Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-03-08

THE LEGISLATURE.
A bill was rerorted in the Senate, on the 23rd
ult., imposing taxes for the support OF Govern
ment, and an act authorizing the receipt OF the
Treasury notes of the Confederate States in
payment of taxes and other public dues, and
regulating how and when the same shall be re-
ceived. a
On motion, the hour OF meeting was changed
from 12 to II O'Clock.
A Communication from the Governor, en-
closing the reply of the Secretary of War tothe
Joint resolution of the General Assembly for
suspension of the call this State for slave la
Dor on Notifications, &c., was read and laid ups
on the table. 5 ..
The Joint resolution for the appointment of
a Joint COMMITTEE to inquire into the alleged a.
buses and i'll treatment of conscripts at Camp
Lee was adopted, and q committee of three on
the part of the ,nate named.
The Senate then resolved itself into secret
session. After a short secret session the S-nate
adjourned. tit.
The House passed a Senate bill authorizing
the Board of Public Works to suspend the pay
ment of any internal improvement COR pa>
MES.
A bill was reported to recall absent citizens
of the Commonw ealtb, and who shall be ceem-
ed aliens in certain cases.
Also, bill to prevent the destruction OF en-
closures and private property on public highs
ways.
A MESSAGE was received from the Governor,
similar to that noticed in Senate proceedings,
and similarly disposed of.
A resolution of expediency was adopted for
providing by law for the escheat, forfeiture, or
|cnnfscation of the real estate of alien enemies:
The House resolved hereafter to hold evening
sessions.
Several recorts and a resolutions in regard to
salt, were presented.
A bill was passed amending the Code so as to
provide for the punishment of free negro con-
vcts in certain cases.
Also, bill increasing the compensation of
sheriffs and Sc: geants. Adjourned.
I In the Senate on the oath ult, the House a.
mendment to the bill to increase the allowance
to Sheriffs and Sergeants was agreed to.
A resolution o; inquiry, directed to the APP
nropriate committee, was adopted, having for
it's object the production of bill TO prohibit the
retail of ardent soirits.
A lengthy preamble in regard to exemption
| of State officers from service in the Confeder>
ate array, was referred to the joint committee
appointed TO consider the subject.
A bill YVES passed concerning iailors' fees.
| Also. a bill Amending the I'm section OF the
| 77th chapter of the Code.
The bill authorizing the Board of Public
Works to increase the rates of toll on railroad
| and other companies, &c, was also passed
i The bill .or tie assessment OF taxes on liz
oanses was made the order of the day for to-
morrow at 12 o'clock 49,
A resolution inquiring into the expediencJ
of rep:aling the tax BILL OF the State was ADOPT
ed
Adjourned, 33anH4
In the House. the Senate resolution providing
for joint committee % investigate aliege ao9'
pes at Camp Lee was pass ed, aitef cersaih hloo'
ifcations.
Mr.. Bou.din, from the Fina nee Commlttee,
report adversely upon the Senate hill appropri
ating money for the importation of ,'ertain ma
chinery for the use of th State, and Win LIZ
recommendation that it do not pass.
The Speaker presented the resignation o.
George W. L1rtv, member of the House, While
was accepted, and the Speaker authorized to is
sue his writ tor new election.
The act to provide relief fer the INDECENT fam
lilies of soldiers aud sailors in the war from the
State was passed.
Mr.. Baskerville introduced resolution to re-
peal the act imposing taxes for the support o
Government, except so much as relates 10 ta1e'
on license, which resolution was directed TO she
Committee On Finance.
AOJOUrDe0.
Senate-The joint resolution for the iIves-
Itigation of the alleged abuses OF conscripts al
Camp Lee, as amended by the House, was a.
greed to in the Senate on the 25th nit.
The amendment of the House to the bill a.
mending the charter of the Virginia Fire and
Marine Insurance Company, was also agreed
to.
A bill to increase the salary of the Printer OF
the Senate was REPORTED.
Also bill to amend the charter of the Rich
mond Importing and Exporting Company, so
as to increase the Capital stock.
Two bills were passed, viz:
Tn regard to the settlement of6duciaries, &c.
counts. and House bill to amend the first and 2.
ections of the act for the suppression of gal n
ing.
The consideration of the bill imposing taxe
ON licences occupied the remainder of the ses-
sion. H
In the House the following bills were repor-
ted
A bill amending and re enactiDg certain acts
and repeating an ordinance of the Convention
concerning aids to the Governor.
A bill to authorize sheriffs to summon pos
SO comitatus to aid in making impressments
| in certain cases.
Mr. Brooke, from the Joint Committee on
Salt, introduced resolution directing the Board
of public Works to use the power invested in
them to procure the transportation of an ade-
quate supply of fuel to and from the Salt Works
10 the order of priority, as provided for by ar
act of the Legislature at its extra session. The
resolution was adopted.
The bill to provide for the purchase abr oad
by the expectation of tobacco and cotton, of clio
thing blankets, and shoes for Virginia soldi err
in the service of the State or Confederate Sta tel
coming up as the order of the day, was orde re
| to its engrossment.
The bill appropriates $25o,o0o for its objec I