Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-02-08
ERGfsLATuRE OF VIRGINIA.
SENATE.
SATURDAY, Feb. 5,

SATURDAY, FEB. D, 1888.
BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAIL ROAD.
Mr.. THOMAS submitted the following resolution
| which, be said, was one of more than ordinary
character, 10 which his constituents had deep
interest. 1t will be recolIected that Virginia, in
an evil hour, had granted to the Baltimore and
| Ohio Railroad Company, the right of way
through her territory, and had imprudently con-
terred upon that corporation powers and privileges
which were used to the detriment of his con-
stituents.
This company by its unjust determinations
against the trade destined to Alexandria, have al
| ready crippled the commerce of that city, and
now endeavor, by this improper course, still fur
Their to injure her interests.
A development has recently occurred in a suit
instituted by one of the gentlemen employed by
that company, to procure its charter, by which
it appears. that in order to avoid the payment of
the fee which they contracted to give him, the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company have
solemnly pleaded that this contract. by which the
services of that agent obtained, was against
public policy. and therefore null aud void. In
other words the admission is made, that the Vir
ginia Legislature were cheated by improper in
fuences aud representations, into the grant they
bestowed upon that company, and this fact now
stands adjudicated by one of the United States
Courts.
An opportunity is now offered to have this
matter udcially investigated and hold (sad
MIR. THoMAs) that it becomes us, that our duty
demands, to take such steps will compel that
company to act correctly towards the citizens
of Virginia, and test the validity of that char
ter, thus illegally and fraudulently obtained.
Resolved That the Committee for Courts of Justice
be instructed enquire into the character of the
employed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company
obtain from the Legislature of this State the right of
way to Wheeling that part of the territory of V
ginia which the is Observation-Disclosures it be
in the power of the General Assembly to annul the act
by which that right conferred; whether any, and if
any, what legislative Judicial proceeding, the crcum-
stances fthe require. The said Committee shall
have power send for persons and papers, and report
the result of its investigation to this body.
Mr. WATSON suggested modification of the resolution.
which discussed by Messrs. DENEALE, WATSON and
THOMAS until the expiration OF the morning hour, when
the Senate proceeded to the consideration OF the bill
corning the
CONVICTION EXTENSION TO THE OHIO RIVER.
Mr.. SHEFFEY was entitled to the floor but gave way
Mr.. STANDS who advised the friends Of this measure to
take what they want now, and break up internal inn
provement combinations
Mr.. SHEFFEY followed in earnest energetic appeal
ospass the bill in form that will enable the company
complete the work in manner conducive to the best
terests of the public
any proposition that appropriated this session more
money than could be judciousy expended within the
next twelve months, the General Assembly will meet
| the ensuing winter.
| Mr.. REGER willing to vote million Of dollars
but he did feel disposed to undertake do the
work of future Legislatures. He opposed the amend
| ment.
Mr. AMBLER advocated the passage of the bill. and was
| in favor of the amendment.
| After some further remarks from Messrs. DOUGLAS,
| DENEALE, WITcHER, Mason and WARD the question
was put the amendment and it agreed to by the
| following vote-ayes 81, noes II.
| The bill amended was then read third time and
| passed by the following vote
AYEs-Messrs. Amber, Baldwin, Barnett, Brent, Ca
| bell Campbell Creigh Daniel, Deneale Greaver Hail.
Layne, Parker Paxton Ptman, Saunders, Shackelford
Shelley, Sherrard Stoval Stuart Sweeney, Tabb Tho
mas, Wade. Ward, Watson, White, Winston, and
| Witcher-30
/ Noes-Messrs. Basel Brown, Cowan, Douglas, Gran
| than, Isbe, Martin, Mason, McDcarmon, Moncure Re
| ger, Shands Tate, and Thompson-14.
| MIR. SHERRARD from the select committee on the sub
iect reported bill to incorporate the Hampshire Coal
! and Iron Company.
On motion of Mr.. SHERRARD, the Senate adjourned un
| till Monday at IL o'clock.