Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1867-03-07
The General Assembly.

On Saturday last Governor Peirpoint
communicated to the General Assembly Of
Virginia his proclamation converting it in
extra session at 12so'clock to-day. The
regular session was concluded at II o'clock
Satusday night by an adjournment sine
die.
The two Houses will meet in extra ses-
sion to-day to consider such matters as
may be presented for deliberation by the
Executive, and to dispose of such unfn-
ished business of sufficient Importance un-
der all circumstances to demands action AS
this extra session is entirely distinct from
the regular session just concluded, all bus
mess left on the table will have to be in
troduced as though it were original At
the commencement of the extra session
called by Governor Wise, by a two-thirds
vote it was agreed that all the business left
by the regular session should take precise
" the place and condition in which it stood
before the adjournment. Whether the new
rules now prevailing would allow this, we
are unable to say. But we suppose the
Legislature will have perfect control of the
matter, and may, if it pleases, adopt pre-
cisely the course pursued by the extra ses-
sion during the administration of Governor
Wise.
All must appreciate the exceedingly del
icate and embarrassing nature of the ques-
tons for the consideration of this extra SEES
sion. Never before had o Virginia Legi-
stature such momentous responsibilities
The people of the State will look to their
action with the utmest anxiety. They will
deliberate under the authority and by the
permission Of the military power Of the
Federal Government. The Provincial
Legislature under King George was not
SO powerless and impotent as are the sena-
tors and delegates of the Virginia General
Assembly-now the tolerated representa-
tives of the people Of Military District
No. l." Not line nor word can they en-
act that may be disapproved by the mill
tary commander. The sword is suspend
ed over them, and the General Assembly
has become mere register Of the edicts Of
the Congress and its military authority.
| While we may congratulate the State that
we have now so reasonable and considerate
an officer as General Schofeld to command
US, the fact that we have military des-
potism as complete under the law establish
ing it as ever existed on the face Of the
earth, is undeniable and should the COM
maader be changed, and some one Of the
chicftains of the Federal army that we could
name be sent here, we would soon have
vigorous and fearful manifestation of the
extent of the power deposited in his hands.
Legislating as the members Of the AS
sembly must, under the surveillance Of
military authority, and in conformity with
the act of Congress which establishes it
over them-that act which executes itself
all its enactments must be regarded as
done under duress They cannot proceed
If they proceed at all--in any direction
but in that which is in conformity with the
erations.
This is exactly the condition of the &C.
neral Assembly of this once proud old Com
monwealth. 70 decline to act brings in
view consequences which are fraught with
peril-to act is to drink the dregs one of
the bitterest cups ever concocted by inge-
nuity and vindictiveness.
In this dilemma we put great trust in
the Legislature 1t is. composed Of sensi-.
bic and we'll tempered gentlemen. They
will, we are sure, meet frankly the duty
devolvcd upon them, and discharge it with
their best judgment for the prosecuted peo-
pie of Virginia. Whatever of disgrace
NAV be reflected in the situation, and the
alternative selected viii attach to our rul-
ers and not to us. The Constitution and
the laws are dead, and Force is supreme.
|-Richmoad Dispatch Of Monday