Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-10-12
The Virginia Legislature.

The two Houses of the General Assembly
of Virginia met in the capitol yesterday
The House of Delegates entered into no per-
manent organization. Mr.. Mclaughlin, of
Rockbridge, was appointed temporary Chair
man, aud Mr.. Jones. of Albemarle, was made
temporary Clerk. The Speaker, by order of
the House, appointed Mr.. Burke, of Staun-
ton, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Mr.. Wilson, of
Botetourt, Doorkeeper. The two latter were
officers in the last House of Delegates. There
upon the House adjourned without further
action.
In the course of the brief proceedings that
took place Mr.. Bowden, of Norfolk some
what vociferously, and with considerable agi-
tation, savoring more of rage than of diff
dencc, protested against any one taking part
in the business of the House, or being elect
ed to any Office in it, who had not taken the
iron clad oath. This, of course, is in accord
ance with the game of the ultras They mean,
according to the journal, to deny the validi-
ty Of the Legislature, and to endeavor to in
duce Congress to set aside its acts. This places
them in opposition to the Administration and
indeed, to the universal sentiment of the peo-
pie of the United States. Thus for the sake
of the blood of the Treasury, the leeches who
have tasted it are ready to make war upon
General Grant, who they have always claims
cd as their especial friend, and to create an
agitation in Virginia and delay in her ad-
mission to the Union, which must be disas>
trous to the local interests and peace of the
State. That is, it must be so if they are at
all successful in their scheme; which we can.
not believe. They are now the smallest and
least considered of all parties in the United
States. Hard is the way of transgrcssors."
The Senate entered into permanent or
ganization, Lieutenant. Governor Lewis in the
chair, and chiefly the old officers of the body
were re elected. Mr.. Minor, of Loudouu. was
elected First Doorkeeper, and Abram Hall
(colored) Second Doorkeeper. The election
OF Hall wasa proper recognition of the courage
and constancy of the COored Walker Club,
who, in this city faced the threats ofthe black
mob OF RichmOnd-the most senselcss aud
brutal embodiment of humanity ever known
in the United States. Hall was in the calamity
of the bridge, in which the lamented Branch
persisted. Hall had his arm broken in his
intrepid efforts to rescue Colonel Branch
The House of Delegates were to have an
other caucus last night to determine their
policy on the question of organization-the
result of which will be found elsewhere.
The members are nearly all new, and ma
turally somewhat embarrassed as to the proper
steps to be taken. They show good deal of
caution and desire to avoid the danger of
wrangle when in elaboration during the sitting
of the House.
To-day there will be an organization of the
House under the determination of the caucus,
and we doubt not the Legislature will proceed
to business. Governor Walker will send in
message Immediately the Houses interchange
messages of readiness to go on with their work.
We anticipate brief and sensible document,
urging straightforward pursuit. of the policy
OF reconstruction as already begun, and the
ardent devotion of the talents, energies, and
means, of the State to the promotion of her
prosperity and growth. 1t will be no doubt
highly practical message
The little matter of organization being over,
We are sure the Legislature will proceed to
perform the limited business cut out for it in
a manner best calculated to facilitate recon-
struction and restore peace and prosperity to
the State.-RiehnaOnd Dispatch, October 6.
1.-THE organization ofthe House was effected
on Wednesday by the election of Mr. Turner
of RappahannOck as Speaker, and Mr. Bigger
of Richmond, as Clerk. The message of Gov
Walker was at once delivered to the two
Houses, and on Thursday referred to appro-
pirate committees. On Friday both Houses
adopted the Fourteenth and Fifteenth amend
ments, and then adjourned ever to the 18th
of 0ctober.l