops to whom they belong or not.
Mr. Burwell presented a bill to require railroad companies to furnish additional facilities for the purchase of tickets and better accommodations otherwise.
Referred to the
Committee on Roads.
Mr. Ambers called up the bill to increase the fine for refusing to labor on the public highways.
The bill was so amended as to make the minimum fine $3 and the maximum $5. It was then engrossed for a third reading.
The hour having arrived, the special order of the day, the bill to reorganize the militia of the
State, was taken up and considered the rest of the day's session.
