Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1881-12-20
From the Richmond DlspatChl
FIRST Impressions.
OF THE NEW GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE
STATE OF VIRGINIA.

STATE OF VIRGINIA.
The flags flying from the Capitol, fore
and aft, the lobbyists and statesmen lean
ing against pillar and post, aud the un-
wonted activity in every direction and
about the Capitol yesterday morning, adj
vertised the fact that the General Assem-
| bly, was about TO meet. Inside the build
| ing there was the Odor Of cigars, of fresh
paint and varnish, the sight of frescoing
of tawdry design, of carpets Of the color
Of bright leaf tobacco, and groups OF men
laughing and talking good-humoredly.
| Other members were banking up the
stationery supplied them under the law,
and which Is sufficient to make II Thomas
jefferson Of each and every one only pro-
vided he has the necessary brains to di-
rect pen and pencil over the foolscap
furnished.
OBSERVATIONS.
The prevalence of new suits of clothes
was noticeable. The Readjusicrs wear
ing such excused themselves on the
ground that they had won them on the
late election. Several members with new
shoes on were observed out on the gravel
walks pacing up and down trying to get
the stiff leather comfortably adjusted to
their COrns before the houses were called
TO order The floor Ofthe lobby has been
recently painted n dark color, and has
already become so soiled MS to leave in
doubt whether 1t is an Improvement at
all.
THE SENATE AND MIR. RIDDLEBERGER.
General Jim Walker, honest, bluff, aud
healthy-looking, opened the Senate with
out any ceremonies whatever. He lust
raped the gavel on the table, called the
members to order, and prodeeded 10 bus
mess. The most interesting question
seemed to be in Mr. Riddlebcrger. He
was not in his seat. He did not answer
the first roll-cal. 1t began to be suppo-
sed that he would not appear, and would
for the present thereby admit that there
is some truth in the rumor OF duel said
to have taken place between Mr. George
ID. Wise and himself.
But Willie speculation was rife Mr..
Riddleberger appeared and began voting
for the officers as the roll was called. No
person came forward to challenge his
vote. Likewise nobody challenged Mr..
Lybrook, who is said to, ,bc ineligible from
other causes.
CLoSEiVoTE.
The Senate elected the causus noml-
nees, received the Governors message,
and then adjourned. At one time the
interest in the House proceedings was
such that ten Readiuster senators We're
over there. just then the vote for Pres
dent Pro TEN. Of the Ser ate was taken
and resulted: For Elliott tReadiuster),
rs; for kOiner (Democrat, 1.-the close
ness OF which rather scared some Of the
brethren. Not commenting on this case
now, Il may be projected as a general
remark that new members are always to
ba found IN their seats. II Is only the
experienced statesman that ncglects
votes, drops In late, cocks his heels on
his desk, and has the question reStated
for his benefit
MIR. SPEAKER.
Mr.. Fowler bears himself quite mod
estly In his Office Of Speaker, and will
do well after he thoroughly iamil'NrIzcs
himself with the loa,ino. or course he
II Il little green 0B get II Is true that
he was u member ot tie House for several
terms, but that doesn't nuke man
Speaker One might he there twenty
terms and then not be necessarily quail
fed. Mr.. Fowler, however viii take
pride IN his pipe, and will soon read up.
Mr.. Fowler l. u newspaper man; 80 IL
Governor Cameron; so Mr.. Riddleberger,
who seems bound for the Senate.
now rHEY LOOK.
As for the members generally they
make more presentablc appearance
than did those Of lS70-'S0 IN that As-
scmbly there were u great many who
looked NJ II they had come to Richmond
on sudden summons -aa If, indeed,
they Ind been hurried out Of bed, dress
ed in the dark, and dispatched to the
Capitol.
Er CHTERA.
II Is understood that the House stand
ing committees will bc appointed to-day,
aud that the hearing Of the Rockbridgc
contested election ease will be lmmedi-
ately commenced before the Committee