Phenix Gazette

From the Richmond Compiler, February 15.
VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.

Mr. Carter of Prince William, offered the following:

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Delegates, That if any Member in either branch of the Legislature, shall, during the session of that branch of the Legislature to which he belongs, absent himself from the seat of Government, either with or without leave of such branch of the Legislature, it shall not be lawful for such member to draw pay for such day or days of absence.

Resolved also, That it shall be the duty of the Clerk previous to his delivering to any member, a certificate of the amount that may be due him from the Treasury, to ascertain from such member, the time, if any, that he may have been absent, and to modify the certificate according to the provision of the above resolution.

Mr. Colston moved unsuccessfully to strike out the second resolution. He then called for a division of the question; thinking the last resolution would place the clerk in a delicate situation.

Mr. Holleman moved to amend the first resolution so as to insert the words hour or hours, when speaking of the time absent—negatived.

Mr. Watkins of Prince Edward, moved to strike out the words from the Seat of Government—agreed to 95 to 62.

Mr. Miller, looking on the imputation upon the character of the House, moved to lay the resolutions on the table. He thought the present law met the views of the mover.

Mr. Carter remarked, that there was a difference of opinion as to the present law. Some Members thought themselves entitled to pay, when absent for a day or two without leave, and also when absent with leave—others thought differently. He thought there ought to be no difference in the practice on this subject, and that a declaration of the opinion of the House was necessary.

Some further conversation took place, in which Messrs. Colston, Ship, Carter and Wallace took part. It was urged that a resolution could not affect a law, and would not be binding on future legislatures. The latter thought the law explicit enough, it allowed pay for every day's attendance on the House, and he thought no man could consider himself in attendance when absent. Mr. Davis of Hanover, opposed the resolutions, and wished to lay them on the table, and in reply to Mr. W's remark, said, that members drew pay for the sabbath, when not in attendance. The resolutions were laid on the table 86 to 72.

Circuit Court Bill—Mr. Winston's motion to re-consider the vote, rejecting the Circuit Court Bill, was again taken up. Mr. Stephenson, called for the previous question. On this motion Mr. Gholson called for the ayes and noes, which being taken, Mr. S's. call was sustained. 95 to 74.

Mr Gholson took the floor in opposition to the bill. He was followed on the same side by Mr. Mason, of Frederick—Mr. Craig having been unsuccessful in an attempt to get the floor to call for the previous question. Mr. Winston supported the bill at length, and offered a rider, providing that the judges of the General Court, when chosen and commissioned as such, shall act as judges in Chancery. The rider was passed to its engrossment—and after a few remarks from Mr. Colston in opposition to the bill, Mr. Mason, of Fairfax, moved to lay the bill on the table. This motion prevailed—and then the House adjourned.