CHAP. 173.—JOINT RESOLUTIONS instructing the Board of Public
Works to enquire into the alleged contract heretofore existing be-
tween the Richmond, Fredericksburg aud Potomac Railroad Com-
pany and the Potomac Steamboat Company, and to take such action
as may be necessary to protect the State’s interest tn said railroad
company.

Approved March 8, 1879.

Whereas it appears from proceedings had before the board
of pubhic works, and from a report submitted to said board by
the state director and state proxies of the Richmond, Freder-
icksbure and Potomac railroad company, that the connection
between said railroad company and the Potomac steamboat
company, which was severed on the thirty-first of March, eigh-
teen hundred and seventy-seven, is about to be renewed;
therefore,

1. Resolved (the House of Delegates concurring), That the
board of public works are hereby authorized to cause all pro-
per legal and necessary proceedings to be instituted to protect
the interest of the state in said railroad company, and to pre-
vent the alleged renewal of steamboat connection at Quantico,
if in their judgment such action shall be advisable.

2. That the board of public works, with the aid of the attor-
ney-general, be and it is hereby authorized to enquire into the
alleged contract heretofore existing between the said compa-
nies, how the same was brought about, how long said contract
and connection continued, what moneys were paid by the rail-
road compantes to the steamboat company, on what account,
and by what authority.

3. In discharge of its duties under these resolutions, the
board of public works shall have power to summon and exam-
Ine witnesses, under oath, to call for the production of books
and papers connected with the said enquiries.

4. The board of public works will report whatever proceed-
ings may be taken, under these resolutions, to the general
assembly of Virginia af ifs next regular session, with all evi-
dence taken by it.