Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-01-20

ton, but for action. Speaking OF the 2Dd feso'
luton, he cited an instance which might occur,
in which one of the extreme Northwestern
States, settled by foreigners, who had not the
prejudice of race might adopt constitution
placing the white and black races on an equal
tooting-a course of action which might send
free negro representative to the halls OF Con-
gress.
Mr.. Coghil-The bred Scott decision settles
that point in declaring negro not a citizen OF
the United States, therefore, he could not SIT 10
Congress.
Mr.. Stuart-That decision has application on
" to States where the laws make distinction
between the white and black races.
Mr.. Beale-Could not Utah be admitted into
the Union, and the very next week hold Con-
vention and engraft in its constitution the mon
strosities they now practice.
Mr.. Stuart-The gentleman is right; but that
fact would not deter me resisting its admission
as long as practicable on legal grounds, and in
sistipg that at least when Utah came in its con-
stitution should be acceptable. Mr.. Stusrt con-
cluded by saying that had the majority offered
to meet the minority for consultation, not as
Democrats. but as Virginans, he would have
cheerfully gone into it, and acted with them IN
the fullest manner. AS it was, he should re-
main silent. The members who were IN that
caucus stood here bound to vote for the resolu'
tons as they were, and it would be useless 10
attempt to modify or change them.
The vote was finally taken and the original
resolutions were adopted.
House.-Among the bills reported was one,
authorizing the county courts OF Augusta and
Albemare to purchase from the Stanton and
James River Turnpike Company rights, prlVl-
leges, etc., conferred by said act.
Observation-Disclosures othing of any special
interest or Importance transpired.
House.-Mr. Carter, of Richmond county,
presented bill and report from the special COM
mittee to make arrangements for the Inaugural
ton of the equestrian statue of Washington
The bill, which appropriates $4,000 for defray.
ing the expenses of the occasion, was advanced
and passed Yeas 121-no, Mr.. Sturm, of Bar
bour county
Among the resolutions Of inquiry was the fol-
lowing:
By Mr.. Carpenter-Of extending the Manas-
sas Gap Rail Road, or branch thereof, from
Harrisonburg, by way of Augusta Springs,
Warm, Hot, and Healing, or as near as practical
bic, to Covington.
The House then resumed the consideration OF
the Senate bill to provide for vacancies in the
office of Lieutenant Governor.
FRIDAY.-iSenate.-N Nothing of Importance.
House-Mr. HowertoD, from the special COM
mittee on the subject of the removal of free ne
groes reported "a bill for the relief of the Com
monwealth from the free negro population. p
The said bill was laid upon the table, ordered to
be printed, and made the special order of the
day for the 9th inst,
A resolution was introduced, requiring the
various banks throughout the Commonwealth to
resume specie payments by the lst OF June next,
and in default thereof to forfeit their charters
and be required to go into liquidation.
Mr.. Massie presented petition of citizens OF
Augusta in regard to the tax on Merchants Lii
cense.
Senate. -SATURDAY.-The Joint Committee
on Lunatic Asylums reported the following res
olutions.
Reso1ued, That in the opinion of the commit
tee on Lunatic Asylums, of the Senate and House
of Delegates in conference assembled, it is expe-
dent that separate joint committees, consisting
of two members, on the part OF the House OF
Delegates, be appointed by the respective presi..
ding officers in the two houses of the General
Assembly, whose duty it shall be to visit the
Eastern and Western Asylums, and to examine
fully into their condition and management and
make report to the General Assembly now in
session.
House.-A bill was reported creating a fund
for the establishment of system OF free schools
throughout the Commonwealth
Mr. McCue presented the petition of David S.
Bell, etc. asking relief of the securities of the
late high sheriff of the county. of Augusta.
The House resumed the consideration of the
Senate bill to provide for filling vacancies, in
the office of Lieutenant Governor, etc., and the
amendment thereto, and after some discussion
the bill was passed.