Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-10-12


corded to them here but denied to them there
Self protection, therefore, demands that we do
our part towards securing the ratification of
that amendment; our interests REQUIRE it: our
faith is pledged to it.
When you shall have ratified the fourteenth
| and fifteenth amendments to the Constitution
ofthe United States, Virginia you will have COM
| piled fully and voluntarily, in letter and in
spirit, with all the conditions and requirements
OF the laws OF congress known as the recon-
struction acts, and will be entitled and I'M
doubtedly will be admitted, to Immediate rep
resentation in both branches of the National
Legislature on It's assembling in December
next. The law OF Congress itself provides that
when these conditions shall have been COM
piled with the Estate shall be declared entitled
to representation in Congress, and senator's and
representatives shalt be admitted on their taking
the oath prescribed by law"
Representatives have already been elected.
and it only remains for you to elect senator's to
complete the representation to which the State
Is entitled: L have never doubted your compe-
tency to elect nor the propriety of your elect
Ing senators at your present session. In nv
opinion it is clearly one of the requisites to
reconstruction. Complete restoration is ac-
complished by admission to representation in
Congress, and there can be no question that adj
mission to representation may to some extent
depend upon the representatives elected. -
While the election of senators would fully COM
plete every preparation necessary for the prom ut
admission of the State to representation in
both Houses of Congress, election of suitable
men for those exalted positions would unmista-
kably demonstrate the sincerity of our past ac-
ton and afford sure guarantee of our inten-
tons and purposes for the future.
In view of the fact that the new constitution
inaugurates many radical changes in our State
government, and necessitates prompt and
thorough legislation upon almost everv subject
within the scope Of your powers, [ respectfully
recommend to both Houses of the General AS
sembly the appointment of standing commit
tees at the present session, especially for the
consideration of finance, education, internal
Improvements, and the judiciary. The fnan-
cial condition of the State demands the serious
and thoughtful attention Of an able committee.
Our educational and judiciary systems and code
of laws must be remodelied and placed in har-
mony with the constitution; and our internal
improvements demand the gravest considera-
ton Of your honorable bodies. Committees
upon these and other important subjects. an
pointed now, with authority to sit during the
recess will be able to mature bills and have
them ready for introduction at the opening of
your next session. ,4
In conclusion, permit me to congratulate you
upon the progress already made towards the
restoration Of the State to civil government
Its good effects are already visible everywhere
within the State. Confidence is being restored
commerce is reviving; mining and manufac-
turing enterprises are being organized; capital
is seeking investment 10 our public improve
ments and in our rich agricultural and mineral
lands; and, above and more gratifying than all,
JOY and hope are taking the place Of gloom and
dependency. Peace and prosperity are once
more dawning upon our desolated land
Conscious of the rectitude of your own acts,
motives, and intentions, and relying upon the
continued favor of the Almighty disposer of
human events, let US all manfully grapple with
the living present, and confidently hone for a
glorious future for the Commonwealth
Respectfully,
GILBERT c. WALKER.
ACTION UPON THE MESSAGE
Mr.. Herndon, of Spottsylvania moved the
reference OF the message to special commit
tee, consisting OF three to confer with similar
committee from the House, and report what
action may be necessary by the General As
semby. The motion prevailed.
On motion of Mr.. Snowden, 500 copies Of
the message were ordered to be printed for the
use of the Senate.
| The President appointed the following COM
mittee under the resolution offered by Mr..
Herndon: Messrs. Herndon, French, Snow
den, Owen, and Teamoh (colored RadicaD.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
| The House met at II clock Mr.. Turner in
! the chair. Prayer by Rev. DR.. Edwards.
| MIR. Kelley 1.-THE morning hour having ar
rlved) moved the concurrence Of the House ia
| the Senate resolution providing for joint COM
| mittee to visit the Governor and commanding
General and notify them of the organization Of
| the General Assembly.
Before this motion was put, Mr. White
| (Radical) called for the placing of the protest
| OF the Radical members upon the Journal, and
| for its reading
| This was put to the House under call fol
| the ayes aud noes, aud lost by strict party
| vote.
The motion of Mr. Kelley was then taken ur
| and carried. The following gentlemen were ap-
pointed on the committee On the part of the
House: hessrs. Kelley. Woodson, Taylor
| Luther Lee, Jr., and Walker.
~ CONTESTED SEAT. aaai e1
| MIR. Popham presented the petition of G. W.
| ButtZ, contestng the seat of T. S. Merton, Of
James City and Williamsburg, for reference te
| the proper committee. @ <" is.
sa. THE IRoN-CLAD. ,1
| Mr.. Maddox renewed his motion of yesterday
requiring the permanent officers to take the test.
| 0atn 1t was lost. 9 f
On motion of Mr. Budd, the House hen took
recess until half past clock.
| -C, AFTER RECESS
The House reassembled at half past l clock.
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
| Shortly after the reassembling, the Govern
or message was announced by the Sergeant-at-
Arms and Colonel Cameron, the Governor
| aid, delivered the message to tho House which
was read. i as
| Mr.. Budd moved that the message be laid
| upon the table, and that $500 extra copies be
printed. -g
Mr.. Maddox moved that the message be re-
| terred to the same committee to which the pro-
test was referred. Overruled.
MIR. Budd's motion was then carried.
| MIR. Bell moved that the twentieth rule be
suspended, so that the message could be taken
| up and referred to special committee of FIVE.
Carried. iod- 81 st- ID gl-
Mr.. Bell then moved the reference of the
message to special committee of i've for action.
! MIR. McCracken asked permission to read the
closing part Of Attorney-General Hear. This
| he did IN very vehement manner, and denied
| the right Of the House to enter into any action
upon the mess age. He was proceeding in this
strain, and was remarking that Mr.. Walker
message might sound very well, but
Here the Speaker interrupted him and called
him to order, saying that his remarks were not
applicable to the motion before the House.
Mr.. McCracken: Il beg lave to differ with
We, SIR Laughter
MIR. Bell remarked that in order to meet the
gentleman objection he would modify his mo-
ton SO as to refer the message to the committee
with power to act in regard to the fourteenth
and fifteenth amendments
Mr.. McCracken livery excltedly:) Yes, but,
Mr.. Sargent, [ deny the right iy this House to