The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-03-16

I. J. II Clark, YIN. Cameron,
duncan McGregor, Geo. Cameron,
1 W. l.. Harrison, j. G. Bragg,
| sa Rogers, DR., A. G. McIiwaine,
Joseph Corr, VIM. s. Harrison,
| G. G. Clarke, Samuel Stevens,
George Hawks, John McGIIl, -...
j. r. Msgee, f. A. Goodwin, 4
F. h. Wright, 3 B. vanghan, ''
| Samuel j. Hurt, Jas. e. Routh
j. A. Johnston, II. L.. Plummer.
| A similar document to the foregoing was
also read, which was signed by the follow
ing names: '.'
Robert B: Boiling, D. B. Tenant
W4. M IA Soins VIZ u. L. 55s oEasosn.
I. L. Brooks, 7 ..n : 'f.. -'-
A LAWYERS VIEW.
Mr.. THOMAS, of Henry, then gained the
floor, and briefly compared the merits of
the two propositions before the House.
Assuming that the writing just submitted
by Mr.. Wood was binding upon the sign
ers, he asked which of the two propositions
presented itself most favorably to the repre-
sentativeE Of the people of Virginia? Which
of the two contracts would man In strait
ened circumstances be most likely to accept
in orderto be relieved of his pecuniary en-
barrassment? Unquestionably, the deci-
sion of any business man would be in favor
of that of Messrs. Ellyson and Anderson, and
their associates.
Mr., MCCAULL asked whether if the gem
tleman's old family homestead had to be
sold he would not sell it to his brother
| rather than to q stranger.
Mr.. THOMAS: If was burdened with
| debt l would get the most could for the
| property, whoever the purchaser might be-.
But he had been arguing on the supposition
that the parties competing for this stock
are responsible bidders. But it could
hardly be contended that this is the case.
Ellyson Il Co. have given substantial
earnest of their sincerity-S1O0, 900 in State
bonds deposited with the State Treas
urer-and have bound themselves under
hand and seal to carry out the con-
tract, which they have drawn up in
black and white. On the other hand, the
gentlemen who back General Malone,
while they avow their willingness to guaran-
tee, are not really the guarantors of any
existing contract, and the "guarantee"
! offered being in reference to existing con-
tract or undertaking, but in relation to q
proposition not yet made to the Board Of
Public Works or any authority represent
ing the State, is
NOT WORTH THE PAPER UPON WHICH IT IS
| WRITTEN.
It is mere certificate of solvcncy,-an
action could not be maintained upon it in
any court. ..
MIR. THOMAS then required to the merits
Of the propositions independent of the
guarantees. Gen. Malone proposes to take
months to consider, and then, even if he
accepts, asks to be allowed to pay for the
stock in six annual instalments, bearing in
tercst from next fall. In the meantime we
are taxing the people to pay the interest on
the bonds, while if we accept Ellyson g.
Co.'s proposition the money will be paid
down in six weeks, the State Treasury re-
plenished, and there will be the end of it.
How can any practical business man fail 10
sustain the latter proposition. ~
| BELLS AMENDMENT ADOPTED.
Mr.. SEGAR then called the pending ques-
ton it was ordered, and the amendment
proposed by Mr.. BELL was almost unani-
mously adopted. ...-.s -.#.r
REMARKS OF MR.. cRENsHAw.
Mr.. CRENsHAw, of Henrico, expressed
his qualification that the amendment Of Mr..
BELL had been adopted, as he conceived
that it cleared the question of all doubt as
to the propriety of accepting the PROPOSE
ton of Ellyson, Anderson, and others. He
was surprised at the reflections that had
been made upon those gentlemen. Their
plans had been openly avowed. and
their honor was solemnly pledged to
keeping this stock in their hands
until, in their judgment, the interests
of Virginia shall be protected and Rich
mond secured against discrimination. Gen.
Malone loses nothing if their offer is ac-
cepted. He has already the right Of way,
and has testified before the committee that
he can build road from here to Peters
burg for less than the amount which he
now proposes to pay for one-fifth of the
existing road. Everybody is willing that
he should have O tive-foot road, and what
is he going to do with road of four feet
eight inches, which he can't possibly use 2
His only purpose must be to prevent its
passing into other hands-his spirit some
thing like the dog in the manager. .
VIEWS OF MR. a'cBAcKEN.
AIr. MCCRAoKEN, of Louisa, followed in
the same line of argument. He had been a
friend of Gen. Malone from bOyhood, and
to him (Mr. McCracken) the RAILROAD
King" was indebted for the title Of William
the First but he was unalterably opposed
to his being dictator Of the actions Of this
General Assembly. - .. $780,, $780,
+ =, ANOTHER AMENDMENT.
Mr.. BURKHoLpBR offered the following
amendment, to come in after the amend.
ment proposed by the minority report:
"And prouded further, That If the sale
proyided for in this section shall, for any
cause, not be completed within six months
from the passage OF this act, then the Board
/ of Public Works Is hereby empowered and
est in the Richmond and Petersburg rail-
7 road to the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio
Company for $3.50 In State bonds for every
share OF said stock" .es.3 .edt Il. h3.,.
4, MI. Guy said he was perfectly willing to
accept the amendment.
] |. MIR. MADDOX said he was not. de De-
lieyed it inconsistent with the views ex-
fpressed by himself throughout this con-
troyersy. 81,
~ ON HIS HIGH HORSE.
Mr. McCAuLL hoped the amendment
would not be adopted. he didn't want the
Atlantic, Mississip pi and Ohio; Company to
be second choice In chs matter.
4 Mr.. w ooD also opposed the amendment,