The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-12-19
Legislative Notes.

resolution, by vote OF ~ to II, declaring
that the present is a legal session, and that
1t is inexpedient to legislate further on the
subject. This is lodging the question at is
sue, but it will enable members to draw $500
instead Of $50, had it recognized the call of
the Governor, and sit as an extra session,
Mr.. Koiner offered resolution, in view of
the charge of ''fraud' in the alleged solver
slon' of the school fund, instructing the fl
nance committee to inquire whether there
has been such sdiversion," and recommend
ed such legislation as may be necessary to
correct the wrong IL it exists
Mr.. Paul, after reciting the report OF the
Superintendent of the penitentiary that of
$50 convicts employed by the James River
d kanawha Company, 80 deaths had oc-
CURED, offered a resolution instructing the
committee on Public Institutions, to inquire
into the character and quality OF the food
furnished such convicts,a s to quarters, medical
attendance, &C.. with power to send for per-
sons and papers.
A Bill passed the SenateSto incorporate
Alton Brotherhood, for insurance purposes !;
and bill authorizing lien ON all property
kept by the keeper of every livery stable.
| In the House, Mr.. Ta!iferro offered res
olution for the reduction CT the number of
elections by requiring county and city off,
| GERS to be elected on the same day as mem
bers of the General Assembly. Also rcso-
luton guarding against county treasurers
| specializing in coupons.
| Mr.. Moffett offered similar resolution to
| that of Mr.. Paul in the Senate, concerning
convicts.
| In the Senate, on the 18th, bill was re-
| ported for the relief of John Huddleson, of
Rockingham.
Mr.. Lee offered resolution providing for
| taking the sense of the people on any settle
ment of the State debt question.
Mr.. Paul offered a resolution providing for
a repeal of so much of the Constitution as
provides for the prepayment of the CAPT
tation tax before exercising the right of spf
frage. Indefinitely postponed.
| The Governor sent in a communication in
reference to Senate resolution on the school
fund. He says the School Board has no con-
troll over that fund, until it is placed in its
hands by the Auditor. 1t has no power to
create or collect, but simply distribute the
amount given to it, and this it has faithfully
| done.
| In the House, 4 bill was reported which
allows persons owning property in cities, but
who do not live there, to get the advantage Of
the school tax assessed against such proper
! ty, in the education of their children at the
city schools.
| Mr.. Fauntleroy moved suspension OF the
rule in order to enable him to introduce a
Virginia. He said :
''Mr. Speaker, the bill which l have just
offered is gravely entitled "A Bill for the Re-
lief of the Owners of the Registered Bonds
Of Virginia. 1t might very accurately have
been entitled bill to redeem the traditional
honor of Virginia; for, sir, if that integrity
has ever been implicated (Which do not ad-
nit it is by the deep damnation' of the dis
elimination which now exists, and has OBJ
tanned for eight or nine years past, against
the widows and orphans and fiduciaries in
| Virginia in favor of the funding bill bond
| holders"
The motion was rejected, not two-thirds
voting in the affirmative.
Mr.. Lowell proposes to change the Constitu-
ton so as to limit the school age to instead
of and 81 years,as basis for the distribution
Of the school fund.
A resolution was adopted requiring the
committee on Roads to inquire whether any
Of the railroad companies have violated
any statute regulating the rates of Transport
tation and freights.
| In the Senate, on the 14th, Mr.. Fulkerson
presented resolution that the committee for
Courts of Justice inquire whether or not the
constitutional amendment and the act passed
pursuant thereto restricting the right of suf-
| frage is in violation OF the conditions upon
which the State Of Virginia was admitted to
representation In the Congress of the United
States. 1t was discussed at some length by
Mr.. Smith, CT Nelson against, and Mr.. Paul
| In favor, and Indefinitely postponed-yeas,
| 10; noes, 10. The inquiry is a very proper
| and appropriate one. We believe that every
| election held under the amendment to the
State Constitution requiring the prepay
! ment of the poll tax, is null and void, and
| that every vote given in Congress by the
members of this State, and every bill passed
| by the Legislature by the members thereof
elected under the restrictions of that amend
| ment, are without warrant in law.
In the House, Speaker Allen offered the
following:
Resoloed By the General assembly Of Vir-
ginia, That our senators in Congress be in
structed, and Our representatives be request
ed, to endeavor to have the banking laws OF
the United States SO amended as to provide
that the penalty for receiving, reserving, or
charging rate OF interest greater than that
allowed by the laws of the State or Terrific.
ny where the bank is located shall conform
to the laws of such State or Territory.
Resolued, That the Governor be requested
to forward a copy of the foregoing resolu-
ton to each of our senators and representa-
tives in the Congress of the United States.
Referred to Committee on Federal Rela-
tions.
Mr.. Jordan offered a resolution as to the
expediency of amending the Constitution so
as to increase the capitaton tax for free
school purposes. Also to inquire into the
expediency of abolishing the Offices of coun
ty treasurer and county superintendent OF
schools.
A bill was engrossed reducing the pay of
commissioners of election from 81 to 81 per
day.
In the Senate, on the 18th, Mr.. Paul Of
fered aresolurion requesting the Auditor OF
| Public Accounts to furnish the Senate a
| statement showing the difference between
| the receipts from the Mofett register for the
present year and those OF special license tax
on liquor for the year 1s76.77, which was
adopted.
| Also, the following resolution
| Resolred, That any final arrangement
made with the creditors OF this Commoli-
| wealth should be made with reference to the
present low prices of agricultural products
and the prospective reduction in the assessed
value of lands