House of Delegates assembled at the usual hour, and was opened with prayer by Rev. J. L. Clark.
Mr. Hawxhurst, of Fairfax, and Mr. Minor, of Alexandria, were sworn in as members.
Reports of Committees were called for.
No reports being ready,
The CHAIR said that with the consent of the House, he would add Mr. Minor to the Committee on Courts of Justice, Mr. Davis to the Committee on Banks, and Mr. Hawxhurst to the Committee on Privileges and Elections.
Mr. WEST moved that bills H. D. No. 1 and No. 2 be taken up.
Bill No. 1, from the Committee on Finance, making an appropriation to the Civil Contingent Fund, was then read a second time, and the Chairman of the Committee being absent, was passed by for the present.
Bill No. 2, authorizing the County Courts, corporations, &c., to appropriate money for the general defense, was also read a second time and was passed to its engrossment.
The CHAIR stated that resolutions would be now in order.
Mr. HOOTON offered the following, which was referred to the appropriate Committee.
Resolved by the General Assembly, That it shall be lawful for the Governor to commission, in such counties of this Commonwealth as he may deem expedient, one captain, one first and one sec. Lieutenant, with power to raise a company of volunteers in their respective counties to be known by the name of Home Guards; and upon satisfactory information that the said officers, in their respective counties, have raised and enrolled not more than sixty or less than forty men, it shall be the duty of the Governor to furnish such volunteers with arms, under such regulations and restrictions as he may deem expedient.
Mr. KRAMAR offered the following, which was adopted:
Resolved, That the Committee on Finance inquire into the expediency of authorizing a separation of the collection of taxes from the sheriffs, and providing for their collection by the appointment of a collector for each magisterial district in the several counties of this Commonwealth.
Mr. HOOTON, the following:
Resolved, That the Committee on Courts of Justice inquire into the expediency of reporting a bill defining treason against the Commonwealth, and providing for the confiscation of the estate of traitors.
Adopted.
Mr. FAST, the following:
Resolved, That the Committee on Courts of Justice be instructed to report a bill authorizing the passage of a stay law.
Mr. FAST subsequently withdrew the resolution, and
Mr. HOOTON offered in its stead the following:
Resolved, That the Committee on Courts of Justice inquire into the expediency of passing a law postponing the collection of debts for a limited time.
Adopted.
Mr. SNYDER offered the following, which was adopted:
Resolved, That the Committee on Courts of Justice inquire into the expediency of reporting a bill more specifically defining treason against the Commonwealth; also fixing penalties for different grades of crime pertaining thereto.
Mr. VANCE, the following, which was also adopted:
Resolved, That the Committee on Privileges and Elections examine the oath taken by each member of this body, and the certificates of election furnished by sheriffs and other officers, and report the same to this body.
Mr. WILSON offered the following:
Resolved, That the Board of Public Works be and is hereby abolished, and its powers and duties conferred on the Governor and Council.
Referred to the Committee on Roads and Internal Navigation.
The House then adjourned.
Senate met at 10 A. M.
Prayer by Rev. R. V. Dodge.
Mr. JACKSON, of Lewis, offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the law in regard to constables be so amended as to make said officers liable for all claims in their hands for collection, if not returned to the plaintiff or to the clerks office of the county in which said officer resides, or where the execution is issued, within six months from the time of said officers receiving the claim.
Referred to the Committee on Courts of Justice and General Laws.
Mr. CASKADON offered the following, which were adopted:
Resolved. 1. That so much of the Governor's message as relates to the judiciary be referred to the Committee on Courts of Justice.
2. That so much as relates to the public revenue and finance be referred to the Committee on Finance and Claims.
3. That so much as relates to the apprehension of suspicious persons be referred to the Committee on Courts of Justice and General Laws.
4. That so much as relates to banks be referred to the Committee on Banks.
5. That so much as relates to a stay law be referred to the Committee on Courts of Justice and General Laws.
James T. Close, of Alexandria, was added to the Committee on Courts of Justice and General Laws.
On motion of Mr. Flesher it was.
Ordered, That the Sergeant-at-Arms procure, without delay, stationary, &c., for the use of this body, and that the cost thereof be paid as other claims incurred by the Senate.
On motion of Mr. Flesher, it was
Ordered, That the rules for the government of this body be printed without delay.
Adjourned.
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