The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-03-29
Virginia Legislature.
JANt hDEz ~ -
House of Delegates.

A message was received from the Senate,
informing the House of the passage by that
body of various bills-amongst theu, House
bill concerning the next term OF the General
Court; House bill amending the charter
of the James River and kanawha Company;
and House bill authorizing change IN the
course of Scott street, in Norfolk City.
The Speaker laid before the House, COM
munication from the Executive, enclosing
communication concerning the Bell-House
and Public Square.
The communication is signed by SWIM b.
Giles, for the Committee on the Capitol
Square, r. w. Hughes, Superinle ndent of
Weights and measures, and Charles DIM
mock, Superintendent OF Public Buildings"
who recommend the removal of the Bell
House, the erection ofsererai new gate-ways,
a ire-proof building for the preservation and
use of the elaborate and costly standards OF
Weights and Measures" which are to be
distributed to the State under all act OF
Congress. "The gateway OF the principal
entrance" saws the communication, should
be somewhat imposing structure; and may
be easily so constructed as TO answer admira-
bly, and exactly all the purposes ofan imposing
and handsome gateway with room above
the arches precisely suited for the standards;
another room above that for 4 Guard-Room,
and the whole suimounted by a clock and bell,
substituting the present. Bell-House, by avoid
ing the necessity of having guard constant
ly kept on duty TO strike the time, when It may
be done much more accurately by machinery.
1t is worthy of remark" continues the COM
munication, "and perhaps not very credltable
TO the State of Virg mia, that in this age OF
mechanics, soldier of the State Guard is con-
sfantly kept on duty TO perform the unmita-
ry function of clock-hammer; and is made,
during the tedious hours of the night, as well
DIV tn watch the advent nf oh
period of time, and announce it BY striking
upon a bell" In the place of such a clock,
ii is recommended that the usual town clock
be erected on the proposed gateway building.
The above communications, on motion OF
Mr.. Robinson, of Richmond city. were refer
red to Special Committee to be appointed by
the Speaker.
On motion of Mr.. Pinnell, the Committee OF
Courts of Justice were instructed 10 inquire
into the expedieney Of SO amending the exist
ing laws relating to Furnishing CRIME with nm
prsonment in the PenltentiaIy, as to PROVIDE
by law that hereafter no person shall be so con-
fined for shorter period than three years.
On motion of Mr.. Bower. the Executive was
Instructed 10 furnish to the House tabular
statement of the names and salaries OF all Inc
officers and agents of joint stock companies OF
roads, canals, bridges, and other institutions IN
which the State has an interest, Including the
different Bank officers, &c, with view OF in-
formation, economy and retrenchment.
The regular business OF the day, the bill
providing for the election OF county officers,
was taken mp.
DIRECT TRADE.-The Europa passed the
Harkaway on the Oath. the day of the arrival
at New York. The Harkaway is from Liver
pool, bound to City Point, with cargo of for
eign goods for the merchants of Petersburg and
this city.
G8 General Scott appears to be the decided
favorite of the Pennsylvania wings. In the
late State Convention one hundred and thr-
teen delegates were in favor of Scott for the
Presidency, and five were for the nominee of
the National Convention. Electors and dele
gates were chosen, and the assemblage adj