FRIDAY, March 4,1870.
The Senate met pursuant to adjournment.
Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Henderson.
Present at roll call the following Senators :

Messrs. Biggs, Browne, Carroll, Clarke, Earle, Fields,
Henkle, Henry, Kimmel, Malone, Miller, Parker, Sellman,
Snyder, Spates, Timmons, Welch, Wilson—18.

The President of the Senate being absent from the Seat of
Government,

On motion by Mr. Earle,

The Hon. Henry Snyder was elected President protempore
of the Senate.

The Journal of yesterday was read. and approved.

The President laid before the Senate a communication
from the Clerk of the County Commissioners of Washington

county, in response to an order of the Senate, in relation to
tax on mortgages in said county.

Which was read and referred to the Committee on Fi-
nance.
Also,

A communication from the Commissioner of the Land
Office, suggesting the appointment of a Joint Committee to
examine into and report the condition of said office.

Which was read.
[See Document R.]

Mr. Henkle submitted the following message :

BY THE SENATE,

March 4th, 1870.
Gentlemen of the House of Delegates:

We propose, with the concurrence of your Honorable Body,
the appointment of a Joint Special Committee of two on the
part of the Senate, and three on the part of the House, to
examine into the condition of the Land Office, and report

what legislation, if any, may be necessary in connection
therewith. We have appointed on the part of the Senate,
Messrs. Henkle and Malone.
By order,

AUGUSTUS GASSAWAY,
Secretary.