3 1-2 O'CLOCK, P. M.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Hon. L. E. Houston, Speaker, in the chair.

        Mr. Shelley introduced Messrs. Bromley of Itawamba and Dancer of Tippah, elected to fill vacancies in their respective counties, who took the oath of office and entered upon the discharge of their duties.

        Upon a call of the roll forty four Representatives answered to their names.

        No quorum being present, upon motion of Mr. Upshaw the House adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

TUESDAY, February 21st, 1865.

        House met.

        Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Stainback of C. P. church.

        Upon call of the roll 47 members answered to their names.

        No quorum being present, on motion of Mr. Seal of Harrison, the Sergeant-at-arms was instructed to bring in absentees. Two other members answering to their names and there being still no quorum

        On motion of Mr. Seal of Harrison, the House adjourned until 3 1-2 P. M.

3 1-2 CLOCK, P. M.

        House met.

        Upon call of the roll 58 members answered to their names.

        Mr. Reagan offered the following resolutions, which were adopted:

        Resolved, That the Clerk inform the Senate that the House is now organized and ready to proceed to business.

        Resolved, That a committee of five on the part of the

House, and----on the part of the Senate, be appointed to wait on His Excellency, the Governor, and inform him that the two Houses are now organized and ready to receive any communications he may have to make.

        The Speaker appointed as said committee, on the part of the House, Messrs. Reagan, Staples, Eskridge, Gray and Bromley.

        The following message was received from the Senate, through their Secretary, Mr. Porter.

        MR. SPEAKER--I am instructed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has been organized by the election of D. R. Corly as Door-keeper, and are now ready to proceed to business.

        Mr. Johnson, of Desoto, by leave introduced a bill to be entitled "An Act to authorize the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate to appoint Messengers between the two bodies," which was on his motion, under a suspension of the rules, read three several times, and passed, title standing as stated.

        Mr. Reagan offered joint resolutions of thanks, &c., to Maj. Gen. N. B. Forrest, and on his motion the constitutional rule was suspended and the resolutions read second time and adopted.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER--The Senate have concurred in the joint resolutions of the House, appointing joint committee to wait on His Excellency, the Governor, &c., and have filled the blank in said resolution with three. Messrs. Hamilton, Moore and Griffin have been appointed as said committee on the part of the Senate.

        Mr. Tindall offered the following resolution:

        Resolved, The Senate concurring, that a committee of five on the part of the House, and ---- on the part of the Senate, be appointed to report on the justice and propriety of increasing the compensation of the members of the Legislature during the present session.

        Mr. Murdock offered the following as a substitute:

        Resolved, That the Judiciary Committee be instructed to examine and report whether it is within the power of this Legislature to pass any law by which the members can receive a sufficient amount of compensation to enable them to pay board bills while attending the sessions.

        On motion of Mr. Rucks the substitute was laid upon the table.

        On motion of Mr. Tindall the rule was suspended, resolution, was read second time and adopted.

        Mr. Barnett offered series of resolutions in relation to Gen. Jos. E. Johnston, which were adopted.

        Mr. Brown asked and obtained leave of absence for the remainder of the day.

        Mr. Reagan, from joint committee to wait on the Governor reported that they had discharged the duty assigned them, and that the Governor would communicate his message in writing, and on his motion the report was received and agreed to.

        Mr. Yandell asked and obtained leave to refer a bill without reading, to the Committee on Military Affairs.

        The following message was received from His Excellency, the Governor, through His private secretary, Mr. Poindexter.

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
COLUMBUS, MISS., February 20, 1865.

Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives:

        Having convened you under circumstances that subject you to great inconvenience and discomfort, I shall omit many subjects which I desire to bring to the attention of the Legislature hereafter, and confine myself in this communication to those only which I deem necessary for your present action, and this I propose to do briefly and practically.

DESTITUTE FAMILIES.

        The scarcity of provisions in some parts of our State, and the difficulty of transportation have already caused some distress and threaten great suffering, especially to that class who are your peculiar care--the families of our soldiers. The apparently liberal contributions heretofore made by you will not suffice. Where the want is the greatest your money is of least value, and those who have hoarded supplies will not sell. In some parts the partial failure of the corn crop, and in others the incursions of the enemy, and the consumption by our own army, have drained the country and raised prices to fabulous rates. The destruction of locomotives and cars on our railroads, and the impossibility of repairing

them have so impaired their efficiency as to disable them at times from transporting all the freight offered. Our public officers, charged with supplying the destitute, are not as vigilant and pertinacious as the speculators and others engaged in remunerative business, and the latter control the roads to the exclusion of the former. Legislation can apply a remedy for this. The railroad companies, although private corporations, have certain duties to perform as public carriers, and as such are liable to legislative regulation. Their charters were granted to advance great public interests. Their franchises were given upon condition that they would subserve those interests; and what those interests are, it is for you and the courts of the country to determine. The first of these is to feed the people. To effect this, I shall, without discussion, recommend for your consideration the following measures:

        That the exclusive and unlawful preference given to express companies, be forbidden, or limited to articles of small bulk or great value. That public officers in charge of stores for the destitute shall have preference, and shall be entitled to transportation for their freight on reasonable notice.

        That citizens shipping for their own use, by themselves or agents, and not for speculation or sale, shall be next in order of privilege, the amount of transportation demanded being reasonable, and the facts alleged established by proof if required.

        That the power of impressment of engines as well as cars, be vested in the Governor. The power now extends only to the cars.

        That it be made a criminal offense for any officer or employee of a railroad to refuse to discharge his duties connected with engines and cars so impressed.

        I am no enemy to railroads. I have no insane hatred of corporations. Corporate franchises are necessary to all great works of public improvement created by private capital.

        But I do oppose their abuses, and advocate the right and duty of the State, by whose grant they have extraordinary powers to superintend the exercise of those powers and see that they are not abused. This can be done through the courts, but [illegible] further legislation is necessary to make this supervision [illegible]

        The[illegible](Revised Code, chap. 35) as to remedies for forfeiture of charter provides that the district attorney may proceed by information &c. He should be compelled to proceed

upon a reasonable showing--or upon the order of the Governor upon a showing before him. The courts after judgment of forfeiture or ouster, have the power to appoint trustees. They should have the power, in proper cases, to appoint trustees on the first hearing of the petition, and in case of railroads, to transfer the full possession, management and control, to the trustees until the final hearing and trial.

        Instances of extortion and other causes of forfeiture, have been stated to me, which, if proved to my satisfaction, would have been sufficient cause for proceedings; and would have been instituted regardless of the threats sometimes made that the company would, if interfered with, abandon their road to its fate. It is for you to make the inquiry, and provide the remedy either such as are above indicated, or by indictment or otherwise as your wisdom may determine.

        As the wants of the needy cannot otherwise be supplied, I recommend to your consideration a reasonable tax in kind on grain, and the power of impressment at prices to be fixed by commissioners.

        I see no constitutional objection to either. Both have been exercised by the Confederate government, and have been held to be constitutional Your powers are granted by a constitution, and these are not prohibited to you.

        I recommend also an increase of the tax for the benefit of indigent families to such amount as your more intimate acquaintance with the wants and means of your constituents may warrant. There is no subject in which I feel a deeper interest than this, cut off as we are by physical disability, or by our public duties and responsibilities, from the glorious privilege of fighting the battles of our country, we may yet perform an acceptable service by providing and caring for the loved families of our brave soldiers who are fighting those battles for us.

EDUCATION OF SOLDIERS' CHILDREN.

        Under the resolution passed and approved August 13th, 1864, Rt. Rev. Wm. M. Green, Hon. Wm. L. Sharkey, Hon. A. H. Handy, R't Rev'd Rob't Paine, R't Rev'd W. H. Elder, Rev'd John Hunter, Rev'd George C. Harris, Rev'd T. W. Caskey, Rev'd D. E. Burns, Rev'd T. G. Burney, Rev'd P. P. Neeley, D. D., Rev'd James A. Lyon. D. D., Rev'd Dan'l P. Bestor, Major J. N. Harper, Hon. E. J. Goode, Hon. George H. Gordon, Hon. George Torrey, Hon. John J. McRae, Hon. J. M. Howry, Hon. E. S. Fisher, were appointed commissioners

to procure donations and subscriptions, and to report a plan for the education of the children of our soldiers.

        They were to have convened at Jackson on 4th January last, but only a minority were present. Under a subsequent order of the chairman, the commissioners were to have met at Jackson on the 15th instant, and I hope to receive their report in time to lay it before you for your consideration. It is not too early to commence the great and good work contemplated in the resolutions. All that is desired may not be effected, but you may secure the means of education to thousands of those whose claims upon the State cannot be disregarded.

        It is hoped that the commissioners will, with the powerful aid of the reverend clergy, canvass the State for donations and subscriptions of money and property. By this means, millions may be placed in the treasury, to be appropriated to education. I recommend that there be also raised for this purpose, annually, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars by taxation, and that the commissioners be authorized to receive the sum of five millions of dollars, in donations or loans to the State, the amounts lent to be rapid to the lender, after -- years from the termination of the war without interest. The absolute donation, and the interest, say ten percent. per annum one the loans, to be the school fund to be expended. You should, at this session, provide for the raising and appropriation of this fund.

STATE TROOPS AND MILITIA.

        All the State troops, except two companies under Major Montgomery, have been reporting to Confederate commanders. I have proposed to transfer the whole force to the Confederate service in their present organization, subject to consolidation and reorganization under the acts of Congress; but the proposition has not yet been accepted. Chief Justice Handy, in a case lately tried before him, decided that men in the military service of the State, between the ages of 18 and 45 years were liable to conscription. The offer to transfer these troops was made before the decision referred to. I have given notice that so soon as the troops can be mustered by the Confederate officers for payment they will be transferred, with their consent, or discharged from State service.

        But little pay is due these volunteers from the State. They have been long since virtually transferred, except two companies of Major Montgomery's battalion, which, at the

urgent request of the citizens on the Mississippi river, were sent back last fall to the county of Bolivar, for the protection of the people in that and the adjoining counties from raiding parties of the enemy.

        An appeal has been taken to the high court from the decision of the chief justice. I could not recognize the political doctrine therein expressed, and on which it is founded, that the reserved right of the State to keep troops in time of war, could be abrogated by an act of Congress. If all men between the ages of seventeen and fifty years were, by the act of Congress of the 17th of Feb'ry, 1864, and previons acts, "potentially in the Confederate army," many of your most important civil, officers are subject to be withdrawn from their duties, and hold their offices at the will of the President alone.

        The militia are now the only troops left us to enforce the laws, and to protect the inhabitants against dangers at home. These if properly organized may be made effective for this purpose. The popular objection to the militia system arises not from the enforcement of the law but the failure to enforce it. When the call was made last summer, to repel the threatened invasion of the enemy, the men from some portions of the State responded en masse, and a large force was organized, armed, equipped and ready, in a few days to meet it; but there were thousands who disobeyed the call, and from some counties not a man responded.

        The statute requires that the defaulters should be "arrested and brought before a court martial for trial." This could only be done by a military force and there was none under my control that could be used for this purpose, as I could not call out the militia except in case of "an emergency arising from an invasion or threatened invasion of the State by the enemy." General court martials were organized, but no officers could be found to execute even a summons, as it was not made by law the duty of the Sheriff or other civil officers. I recommend therefore that this defect be remedied by imposing on Sheriffs and constables, as well as military officers, the duty of serving and returning every summons, supoena, or other writ issued by a court martial; that the courts be authorized to proceed without the arrest, and to impose the penalties; the sentences to be executed by the civil or military officers to whom the writ is addressed or in whose hands it may be placed. Charges have been preferred against the delinquents reported to the courts, and they may still be tried and punished.

        I recommend also a repeal of the clause which limits the term of service to thirty days, and that the Governor be authorized to call out all or any part of the militia when the public interest may require such service. Without this the laws cannot be enforced. The country is filled with deserters and marauders. Crimes are daily committed and the offenders escape punishment.

        I have made arrangements with the Confederate authorities for forage and rations, in all parts of the State, and propose, immediately upon your granting the authority to call out the whole militia, for the purpose of apprehending deserters, and of clearing the State of the robbers and plunderers who infest it.

EXEMPTS.

        The number of civil officers, especially of justice of the peace and constables; in the State is greater than is required for the due enforcement of the laws. You can diminish the list and place a battalion in the field, The Constitution does not specify what number of justices of the peace and constables shall be elected in each county. You can limit the number, and I recommend that this be now done, and the counties districted anew. The offices of the present incumbents may be terminated by virtue of the amendment to the Constitution adopted in convention January 20, 1861. I respectfully call your attention to this subject, and recommend it to your serious consideration. In one county there are more than fifty justices and constables, and if the official duties performed by them all were imposed on one man, he would not be overburdened. From two to four justices and half as many constables would be sufficient to transact all the business pertaining to these offices in any county, and the duties would be performed efficiently.

OFFICIAL REPORTS.

        I shall, at an early day of your session, have the honor to lay before you reports from the Auditor of Puche Accounts, the State Treasurer, the commissioners to examine the Auditor's and Treasurer's offices, the commissioners to examine the executive and military offices, the annual and special reports from the Quartermaster General, Surgeon General, Chief of Ordnance, Keeper of the Capitol, and from the Asylums, State Distillery, and State Salt Works.

CRIMES.

        A more vigorous enforcement of the criminal laws should

be provided for. In some counties near the enemies lines, the courts cannot be held; in others, the judges neglect their duties. I recommend the establishment of inferior courts of criminal jurisdiction, embracing these counties and those adjoining where the courts may be safely held. The Consttution does not require that an offender shall be tried in the county where the offence was committed, but by a jury of that county. Let the courts be in frequent session, that criminals may have speedy trial and swift punishment.

        I also reeommend that civil actions against defaulting tax collectors and other debtors to the State may be instituted and tried in any county in the district in which the party resides, or in an adjoining district, at the discretion of the Attorney general.

PENITENTIARY.

        Until you see proper to authorize the rebuilding of the Penitentiary. I advise that such change be made in the statutes as to impose all the duties now performed by the superintendent, clerk, and inspectors, on one officer. The prisoners being confined in jails and in the penitentiary of Alabama, there is no necessity for the corps of saleried officers and employees now authorized. One officer reporting directly to the governor will be sufficient. As some of the jails in which convicts are confined are insecure and unsafe, power should be given to remove them to places of security, and to pay the expenses out of the penitentiary fund, which will be ample for the purpose.

NEGRO ENLISTMENTS.

        I cordially united with the Governors of Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at Augusta in October last, in recommending the policy of employing a large force of negroes in the army as teamsters and laborers, or in any capacity in which they might be found effective. Whatever may be the public opinion on this subject, I hesitate not to declare mine, that, with competent officers and firm discipline, they can be made effective soldiers; and that the experiment should now be made. The whole argument is summed up in a remark attributed to one of our most distinguished leaders: "If we do not use them the enemy will." The greatest objection comes from our people near the lines of the enemy, who allege that the attempt to conscribe them will drive them to the enemy. This may be prevented by the master removing his able-bodied men from such vicinity, and sending them to

the army. To send cavalry to capture them will produce the effect feared, as has been demonstrated heretofore; and if as is anticipated, Congress passes a bill authorizing a conscription of negros, either as laborers or as soldiers, owners near the line should immediately remove them. It would be well that all able bodied male slaves between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years should be so removed; as, if only a part are taken, the remainder, through fear would endeavor to escape. We forced the removal or destruction of cotton to prevent it falling into the hands of the enemy; why, then, not remove that property of which they have made such fearful use? I do not, however, favor the granting of freedom to slaves, or of offering it as a boon. It is no boon to them. Few of them aspire to this, or covet it. Steady, firm, but kind discipline, such as good masters enforce, is all that is required. Freedom would be a curse to them and to the country. These views I expressed to our delegation in Congress in November last, and I state them here, as I deem it the duty of all who have been placed in prominent position to candidly avow their opinions at this time upon the vital questions which agitate the public mind.

CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY.

        I cannot conclude this message without alluding briefly to the condition of the country. In the late gloom and depression, when all desired peace, it is not matter of astonishment that the timid and averacious should have abated their former honorable demands, and that a few, encouraged by the apparant despondency, should have dared to utter their sentiments of disloyalty. The clamor for negotiation was raised. This righteous war for the defence of our libertie was denounced, and those who had not the manliness to approve it, or the courage to meet its dangers, began openly to congratulate themselves that their prophecies of final disaster were about to be fulfilled. Some who cried so lustily for peace, and denounced the President for not making overtures, would have accepted peace on any terms short of the loss of property.

        Our enemies, presuming on the alleged obstinacy of President Davis, thought to profit by the occasion, and sent emissaries to Richmond to foster this disaffection, by pretended offers of negotiation. They were wisely met and foiled. Negotiation has but demonstrated the folly of negotiation at such a juncture. Able and patriotic men, known to be the friends of peace, headed by the great apostle of negotiations, have concluded their labors, and have brought back to us the

terms--unconditional submission--absolute subjection to the will of their President and their Congress. The proposition is made to Mississippi, and to each State separately, to desert the ranks of her Confederates to whose cause her people have pledged "their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor," a cause holy in our eyes as it it just in the sight of Heaven, the cause of right, of equality, of free government. Let us congratulate the country that the issue is now fairly made--victory of subjugation--freedom or slavery. Our people are ready to meet the issue, and I recommend that you solemnly and firmly declare that Mississippi will be true to her plighted faith to her sister Confederates, and will conquer or perish with them. That we will never again submit to the exactions and extortions of the North to maintain their interests at the expense of ours; never will submit to pay the cost of our own capture and of the chains with which we are to be bound, and that rather than abandon our cherished and christian institution of domestic slavery, we will send our servants with our sons to the battle field, to fight for our right to protect and guard them against their worst enemies. Your resolutions will be responded to by the defiant shouts of the army and the acclamations of the people.

        The President, pursuant to a resolution of Congress, has appointed Friday the 10th of March next, as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, (with thanksgiving) for invoking the favor of Almighty God.

        I recommend that you also join in the invitation to its observance. Let the nation bow its knee to the Almighty. To Him we look for help in time of trouble. "He is able to save and strong to deliver." Let us put our trust in Him, and thus confiding renew the battle.

CHARLES CLARK, Governor.

        On motion of Mr. Arnold, the message was laid on the table, and five hundred copies ordered to be printed for the use of the House.

        On motion of Mr. Reagan, the message was made the special order for to-morrow, Wednesday, 22d, at 12 M.

        Mr. Johnson, of DeSoto, offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That Brigadier General J. R. Chalmers be invited to address the Legislature, at such time as may suit his convenience, and that the use of this hall be tendered him for that purpose.

        Mr. Reagan offered a series of joint resolutions, declaratory of the determination of Mississippi, on the prosecution of the war. Read first time, and placed on the calendar.

        On motion of Mr. Hendon, the House adjourned until 10 o'clock, A. M.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1865.

        House met pursuant to adjournment.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Lyon.

        Journal of yesterday read and approved.

        The following message was received from the Senate:

        MR. SPEAKER: The Senate have passed a bill entitled "An act to change the name of Frances R. Blackmar, of Hinds county, in which the concurrence of the House is desired; and have passed House bill entitled "An act to authorize the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate to appoint messengers between the two Houses."

        Mr. Brown offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

        Resolved, That the ministers of this city be invited to open the sessions of this House, each morning, with prayer, and that the clerk communicate this resolution to them.

        Mr. lrby asked an indefinite leave of absence for Mr. Maxwell, on account of ill health, which was granted.

        Mr. Bestor, by leave, introduced a joint resolution in relation to School Commissioners, which was read twice, under a suspension of the rules, and adopted.

        Being the regular day for the call of counties, Mr. Liddell presented the petition of O. L. Kimbrough, of Carroll county, which, on his motion, was referred, without reading, to the Committee on Judiciary.

        Mr. Allen presented the petition of J. P. McCracken, of DeSoto county, which, on his motion, was referred, without reading, to the Committee on Judiciary.

        Mr. Seal, of Hancock, introduced a bill, entitled "An act to remove the civil disabilities of Evander H. Russ, a minor, of Hancock county," which, on his motion, was read

three several times, under a suspension of the constitutional rule, and passed, title standing as stated.

        Mr. Owen presented the petition of Thomas J. Arnold, of Holmes county, which, on his motion, was referred to the Committee on Claims, without reading.

        Mr. Barton presented a bill, entitled an "An act for the relief of M. D. Files, former Sheriff of ltawamba county," which, on his motion, with the accompanying documents, was referred to Committee on Propositions and Grievances.

        Mr. Isom introduced a bill, entitled "An act for the relief of Henry E. Rosco, executor, &c., of Lafayette county, which, on his motion, was read twice, under a suspension of constitutional rule, and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

        Mr. Hanson introduced a bill, entitled "An act to repeal an act incorporating the town of Carthage, in the county of Leake, which, on his motion, was read three several times, under a suspension of the constitutional rule, and passed, title standing as stated.

        Mr. Murdock presented the petition of sundry physicians and citizens of Lowndes county, which, on his motion, was referred to special joint committee of five on the part of the House, and -- on the part of the Senate.

        Speaker appointed, as said committee, on the part of the House, Messrs. Murdock, Tindall, Anderson, Johnson, of DeSoto, and Gowan.

        Mr. Arnold presented the petition of Messrs. Miller and Hemphill, of Lowndes county, which, on his motion, was referred to special joint committee to whom was referred the petition of sundry physicians and druggists of Lowndes county.

        Mr. Upshaw introduced a bill, entitled "An act for the relief of the indigent of Marshall county, which, on his motion, was read the second time, under a suspension of the constitutional rule, and referred to special committee of five.

        Speaker appointed as said committee: Messrs Upshaw, Lowry, Johnson, of DeSoto, Brown and Gowan.

        Mr. Tindall introduced a bill, entitled "An act to change the names of Laura and George Tice, and for other purposes." Read first time.

        On motion of Mr. Upshaw, constitutional rule was suspended and bill read second and third times, and passed.

        Mr. Irby introduced a bill entitled "An act to appoint additional commissioners in districts 1 and 5, of Panola county."

        On his motion, constitutional rule was suspended and bill read second time by its title.

        Mr. Reagan moved to amend by additional section:

        "Be is further enacted, That said additional commissioners provided for in first section shall not be within conscript age."

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison, the amendment was laid on the table.

        Mr. Gowan moved to lay the bill on the table, which was lost.

        Mr. Irby moved a suspension of constitutional rule, that the bill be read a third time, with a view to its passage, which was lost.

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison, the bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

        Mr. Eskridge presented a communication from Major James N. Harper, of Tallahatchie county, with an accompanying bill, entitled "An act to authorize James N. Harper, of Tallahatchie, to manumit male slave Lloyd, for meritorious service." Read first time, and, on his motion, rule suspended and bill read second time.

        On motion of Mr. Hicks, bill was referred to Judiciary Committee.

        Mr. Johnson of Wilkinson, introduced a bill, entitled an act to remove the civil disabilities of Daniel Cohen, a minor, of Wilkinson county, which, on his motion, was read three several times, under a suspension of the rule, and passed forthwith, title standing as stated.

        Mr. Johnson, of Wilkinson, introduced a bill entitled "An act to legalize the assessment of taxes for the corporation of the town of Woodville, for the year 1864, which, on his motion, was read three several times, under a suspension of the constitutional rule, and passed forthwith, title standing as stated.

        Mr. Brown introduced a bill, entitled "An act to increase the compensation of the Probate Clerk of Winston county.

        On his motion, constitutional rule suspended, and bill read second time.

        Mr. McElroy moved to insert Newton county.

        Mr. Grace moved to insert Lauderdale county; and,

        On motion of Mr. Tindall, bill and amendments were referred to the Committee of Ways and Means, with instructions to report a general bill.

        Mr. Barnett introduced a bill, entitled "An act to invest the Probate Court of the county of Yazoo with jurisdiction of the last will and testament of John Campbell, deceased," which, on his motion, was read three several times, under a suspension of the rule, and passed forthwith, title standing as stated.

        The Speaker presented a communication from Jno. Duncan, President of Board of Trustees of the Institution for the Blind, accompanied by a memorial from the Board of Trustees, and report of the Superintendent, which,

        On motion of Mr. Reagan, was referred to the Committee on the Institution for the Blind.

        Mr. Murdock offered a series of resolutions expressive of the determination of the people of the State of Mississippi to prosecute the war until our independence is gained, which--

        On motion of Mr. Johnson, of DeSoto, together with previous resolutions of like character, were referred to the Committee on State and Confederate Relations.

        Mr. Sutton introduced a bill, to be entitled an act for the relief of E. J. Runnels, Quartermaster of 5th regiment Mississippi State Troops. Read twice, under a suspension of the rule, and, on his further motion, referred to the Committee on Claims.

        Mr. Rucks called up Senate message, being a Senate bill entitled "An act to change the name of Frances R. Blackmar, of Hinds county, which, on his motion, was read three several times, under a suspension of the constitutional rule, and passed forthwith, title standing as stated.

        Mr Upshaw offered a series of joint resolutions, commendatory of Col. W. S. Lowry, which, on motion of Mr. Johnson, of DeSoto, were referred to the Military Committee.

        Mr. Cunningham introduced a bill to regulate the fees of jailors, which was referred, without reading, on his motion, to the Committee on Ways and Means.

        Mr. Reagan called up special order of the day, being the Governor's message.

        On motion of Mr. Seal, of Harrison, so much in relation to destitute families was referred to special joint committee of nine on the part of the House and -- on the part of the Senate; so much as referred to railroads, same committee; so much relative to the education of soldiers children, referred to Committee on Education.

        On motion of Mr. Rucks, so much as referred to appropriation for same be referred to Committee on Ways and Means.

        Mr. Seal of Harrison, so much as referred to State Troops and Militia, be referred to Committee on Military Affairs.

        In relation to exempts, to the Committee on Judiciary.

        In relation to crimes, to Committee on Judiciary.

        To penitentiary, to Committee on Penitentiary.

        Negro enlistments, to joint special committee of nine on the part of the House, -- on the part of the Senate.

        Condition of the country, to Committee on State and Confederate relations.

        On motion of Mr. Rucks Honse adjourned until 3 P. M.