The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-01-14
Grsnins Stats gn,.rnaI
CAPITOL NOTES.

Most Of the country papers are praising
Governor Kemper for dispensing with the
parade and fummery of late years accom-.
panying the Inauguration of Virginia gov
ernors. This custom prevailed until JAM
uary, 1854, when Governor Smith saw
fit to depart from the old and settled
style by formal inauguration in the
House of Delegates in the presence of a
large crowd, and by the delivery in per-
son of his inaugural before them. His
action in abolishing the Office Of "aid''
also receives unqualified commentator.
Our "Independent'' friend Round, of
Prince William, who has carefully re-
Trained from voting upon the caucus
nominees before the General Assembly,
except in the case Of superintendent Of pub
lie instruction, broke his silence yesterday
by voting for Caleb Gushing for United
States Senator. What does this mean? 1t
is to us more mysterious than silence.
Caleb has been all things to all men in his
day; an ardent Wing, an enthusiastic
Democrat, and red-hot Radical, an
earnest supporter of state rights and
the principles Of secession, and one of the
strongest pillars Of the Union. He COW
cred himself with military renown in
Mexico and with diplomatic honors at
Geneva. As a scholar and gentleman of
culture he has few equals, and as lawyer
no superior. Certainly the Independent
partyna Of the General Assembly have
cast their suffrages for the most distin-
gulshed Virginian now before the nation.
We think that from appearances Caleb
must be Sin accord with the administra-
tion," sufficiently so to satisfy even Colo
mel Mosby. Is this the significance Of the
vote? If not. what does it mean?
Parties are before the Legislature asking
a charter for a narrow-gauge railroad from
Richmond TO the Tennessee and Kentucky
line. This new railroad venture is to be
called the Richmond and Trans-Alleghany
railway. If the people would only ante
up it is presumed it could be built in FIVE
years. If they don't do so, 1t cannot be
built at all.
It is now said that if Ex-Governor Walk
er will permit it, his name will be urged by
his friends this fall for the position Of men-
Der OF Congress, as successor Of Hon. John
Amber Smith, of this district. sd
General Newbury, superintendent Of
public buildings, reports to Governor
Kemper that the Capitol is an old rattle
trap, (which nobody can deny )" that the
floors Of the hall Of the House are old and
need removing. and that the big heater in |
he library room needs to be cut in two
and placed apart at either end. Newbury
also recites various things which the
Square needs, and speaks of the exposed
condition of the state law library in the |
court Of appeals building-all Of which |
,imely suggestions it is hoped will be needed
BY our Legislators. 1870
General Jubal A. Farley called on the
Governor to-day and paid his respects. !
The General is jubilant over the election of
his particular friend, Withers, as senator,
We learn that Captain Louis Gimmi
will be retained as state weighmaster of
i've stock.
/ The committees having in charge con-
ested elections, and how to prevent rail-
Dad encroachment on private rights, will |
meet this evening at o'clock.
Robert G. Hickerson was made notary |
public for Stafford's store, Stafford county,
BY the Governor to-day. gssl = s5 al