Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1871-12-12
From Richmond.

RICHMOND, Dec. 1l.-Baring some little
excitement caused by the appearance of few
cases of small! pox, everything here is remark
ably quiet-dull.
The Legislature had but short session to-
day, but during the time it was in session a
good deal OF business was transacted.
In the Senate, the following preamble and
resolution were agreed to:
Whereas, in many sections of Virginia, and
particularly in SOuthsde Virginia, there is lite
rally no market for land, and ip consequence Of
| the overwhelming Indebtedness Of the people
their lands are beng daily sacrificed by, forced
sales, whereby the debtor is stripped of his pro-
perry, without being relieved to any nppreciable
| extent Ol his Indebtedness; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Committee fJr Courts of
Justice be Instructed to inquire into the e1pedi-
ency of so amending section 9. of chapter 1885, OF
the code of 1860 as to prohibit the enforcement
of Judgment liens by Courts of Equity, unless it
appear that the rents and profits OF the real estate
will not satisfy the judgment within ten years.
\ iont resolution that the General Assembly
proceed on Saturday next to elect Il Secretary
| of the Commonwealth, treasurer. second
auditor, and an auditor of public accounts, of
fered BY Mr.: Taylor, of Loudoun, went over
under the rules.
Several resolutions of enquiry were adopted,
among them; whether or not the office of second
auditor can be discontinued, or consolidated
with that Of first auditor; to provide without
delay for revision of the laws of Virginia, and
of reducing them into the form Of code; to
amend the code in relation to docketng OF
judgments and other liens ofa like nature; to
amend the act in regard to tiduclarcs;to amend
the Constitution of the State as to require all
county and corporation judges to be elected by
the people, and also to restore to the people thc
election of Supreme aud Circuit judges.
The only bill of interest introduced was one
to provide for the levy, attachment or distress of
contract to be paid in money, and Tor the sale
of PROPERTY attached or dstrained
The Joint resolution c6ucerning relief from the
coecti1h:,ot ante-l ellun debts was taken up,
amended by increasing the number Of the com.
mittce, and 9su,scd but finally laid on the
Ii. w. Thomas, of Fairfax, was unanimous
" elected President pro tenn. OF the Senate.
4 bill for the assessment oftaXeS on railroads
and canal companies, and the collection of taxes
thereon, was referred.
In the House of DclegateSthe Committee on
Courts of Justice were instructed to inquire
what legislation Is necessary"to relieve the vot-
crs of this Commonwealth Of the great illcon-
venicuce in attending the present. system Of
: registration: and the people the burden of taxa
ton attaching thereto
The following resolution was adopted under
suspension of the rule THAT the Treasurer
Of the Commonwealth be requested to report to
the House, as soon as 1practcable, the whole
aurount Of the public debt funded under the act
the public drbs apE4svcd March 3Vth, ISL;
in COUPON, and he al Punt funded in registered
bonds. f.
ton of the act directing t4e'sale. tt the State
interest in the various :iyternal improvement
companies Of the CommDhAealth.
The Committee on Rules rtpurtcd adversely
upon the proposed change in the mode OF ap
pointing committee clerks.
4 iuint resolution was offered, directing the
Auditor to cease the issuing OF new bonds until
proper steps have been taken to ascertain the
entire amount that will be required to pay the
current expenses Of the State government: and
the interest upon the State debt.
Among the bills, resolutions, &C., introduced
aud referred, were the following TO aucnd
the 4th section Of the Homestead law proyid-
i ing for the rcasseSsment of the lands OF the
Commonwealth to amend the acts in relation
to overscers of roads; to provide for the re-
assessment of lands in the county Of Culpeper;
by Mr.. Matthew, resolution, that the Com
miltee on Finance inquire into the eXpediency
Of imposing tax on marriage licenses: bill
to amend the act to provide for the funding
and payment of the public debt; to amend the
road laws; for the payment Of the salary OF
Richard Parker, late Judge Of the 18th Ju-
dicial Circuit; to require entries OF the judg-
ment docket upon the discharge OF liens already
docketed; to prevent the adulteratlon Of liquors;
to inquire into the proprlety of amending the
law in relation to the privy examination and ac-
Acknowledgement of deeds by married women, so
as to authorize single justice of the peace to
make such examination and take such acknowl.
edgment; to prevent the sale of impure and
adulterated oils by Mr.. Neale, billto amend
and re-enact section /, of chapter o. Of the
code Of 1860, concerning harbor masters; to
enquire into the expediency of amending the I'd
section of the act to provide for the funding
and payment of the public debt so as the cou-
pons therein provided for shall not be receiv-
able for taxes, debts, dues and demands due the
State; inquirng into the expediency OF extend.
ing the jurisdiction Of a magistrate to SlOO,and
that q trial by jury be allowed in all sums over
$40, should the parties 30 elect aud pay the
expense; to amend the code with reference to
sales under attachments; amending the code IN
relation to meetings and adjournment OF Circuit,
County and Corporation Courts.
A petition was presented from citizens of
King George county, praying for change in
the road system, township organizations; an
amendment to the constitution.
Mr. Neale, of Alexandria, TO day, introduced
in the House bill amending the code in rela,
ton to harbor masters. The object of the bill
is to do away with the fees of the harbor master
at Alexandria.
There is disposition manifested on the part
ofmany of the members of the Legislature to
reduce the expenditures Of the State govern
ment, mauy Of them showing. determination
to favor the reduction of their own pay.
1t is understood that the Superintsnd ent of
Public Buildings will 5000 ask the Legislature
for an appropriation for the repair of the State
house, both inside and out.
Kew. Dr. Hoge, pastor of the Second Pres
byterian Church, in this city, has declined to
accept the call given him to Nashville.
Mr.. L. G. Rowe, formerly editor Of the