The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-01-10

coupons.
Before the bills came up as the special
order Mr.. Smith, OF Alexandria Democrat),
had introduced 4 resolution, which the
Senate adopted, asking Of the two Audi
tors and Treasur er information as to the
existence OF these alleged spurious coupons.
When the bills came up Mr.. Smith moved
to postpone until Wednesday-until the in
formation asked could be obtained. Mr..
Smith indicated his belief that the pre-
amble did not state facts.
Thereupon followed quite a spirited de-
bate. Mr.. Riddleberger and Mr.. Bailey
spoke for the Readiusters; Messrs. Smith,
Glasgow, and Lovenstein for the Demo-
Gratis.
Mr.. Riddleberger seemed to rely for mis-
facts contained in the preamble) largely
upon the report Of the special committee
OF the last House appointed to investigate
the condition OF the Second Auditors Of
flee. He maintained his cause with good
hlmor and calmness, and got and gave
thrJsts. Mr.. Bailey. who rallied TO his as
sistance, didn't show quite as good qualities
OF leadership, particularly in saying that
they didn't want Funder votes " for these
bills-an expression which Mr.. Riddle
berger, little later on, took care to say he
did not concur in.
Mr.. Smith in his speeches, which were
short and delivered with spirit, asSaied the
preamble OF the bill in relation to spurious
coupons, and showed the reasonableness Of
his demand for time to get information. He
did not hesitate TO give it as his opinion
that with that preamble uncOntradicted-
with that preamble sent forth with the
sanction OF the Legislature-the courts,
having faith in this statement Of facts
made by the Legislature, will hold the law
good.
Mr.. Glasgow opposed the views on the
debt set forth by Mr.. Riddleberger.
Mr.. Loyenstein, who was member OF the
House committee to investigate the condi-
ton of the Auditors Office, stated that their
report was made to the House on the first
day OF the session, and he was at loss to
know why il had not been printed before
this time. He stated that there was no
evidence before that committee Of any cOu-
pom having been twice received for taxes,
and of the 100000 in coupons reported
missing there was good reason to believe
that all. or nearly all, had been cancelled. /.
Mr. Smith indicated that were the time
allowed him he would prepare a substitute
embracing the missing bonds and coupons
with their numbers, so that they and not
the millions Of unqueStionable coupons
should be subjected to this rigid scrutiny.
Mr.. Riddleberger, summing up on behalf
Of the preamble and bill, and throwing in a
little OF his ammunition left over from the
last campaign, opposed the motion for de-
lay.
1t was rejected, and the bill was passed.
The other bill will be passed to-day.
LEGISLATIVE BRIEFS.
The Senate yesterday passed the bill in
cooperating the HenricO Railroad Compa-
ny. The railroad will connect the Henrico
coal mines with the Allegheny and Frede-
ricksburg railroads, and possibly, also, with
the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad.
The House has rejected the Senate propo-
sition to raise special joint committee to
consider the tObacco-inSpecti0n laws. They
think there are plenty standing committees.
IDUELLING.
There have been great number OF anti
dueling laws talked about, but the follow
ing, proposed by eX- -Aitorney-General Tay-
lor. OF MONTGOMERY member Of the
House--is said to be the best:
dc u cItUCttu w ftC OtfttfUt <loctHtOtX W
VTgiaid, That every person elected or
appointed to any post or Office under the
laws Of this Commonwealth shall before he
acts in such office take the following oath !:
swear Tor affirm that have not since
the first day OF january, 1882, fought in a
duel, the issue of which was or probably
might have been the death OF either party;
nor have / been knowingly the bearer Of
any challenge or acceptance to fight Il duel
actually fought; nor have / been otherwise
engaged or concerned, directly or indi-
rectly, in duel actually fought since said
time; nor viii during my continuance in
office be so engaged, directly or indirectly.
SO help me God.
There shall be excepted from the opera
tion Of this act the case OF n person residing
in another state, who is appointed COM
missioner 10y the Governor, and such other
cases as the. law may especially direct.
3. Every person holding an office or post
under the Jaws Of this Commonwealth who
shall fightsa duel, or send or accept chal-
lenge to fight duel, or who shall know
ingly be the bearer Of challenge or ac-
ceptance to fight a duel, shall forfeit his said
post or office, and be thereafter disqualified
from holding post or office under the laws
thereof.
3. Under "A prosecution in the name OF
the Commonwealth against a person for
having been engaged in duel or for hav-
ing bornea challenge or acceptance TO fight
duel, any person deemed necessary rs a
witness on the part CT the Commonwealth
to establish the fact shall be required to
give evidence for and in behalf Of the Com
monwealth, and all such witnesses sworn
and testifying shall be forever discharged
from any prosecution and costs on the
part OF the Commonwealth for his particl-
patton in said duel, and shall not be pro-
ceeded against by warrant, indictment, or
in any other manner whatever.
4. This act shall be in force from its pas
sage.
The following is Mr.. Glasgow's anti-de-
famation bill:
Whereas false and malicious defamation,
oral or written, by one person OF another,
TO the injury OF his good name, and the
wanton or Improvoked insult by one per-
son Of another, to his aggravation and
hurt, are alike high crimes, calculated to
destroy the peace Of society, and Justly
punishable as felonies or misdemeanors, as
the enormity thereof may be more or less
grievous: therefore
/. BE II enacted by the General Assembly,
That any person found guilty thereof shall
he punished, according 10 the gravity Of
the offence, by confinement IN the public
Jail and penitentiary for period Of moi