Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1844-12-12
Summary of Legislative Intelligence.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.

AT IL O'Clock the House was calIeu 10 Dfdel OF
Mr. PAYNE OF Fluvanna, the Father of the House"
Mr. Watts said, the House having been called
to ORDER according to ancient custom, by the SEMI
or member the venerable gentleman from fluvan-
ma he would proceed, by bis request, to move its
OF ganiza,ion and, with that view, he would NOM
mate to the House for the effce of Clerk, George
w. Munfoid, Esq, of the city OF Richmond. 1t
was unnecessary to say anything with regard 10 he
fitness of Mr. Munford for the oihce-the ability
and fidelity with which he had discharged its du-
ties through series of years the best
mentary upon his qualifcaions-the best
mendation that could be offered.
Mr.. Munfsrd was unanimously elected, and
having taken his sest,
Mr.. Watts said:
Mr.. Clerk, having filed the Office, the duties of
which now devolve upon you, it is next in order to
proceed to the election OF Speaker to preside
over the deliberations of the House-an Office no
less impor tant than it is distinguished.
That unfortunate and ill.advised monarch, Chas,
T., entered the House of Commons, on a certain
occasion, and, in an authoritative manner, deman-
ded of the Speaker whether any of the five mem
bers ne came to apprehend were within the Housed
The Speaker promptly replied, May it please
your Majesty, have neither eyes to see, ears
to hear, tongue TO speak, 6ut as the House rs
pleased to direct me, whose servant am here,
and humby beg your Majestys pardon that |
cannot give any other answer than this TO what
your Majesty is pleased to demand y
This pilhy answer, embraces the duty Of he Speak
er of the House He is its organ to its rules,
carry into effect its orders, and to give, far as
possible, expedition to the business of the Session.
shall present to the consideration of the House,
said Mr. W, gentleman who is equal to this
task, and that gentleman is Valentine W. Southall
of the county of Abemarle. MIR. Southall will car
nv with him into the Chair, the experience OF sew
eral years service, and he is commended to the
present Session. by the unanimous vote of the last
| House of Dele gates. For when the regular Speak
er OF that body, now the lamented Holeman, was
confined by indisposition to his chamber, Mr..
Southall was unanimously selected to supply his
place. Mr.. Clerk, said Mr.. W., we have harmon
ised in the election of Clerk. by unanimous vote,
| trust, Sir, that we shall also unite voices in
the election of Speaker
| No other person being put in nomination, the
roll was called with the following result:-For v
w. Southall, lie; For r. A. Banks, g: For J. r,
Edmunds, /:
The Speaker laid before the House the annual
Communication from the Governor, which was
read by the Clerk.
Mr. Stephenson returned thanks, on behalf oil
the region Of the country from which he came, to
the Governor Cor his views in regard to the inter
ests of the Northwest This was the first Execu
tive communication which had ever done justice to
this portion Of the State. On motion OF Mr.. s, a
thousand copies of the Message were ordered to
| be priEted.