Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1871-01-18
Letters from Richmond.

Wing. defensive Of Mr. Cochran, Of Augusta.
and commcndatory Of his course on ''consolida-
ton, with an intiu,ation of consequences OF
a continuation Of attacks upon MIR. {. This
has stirred up the friends Of the other asplr-
ants. who are eagerly canvaS>ing the claims OF
their RESPECTIVE friends. figuring up votes
specializing upon the result OF combinations.
&c. &c,
The House Committee on Roads had pro-
loneed session this morning, at which was fully
discussed the affairs Of the Alexandria l. Fred
ericksburg Railroad Company and the evidence
taken at the recent investigation.
Mr. Wood. Of Halifax, submitted long re-
port. embracing the main features OF the evl-
dence, and admitting that fraud may have been
committed in the original organization Of the
company. but nevertheless legalnlng its acts:
that the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Com
pany is acting In good faith and Is IN no way
party to or cognizant of any fraud; and con-
cludes with recommendation that the Legis-,
lature legalize all acts Of the Alexandria and
Fredericksburg, Company and take such steps
as will ensure the speedy construction Of an all
rail line between Richmond and Washington
This report was objected to upon the ground
that it comprises matter not included in the
object of the resolution of the House, and Mr..
Thurman will prepare q report responsive. to
the resolution Of the House, and containing
such facts us we're elected by the investigation,
or NAV have come to the knowledge of the COM
mittee and about which there will be no differ
ence of opinion
DR.. Graham intends to submit proposition.
which. it is said. will meet with general appro-
baton, to grant to both the Alexandria and
Fredericksburg. or Pennsylvania Central, and
the Richmond Fredericksburg and Potomac
Companies the right to build roads.
The committee adopted resolution to have
all the evidence in the case printed. provided
either or both parties would pay the expense OF
printing. and without taking further action the
committee rose and will not meet again until
Wednesday, when all the propositions will be
again considered and a report probably agreed
upon.
In the Senate to-day bills were passed incor-
porating the Gordonsville and Chester Crap
Railroad Company, and the Castleman Ferry
and Jefferson Turnpike Company; also author
ling the appointment Of temporary clerk by
the Governor with salary of sl,N0U. THE bill
merely retains Mr. Coleman. the present in
cumbent J. also bill for the relief of sheritfs
who failed to collect the taxes for 1865 at the
last session bill having been passed for their
relief fer the years 1866. ! and S.
Mr. Anderson, Of Rockbridge introduced a
bill to provide for funding the whole debt Of
Virginia contracted prior to April L.. lSGl.-
The bill provides that the whole of the public
debt shall be at the option OF the creditors OF
the State funded in new registered coupon
bonds of Virginia To the proposed bonds
there arc to be attached two sets of coupons
the first for two per cent of the semi annual in
tereSt. to be paid absolutely from and after Jan
uary lst 1872; and the second for one per ct.
Of the Semi-annual interest, payable from and
after the same date provided the debt OF the
State contracted prior to April 18th, 1851: shall
have been adjusted and apportioned between
this State and West Virginia at the date of the
maturity Of such per cent coupons. The cou.
polls are made receivable in payment OF all
State dues and taxes.
were made upon bills in relation to offences
against public policy: requiring the Attorney
General 10 institute proceedings for the recove-
wot certain property trauduently sold. and III
relation 10 the return to WcStmoreland county
Of the portrait Of Lord Chatham. which hung
in the hall Of the House prior to the capitol
disaster.
Bills Were presented authorizing the sale Of
certain lots OF land belonging to the Winchester
Academy and 10 the College of Physicians OF
the Valley at Winchester to continue the
terms of the officers of the Atlantic Mississippi
and Ohio Railroad CO.. amending the code in
relation 10 the collection of fee bills and to pro-
vide for general registration Of the voters Of
Lynchburg.
There was nothing else Of interest until the
general tax bill was taken up. This bill was
discussed in detail and amended in several i'm
por;ant particulars The bill is continuing
order for every day after the morning hour I'M
til disposed of. and will probably occupy sever
al days in its consideration.
A bill to enable all public officers in the State
laboring under political disabilities an extension
of time in which to qualify until the first OF
April next was ordered to be engrossed.
The butter and cheese bill of Mr.. Taylor
was ordered to be engrossed.
The colored men Of Richmond are about to
issue call for convention to memorabilia
Congress for reduction of the tax on tobacco:
in order that they may obtain employment.
1t is reported that j. Amber Smith, had:
the judges of the territory Of Wyoming.
1t is further said that Porter has re-
commended the removal of Mss Van Lew,
poStmistress at this place. and the appointment
Of II. /. Wizard also the removal Of Rush
Burgess. collector Of this port, and the appoint
ment of Maj s H. Annable.
\ committee of Radicals have left here for
Washington to urge the removal of Supervisor
PreSbrey and the appointment of Il. W.
Hughes in his place.
RICHMOND, Jan. 1.-THE question OF reap
portionment is again agitating the Legislature.
and is likely to cause considera bic discussion, if
not something more serious. in that body;outside.
of course.i it would have no effect, the ties which
bind the party in the State being too strong TO
be severed by any disagreement among its mem
bers
At Il meeting held last night the subject was
discussed. and it was finally determined by
upwards of fifty to twenty-five that the General
Assembly has the power to change the number
of Senators and Delegates; to reduce the num-
Der Of Senatorial districts, and to rearrange the
counties. cities and towns into such districts
for which purpose plans were authorized to be
submitted in order to carry rc-apportionment