Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-12-12
NO. ".
virginia Legislators.

MospAr. Dec. Senaie.-The Senate was
called to order at l2 O'Clock, by Lieut.. Governor
Leake. Shelton G.. Davis was elected Clerk;
John Jordan, Sergeant at. Arms John Warfock,
Printer ar ID. Sheffey Baldwin, Doorkeeper.-.
The Goyernor's Message was received and read,
and the Senate then adjourned.
Hou~-The House Of Delegates was called TO
order by Mr.. Powell, Of Loudon. MIR. Crdch-
field was elected Speaker, and MIR. Tucker was
elected Clerk. without opp stion. The remain
ing offices were filled as follows Robert Brad
ley, Sergeant-at Arms; r. Cawthorn, First Door-
keeper; F. Nj. Farrell, Second Doorkeeper.
The Speaker was directed TO invite the min
listers of the several religious denominations in the
city To open the session elch day with prayer.
On motion of Mr.. Ellyson, the CommItIee on
Banks, when appointed, was directed to inquire
into the expediency of chartering an independent
bank, in Richmond, under the style Of the "Bank
of Richmond" with minimum capital OF $2O0,-
900. and maximum capital Of ST 600 900.
The petition of Mr.. Claybrook, contesfng the
election of Mr.. Harding OF Lancaster, and the pc
ition Of Mr., CockervilIe, contesting the election
Of Mr.. Thrift, Of Fairfax, were presented and re-
ferred tn the appropriate committee.
On motion Of Mr.. Iomlin, it was resolved that
the committee of Roads and Internal Navigation
be instructed to enquire into the expediency Of re-
porting bill to provide the necessary appropra-
ton for completing the line of railroads to connect
the Chesapeake Bay with the Ohio river BY way
Of the York River, Central, and Coyington and
Ohio Railroads.
TuEspIY.- Senate.-The President announc-
ed the standing Committees for the session. II
was resolved that the Senate would, with the con-
cnrrence of the House, on Saturday the 9Th inst,
proceed to elect United States Senator. A large
number of resoluons chiefly in reference to inter-
nal Improvements, were adopted-among them
the following
That the Committee on Banks enquire into the
expediency Of re-chartering the present banks OF
Virginia, with such notifications and alterations
as may be deemed necessary.
That the Committee on Roads, &C., enquire in-
to the expediency of making an additional appro-
priation for the further construction OF the Gov
ington and Ohio Railroad. -
That the Committee of Roads enquire into the
expediency of incorporating company to con-
struct railroad from Harrisonburg 10 Rocking
ham. to some point on the Virginia and Iennes-
see Railroad in Roanoke county.
That the Committee on Courts be instructed
to enquire into the expediency ofproyiding by law
fur an increase Of the compensation of Magis-
trates.
That the Committee on Roads enquire into the
expediency OF increasing the capital stock of the
Virginia Central Railroad Company, for the pur-
pose of Strengthening their line between Richmond
and Charlottesville.
House.-Another avalanche Of resolutions was
showered upon the House, the bulk OF which
were ON the subject OF Improvements, asking ap-
propriations, charters, extentuns. &c.
The House agreed to the Senate's resolution 10
reference to the election of U. s. Senator, after an
effort to postpone the election to later day.
On motion of Mr.. Mallory the following joint
resolution was adopted:
Resolved by the General Assembly. Ihata
jont committee Of seven members of the Senate
and thirteen of the House of Delegates be aP-
pointed with view to the adoption of more effec-
iua means to prevent the escape Of slaves from
this Commonwealth To the Northern States, and
to provide for the summary punishment OF persons
detected in aiding or abetting the same; and to
enquire into the expeJiency of measures Of retalia-
ton and self defence against such OF the Northern
States as are engaged in war upon our lnsslsu-
tons.
On motion Of Mr.. Kemper.
Resolved, that the Committee OF Q. OF J. in-
qure into the expedency of repeating or essential
ly modifying and relaxing the Usury Laws.
On motion of Mr.. Kemper, the Committee on
the Militia were instructed to inquire into the ex-
pediency of recognizing the militia, restoring Pc
riodcal musters, and providing more efectuaIIy
for the dress and drill ofthe militia.