General Assembly of Virginia.
Senate.
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 1862.
The Senate was opened with prayer by
Bishop Early.
Upon motion of
Mr. Johnson, of
Bedford, the Senate took a recess of half an hour in order to witness the meeting of the
Confederate States Congress.
The Senate re-assembled at one o'clock.
Mr. Johnson, from the
Committee on Roads and Internal Navigation, to whom was referred a resolution to inquire into the expediency of providing for the speedy completion of the
Alexandria,
Loudoun and
Hampshire Railroad, submitted a report that it is inexpedient to legislate upon the subject.--Concurred in.
Bills presented.
Bills were presented from standing committees:
‘
To amend and re-enact an ordinance of the
Convention authorizing the county courts to make provision for the maintenance of the families of soldiers in the actual service of the
State or of the
Confederate States.
To provide for and regulate the salary of the third clerk in the
Treasurer's department.
To authorize the civil authorities of the
Commonwealth to render aid in arresting deserters from military service.
Appropriating the public revenue for the fiscal years 1861-'62 and 1862-'63.
’
Bills passed.
The following Senate bills were taken up and passed:
‘
To extend the time for the exercise of certain civil rights and remedies.
To amend 2d section of chapter 175 of the Code, so as to provide for the temporary appointment of Commissioners in Chancery.
To authorize the use of the jails and poor-houses of the
State by the
Confederate States for the safe keeping of the free negroes arrested by military authority.
For the relief of the indigent soldiers who have been or may be disabled in the military service of the
State, and the widows or minor children of soldiers who have died or may hereafter die in the service.
[Authorities, counties, towns, and corporations to make provision for affording such relief.]
’
Military Exemptions.
A message from the House of Delegates, by
Mr. Robertson, was received, informing the Senate of the passage by the
House of the Senate bill respecting persons exempt from all military duties, with amendments.
The said amendments were read and concurred in.
Mr. Nash stated that had he been present when the vote was taken on the amendment of the Senate, by which members of the General Assembly were exempted, he would have voted in the negative.
On notion of
Mr. Brannon, the Senate adjourned.