Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-02-04
NO WHIPPING POST.
THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS DECIDES
THAT THE BILL SHALL NOT PASS.
while Anxious to Reduce Criminal Ex.
penses II Il Not Deemed Wise 20
Revive This Law.
The old whipping.post will not be resur-

the old whipping-post will not be resur-
rected.
At least not at the present session OF the
General Assembly il the edict of the Demo-
cratic caucus stands for ought.
The bill looking to the revival Of this
law of former days has not been voted
upon by either branch of the Legislature,
but its fate Is doomed.
It's support has been measured, and the
overwhelming sentiment OF the dominant
party is against its enactment into law.
DISCUSSED IN CAUCUS.
The Democratic members of both
branches held caucus last night in the
hall of the House of Delegates especially
to consider this subject, and for two hours
its advantages and disadvantages both as
matter Of party policy and as to. its effect
upon the welfare and good order OF tho
State were discussed.
The attendance embraced nearly every
one of the Democratic members in the city
and the utmost harmony prevailed. Mr.:
John +. Ryan, of Loudoun. presided and
Mr.. Lovenstein, OF Richmond, acted as
secretary The duties of the latter were
by no means arduous.
There were few speeches made. but a
great many of the peoples representatives,
briefly expressed their views on the i'm
portant measure. The conference was
purely informal, and was designed as a
mode Of getting at the sentiment of the
majority. Comparatively few members of
the Senate spoke, members of the lower
branch, where the proposition originated,
consuming most of the time in giving their
opinion rs to what course IL is most expe-
dent to pursue.
In the quiet, informal talk some of the
ablest men in the Legislature gave their
associates the benefit of their ideas.
SUGGESTION.
The only suggestion made as to altering
the bill If IL was to be passed was that OF q
farmer, looking to leaving it optional with
an offender convicted before magistrate
OF any other offence than larceny punish
able with stripes. whether he should pay
the prescribed fine and costs or receive the
lash. This idea did not seem to meet with
many advocates, and it was only intended
az q suggestion. not as an amendment.
Members were exceedingly reticent con-
corning what was done and many of those
approached by Dispatch reporter, who
had learned the result Of the conference
almost by the time the doors were opened,
declined even to admit that this was the
subject under discussion. Secrecy was en-
joined and they were therefore not at lib
erty to talk.
THE RESULT.
II was not intended that any formal vote
should be taken on the bill nor was there
anything like roll-call but the feeling of
the assembly was expressed in unmistaka-
bile terms and the sentiment was very
largely against the proposition. The
probability now is that when it comes
up it will bo indefinitely postponed. IL
there is q vote taken the support will not
be found TO he strong.
The bill was introduced in the House by
Mr.. Downing, Of Warren. and the penalty
in such cases "a it is intended to apply to
is fixed at not less than nine nor more than
thirty-nine stripes.