NP, AG 4/2A/1861

From the Alexandria (Va.) Gazette
 
April 2, 1861
 
Virginia Legislature
   In the Senate, on Saturday, the bill for the partial suspension of the sale of State bonds, and to provide for complying with contracts already made upon the Covington & Ohio Railroad, was taken up, amended and debated -- Ayes 23, Noes 12 (wanting three votes of a constitutional majority).
   The vote was reconsidered and the bill laid on the table.
   The bill to incorporate the Preston & Augusta Railroad Company, from a point on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to a point on the Central Road, was taken up.
   It was objected by Mr. Johnson that the road might possibly conflict with the interests of the Manassas Gap Railroad. This difficulty was removed.
   Mr. H. W. Thomas said he was in favor of the bill, because by its construction the trade of the Northwestern part of the State, which is now centered in Baltimore, might be diverted therefrom, and whilst Baltimore was now seeking to bind other parts of Virginia to her, he was for doing all he could to unloop the bonds she now held upon Virginia.
   Mr. Neeson also addressed the Senate and advocated the bill. He said it was a magnificent scheme, which would connect the Northwestern part of the State with the town of Staunton, and could not possibly injure any subsisting scheme of railroad interest.
   Mr. Brannon also advocated the bill, and coincided with the views expressed by Mr. Neeson. The bill was then passed.
   *****
   On motion of Mr. H. W. Thomas, Senate bill for the relief of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad Company was taken up, and the amendment of the house was concurred in.

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