House of delegates.
Monday, March 18th, 1861.
The House was called to order at 11 o'clock, by the Speaker.
The Senate bill incorporating the American Agency was laid on the table.
Bills Passed.--Senate bill for the relief of Edward Johnson, of Giles county; for the relief of the securities of Reese Browning, late Sheriff of Logan county; incorporating the Bank of Parkersburg, in the county of Wood; refunding to Lynn and Campton a license tax improperly collected of them; amending an act incorporating the town of Portsmouth; authorizing the town of Portsmouth to issue coupon bonds; incorporating the trustees of the Parkersburg Classical and Scientific Institute; relieving the securities of Thos. K. Davis, late Sheriff of Prince William county; for the relief of Joseph N. Harper, of Brunswick county; for the relief of Enoch Atkins, of Giles county; for the relief of Moses G. Booth, of Franklin county.
Lost Coupons.--Senate bill paying the amount of a lost coupon to Jas. C. Maguire, was read in regular order and put on its passage.
Mr. Duckwall opposed the passage of the bill, as it established a dangerous precedent.
If the House continued to pay coupons lost or affirmed to be lost by the carelessness of bondholders, the State at some future period would be victimized to a large extent, when members would, when too, late, see the propriety of arresting such legislation.
Mr. Burks said the bill drew an analogy between coupons which had been endorsed and negotiable notes.
When the latter were lost, they could be recovered.
Coupons stood upon precisely the same footing.
Messrs. Myers and Jones of G. favored the bill on the grounds of justice to the parties.
The bill was amended on motion of Mr. Haymond, by requiring resident security on real estate.
Mr. Christian said he should vote against the bill, as it established a precedent that must inevitably create carelessness on the part of coupon holders.
The bill passed — ayes 90, noes 11.
Committee Reports.--Adverse to the passage of Senate bill refunding a sum of money to Silas Reese, of Hampshire, and directing the payment of certain interests to E. J. O'Brien.
Adopted.
State's Prison.--The Committee of Finance were granted permission to send for persons and papers in reference to the report of the Committee on the State's Prison.
Re-Charter of Banks.--On motion of Mr. Gibson, of Hampshire, the bill for re-chartering the Bank of Virginia, and all similar bills, were made the order of the day for Tuesday, (to-day,) at 12 o'clock.
Militia Bill.--A Committee of Conference was appointed on the subject of the disagreement between the two Houses relative to the bill "amending certain laws in respect to the Militia of the Commonwealth, so as to render the same more effective." The subject of disagreement was an amendment of the Senate.
Adjourned. 