Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-11-08
Letter from Richmond.

Correspondence or the Alexandra GaZette !
RICHMOND, Nov. 7.-Panctuality is, or
should be, a fundamental principle in legislation
as we'll as in all other things 10 this life, but
unfortunately it is but little observed as far as
the Virginia Legislature is concerned, and as
consequence, Notwithstanding the urgent ne
cessity for full attendance this morning and
for the remainder of the session, both houses
were without quorum, and 60 business could
he transacted, but the State must bear the
burden Of the expense Only nineteen mem :
hers appcared in the Senate and about forty in
the House, although on Saturday, when the
resolution Tor prolongation Of the session was
nassed there was more than quorum in either
branch.
The little legislation that was done to day
was BY the consent Of those present, but the
moment it became necessary to take vote on
any question, notwithstanding the CONSUMPTION
of time in hunting up members, an adjourn
mept had to be ordered, and thus one day has
been wasted.
The Govcrno! sent 10 the House OF Dele
gates this morning, message vetolng tht
bill amending the code in relation to juTles
in criminal cases and change Of venue, upon
the grounds that the bill does not allow the
Corporation Courts equal digolty and jurlsdc'
ton with Circuit Courts, and that it allows
criminal to be tried by a jury OF treeholdcrss
at his option, which the Governor contend:
are in violation Of the Constitution.
He also sent to the Senate o message, veto
ing bill in regard to the Corporation Court o
the city of Norfolk, upon the ground that tht
bill would give to that Court peculiar iurlsdlc
ton, and that it is not necessary to tax TIT
people of Norfolk for Judge, provision To-
which has already been made by the State:
In the Senate, on motion OF MIR. Rlddlck,
the Governor was requested TO return tint
Fence bill' in order that certain OF It's pro
visions may be amended, and the Road bill wa
also, on motion of Mr.. Fitzpatrick, requested tt
be returned, it having been determined to har'
mouize tho views of the Legislature and Exec
utiVe in certain particulars.
Both Houses have passed RESOLUTION u
adjourn on Thursday, sine die.
Several leaves of absence we're granted az
sentees in tho House today, but the SENATE
refused to grant any. although Radical mem
Der appealed to be allowed to 60 home to rote
MIR. Pendleton, of Botetourt, was quite, Sc
vero upon those who abscnted themselVc
from their public duties to attend to private
affairs, and was followed in the same strall
by Messrs. Taylor, Of Loudoun, Fitzpatrick
ard others.
There is considerable political excitement il
the city, and the TACT that the Federal an
thorlies have quartcred two companies OF u
8. troops here for the purpose OF "eDtorcInt
order" when there are no more signs OF con
fusion than there were two weeks ago, whel
Richmond was as dull as possible. The Con
servatives are quite jublant, hoping to be sue
cessful tomorrow.
Sands, the accomplce Of Chahoon, ha
been convicted and his term of coufuemen
in the Penitentiary fixed at five years: Sand
was candidate for County Judge of Henrlct
before the Legislature, and was very nearI.
being elected.