The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-02-09
LOCAL MATTERS.
NOTES FROM THE CAPITOL,

Inc capitol was the Centre OF attraction
yesterday for ofice-seekers, their friends,
and, indeed, many others. The galleries
of the Senate Chamber and hall of the
House of Delegates were crowded to over
flowing, while many spectators obtained
piaees upon the floors of either House, and
not few were unable to obtain admission.
The crowd in the Senate Chamber was
rather increased by rumor to the effect
that there would be some sort of objection
made to the occupation of the chair by
Lieutenant Governor Marye. That gentle
man took his seat, however, without any
remarks being made from either side of
the House, and his dignifed and graceful
bearing was all that his admirers could de-
sire. The attendance was pretty full, the
most notable absences being those Of Sena-
tor Riddick, of Nansemond, who is confined
at home by sickness, and Senator Lyons
(colored), of Elizabeth City, who was so
talkative at the last session.
The only business worthy of special no
tice done in this branch was the passage of
q resolution amending the rules SO that the
standing committees may be elected instead
of appointed by the President. This was
done at the desire, or at least with the ap-
proval, of Mr.. Marye, 1t nullifes the ap-
pointments made at the last session, which
had caused some dissatisfaction.
There was full attendance in the lower
House, and the members seemed disposed
to 60 to work ut once. The resolutions of
Mr.. Matthews, of Loudoun, asking for a
general removal of disabilities, elected no
debate. Of the ten members who voted
against it only one was negro-Edwards,
of Chesterfield. The other colored nem-
bers manfully voted aye, Notwithstanding
the admonitory winks of one or two white
delegates who aspire to the leadership of
the Radical faction. ..
The House resolved to proceed on Thurs
day to the election of what are known as
the Capitol oficers-viz.. Secretary of the
Commonwealth, Auditor, &c.; and on Sat-
urday to elect the Penitentiary- officers.
This action, however, may be rescinded, as
there is reason to believe that the congress
sional excursionists to Virginia, alluded tc
in our issue of yesterday, may reach Rich
mond on Thursday. in which case the Legis-
lature will probably be engaged in showing
them attention.
1t should be noted by candidates ant
their friends that tho resolutions passed bJ
the House in regard to the elections named
in the last paragraph require the concur
renee Of the Senate. e. ,-.
Mr. Popham, of Bath, suggesting q com
mittee to inquire whether all the member
of the Legislature had taken the fourteenth
amendment oath, was informed by tn
Speaker that the Committee On Elections
when appointed, would attend to tha
matter.
Business over, the members had to en-
counter difficulties of which they had littl
idea in making their way out of the house
The rush of otfice-seekers was almost over
whelming to the poor fellows. They shool
their heads, feigned deafness, spoke of en-
gagemcnts, or answered eyes" to every
thing, and some, by one or another o
these devices, made their escape; but thos'
who stopped to talk were lost. A few dic
not get to dinner until about dark, and thel
went up Exchange alley and through th'
kitchen of the hotel to dinner-taking tina
circuitous route for fear of being attacked
by struggling ofice-seekers on the street
Some swear in despair that if this state o
things continues they will resign. But the.
will get used to it in few weeks, let u
hope.