Alexandria Gazette

LETTER FROM RICHMOND.

(Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette.)

RICHMOND, Va., January 6.—The debate in the House to-day in relation to the resolution introduced by Mr. O'Bannon, democrat, of Rappahannock county, reminded one of the stormy times of 1879 and '80 when Frazier, Riddleberger, Farr and others who rallied around the standard of Mahone would discord a friendly discussion and say hot things, which would evoke spirited replies from Conrad, Stubbs, Munford and other democrats. It was a warm debate, and Dunlop, of Richmond, conspicuously figured in it, handling Wise and Waddell republicans, with the same ease that a lion could crush a mouse. Stuart, of Alexandria, was not present during the debate, and the chair was filled by Mr. Pollard. Had Mr. Stuart been present he would likely have participated in the debate, as it so happens that whenever one of unusual importance occurs he is found in the van upholding the banner of his party.

At one time it was thought that the debate would wind up in bitter personalities, and that gentlemen would demand of each other satisfaction. The speakers were applauded on each side, and the whole affair was one of the most exciting wordy wars that has been waged in the House for many years. Mr. Wise, of Williamsburg, a brother of John S. Wise, of Richmond, led off in the debate, and Echols, of Augusta, put a timely end to it by calling for a vote.

The democratic members of the General Assembly seem determined to have our public institutions conducted in a manner much better than they have been conducted under Mahone rule. The Colored Normal School and the Colored Lunatic Asylum at Petersburg especially are engaging the attention of the democratic legislators. Bad management of the Normal School, which was Mahone's pet and pride, has prevented its accomplishing what it should have accomplished.

A republican read to a group at the Capitol to-day a telegram from Alexandria saying, "Thorn, republican, has been elected to the House to succeed Chichester, democrat," and a republican legislator modestly remarked, "Fairfax will have to send more than one Thorn down here to hurt this Legislature."

The Superintendent of the Penitentiary is besieged with applications from persons anxious to serve the State as a guard at that institution. At present there are a few republican officials at the penitentiary, but they will not be there long, as a knife is now being sharpened to cut off their official heads. The new superintendent has not yet taken charge of the institution, but will do so in a few days.

The Committee for Courts of Justice has not yet made a report in answer to the resolution requesting them to report whether the Corporation Court of Alexandria city could be abolished. Mr. Stuart has not yet asked the committee to make a report. He will have the matter before the House at the proper time. It may be that he is in Alexandria in connection with this matter.

B. P. O.