Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

Virginia Legislature.
Richmond, January 18.
RETRENCHMENT BILL.

The House of Delegates yesterday called up this bill—Mr. Barber submitted, by way of rider, a clause, which had for its object the reduction of the salaries of the Civil Engineer and the Secretary of the Board of Public Works—and this rider was accepted, and engrossed for a third reading.
Filling the first blank, questions were taken upon the various sums of 3500 dollars, 5000 dollars, three fourths of 3500 and lost—2000 was then carried. (The Engineer's present salary is 3500 dollars)—That part of the rider which specifies that the Board of Public Works shall not allow the Secretary more than was attempted to be filled with 750 dollars which was lost—500 dollars was carried, ayes 102 noes 84; (Mr. Stevenson was opposed to the reduction, and stated that the Secretary's salary had been 1000 dollars, but was recently reduced by the Board to 750 dollars.)
The question then recurred on the final passage of the bill with its rider. Mr. Taliaferro addressed the house in opposition to the excess of retrenchment which was contemplated by this measure, & expressed his hopes that such a bill would not be sent to the senate. The ayes and noes were called, and the bill passed, ayes 127, noes 63.

Mr. Miller then gave notice that he should call up the bill concerning property under executions and incumbrances on Friday, tomorrow.