Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-01-08
RGINlA LEGISL
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
MONDAY, Dec. 30, 1916.
The House met at 10 o'clock.

MONDAY, Dec. %, 1916.
The House met at IL o'clock.
Mr.. Taylor offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That select committee be appoint
ed to inquire into the expedency of the passage
OF a law authorsing and requiring the Clerk of
the House of Delegates, before he shall grant his
certificate of pay 10 the members of the same to
require OF them statement Of the number Of days
they have been absent from the service of the
House, and to make deduction accordingly from
their pay, except such absence was caused by
sickness.
MIR. Taylor said: Mr.. Speaker, think it must
he apparent TO every member present, that it is
absolutely necessary that some action should be
had upon this subject. What has been the silu-
alton of this House for several dayspast9 Have
We not been compelled to suspend all business
Tor the want OF quorum? Yes, sir, we have,
and that, too, in consequence of the absence.of
large portion of the members, who have left with
out the consent of the House, and are now with
their families. absent on private business. If
members will refer to the Journal, they will find,
that the first rule adopted for the government of
this House, declares that "no member shall alb
sent himself from the service of the House with
out leave, unless he be sick and unable to attend"
When l first had the honor of seat upon the
floor, it very rarely happened that this rule was
dlsregarded, but the evil has been increasing up
on us year after year, until this rule has become
dead letter. think, sir, there has not been a
single instance thus far, during this session, that
leave OF absence has been asked for one single
member; yet, from the number Of vacant seats all
around this Hall, doubt very much if a count
was had, if we should not be found at this time
without quorum. You are aware, Mr.. Speaker,
that II leave is granted member, his pay ceases
during his absence, but if he absents himself
without leave, he can draw his pay for the time
he is absent. Now, sir, do not think that this
Is right, and, for one, I'm disposed to apply
remedy. Let US touch the pocket nerve-I am
inclined 10 believe that it will prove to be very
effectual remedy.
The resolution was then adopted.
On motion of Mr.. Strother,
Resolved, That the Committee Of Courts of
Justice inquire into the expediency of SO amend
ing the existing laws concerning free negroes
and mulattoes, as TO authorize and empower the
county courts OF this commonwealth TO remove
any free negroes, &C., living in their several
counties out Of this State, and to raise the sums
OF money required for such removal by hiring the
said free negroes and mulattoes in The mode now
provided by law, when they fail 10 pay their
county levies, &c.
BILLS PASSED.
The following engrossed bills were read a third
time and passed:
A bill aulhorising a separate election in each
of the counties of Loudoun and Rockingham;
a bill Incorporating the Charleston manufac-
turing company;
RAILROAD TO THE OHIO.
On motion of MIR. Lyons leave was given to
bring in bill for the construction of a railroad
from Richmond on the south side of James River
to some point on the Ohio River, at or below the
mouth Of the great Kanawha River, and Messrs
Lyons, Garnett, Lanier, Goodson, Patrick and
Lee were appointed committee to prepare and
bring in the same.
On motion of Mr.. Baldwin,
Resolved, That the Committee Of Courts Of
Justice inquire into the expectancy Of providing
w forf ho nYIu 70 ~f he
OF death.
PETITIONS.
Petitions were presented and referred-By Mr..
Baldwin, of citizens Of Augusta, for the incorpo-
ration OF a company to construct a railroad from
the Western terminus of the Louisa Railroad 10
the Ohio river-By Mr.. Long, of citizens of Bar
bour, against the formation of new county out
OF parts of Barbour, Lewis, Harrison, and Ran
dolPh-By Mr.. Thompson Of b., of citizens of
Bo'etourt, in favor of an extension of the canal
from Lynchburg 10 Covington, and demonstrating
against any appropriation to lateral works until
the canal is finished thus fairly Mr.. Patrick, of
citizens Of kanawha, for the formation of new
county out of portions of kanawha, Mason, and
Cabell.
TUESDAY, Dec. 80, 1915.
On motion of Mr.. Fox, Resolved, That the
General Agent Of the Penitentiary be requested
to furnish this House, at early day as con-
yenient, with Report, showing the number of
pairs of Boots and Shoes including Brogues, de-
signaling The different qualities that are on hand
in said Institution, and what proportion of each
quality has been manufactured in each year from
1889 inclusive to the present date.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
MIR. Scott, from the Committee of Courts Of
Justice, reported bill concerning lien of fee
bills.
Also, reported bill concerning proceedings or
rules.
Also, reported adversely to the aboishment Of
punishment by stripes of white persons for GER
tain offences.
Also, reported adversely to amending the ex-
isiing laws concerning free negroes and muattoes.
Also, reported on the iDexpedjeDcy Of provi-
ding by Law for authorizing Constables to serve
Ca sas.
Also, reported adversely 10 the petition OF
Members Of the Bar Of the town Of Lynchburg,
for compensation to the Sergeant of said town,
Tor extra services.
Also, reported adversely 10 the petition Of w.
b. Harrison, Admir- Of George T.. Harrison, for a
law authorizing him 20 invest the surplus funds
Of the estate Of his testator in stock.
Mr.. Lyons, from the Select Committee ap-
pointed for the purpose, reported bill for the
incorporation of the Richmond and Ohio Rail
Road Company. Ordered 10 be printed.