Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1839-12-12
VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.
IIVISL VI DI.I13'.f y
ThurSdaY, Dec. ), 1889.


SKETCH of tie DlJate on the Election Lar.
Mr. GREGORY called up his resolution, proposing TO
change the time of holding the elections IN the counties
of James city and York, and the City of Williamsburg,
to their several Court days.
On motion of MIR. CRoPrER, the county OF accomack
was included.
Mr. RIDLEY moved to include all the counties on
the South side of James river but Withdrew his mo-
ton at the suggestion of Mr. Gregory, that it would be
better to make separate questions, and not cucumber hs
resolution.
Mr. YrRBY movedto include Northampton, as that
county was in both the Congressional and Senatorial
Districts with the other counties named
Mr.. GREGORY did not wish to hazard his resolution
by having too much weight upon IT. ne would favor the
change, if proposed separately.
AT the suggestion of Mr.. FENABLE, Mr.. fcrby $
amendment was withdrawn for the present, and Mr.
venabc thereupon offered the following as suhst-
tutc:
"Resolrcd That the Committee of Privileges and
Elections be instructed to enquire into the proprety of
holding the elections for members OF the General AS
semby, and members of Congress, throughout the
State, on the Court days in April in each year
Mr.. GREGORY expressed hope that this would be
made test question, to save discussion hereafter
Mr.. CRuTcHrIELD supported the resolution hoping
the change would be made, and that it would be per-
manent one Heretofore legislation on the subject had
been for the convenience OF members 1t was now
time to look to the convenience of the people For one,
he could say his constituents were not contentcd wth
MIR. DoRMAS protested against discussion OF the
merits of the question at this time. Ii tins course be
followed there would be discussions every sub
ject of interest, and much time wasted.
Mr.. BYRD explained his reasons for voting for the re-
solution, not intending 10 commit himself upon me
merits of the question Mr. b did not mean to be I'M
derstood saying that he absolutely preferred the Court
days of April any other period, but that he simply
gave them the preference the day now authorized
by law, uhe 18th Thursday in April) He thought nei-
her would suit the convenience of his constituents
well as the Attn Thursday IN May or some later period
in the ycar-and would at future time, endeavor to
effect such change in the law would fix the period
for holding the elections in Western Virginia on the
last mentioned day, such other as upon consultation
with the members from that region, should be deemed
most in accordance with the views and convenience OF
his and their constituents.
Mr. Fo>rAIxE thought if the people were opposed
to frequent changes, it better to make no change
now He therefore moved to lay the resolution on the
table, hut withdrew the motion at the suggestion OF
Mr. Nav who said the could be better made on the
passage of the resolution.
Mr. TussrALL was in favor Of the resolution, and
referred to the proceedings the House two years ago.
and last year. Experience had shown that no good
has grown out Of the change. =
Mr.. CHAPMAN would vote against the resolution, u
made test question He stated the which had