Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-12-21
EXTRASESSION TALK.
THE SPEAKERS REASONS WHY THE
ASSEMBLY SHOULD Be CONVENED.
Several Important Matters OF Legislation
Needing Attentiou--He Thinks the
Debt WIN Probably ne Settled.

Hon. II. II. Cardweli, OF Hanover. Is
not only the Speaker Of tho House OF
Delegates, but is one Of the best in
formed men in either branch OF the
General Assembly. There is no subject
affecting the welfare OF the State that does
not receive his careful consideration. and
he is generally found to be pretty well
posted. This is especially so with
reference TO matters OF legislation.
Judge Cardwell, like the other men,
bers OF the Assembly, has been thinking
over the question of whether or not the
Of the State should be con-
yened in extra session between now and
the summer, and he has reached the con-
clusion. as have all of the other legisla-
tors who have been heard TO express
themselves. that there are several rea-
sons why it would seem advisable
and expedient to have the Gen.
eral Assembly meet. He is a mem
her Of the Joint committee appointed
at the last session TO receive and con-
slider propositions looking TO the settle
ment OF the State debt and to report the
same 10 the Legislature. Toa DISPATCH
reporter who called on him yesterday
and questioned him about the need of
an extra session and the probability OF
the debt being settled the gentleman
from Hanover" expressed himself quite
freely.
EXTRA SESSION.
"The Governor, began the speaker,
saws there is no necessity for an extra
session. 80 that OF course settles the mat
ter. Ii is rather delicate thing for a
member Of the Legislature to express an
opinion Mt variance with ono already ex-
pressed by the Governor, but not to do
so for tho reason that the Governor did
not agree with him would be unmanly.
another thing is that country people
think members of the Legislature make
a great deal of money and want an extra
session for that reason. A legislator
gets $3.50 for attending en- extra session,
and though he may have good time he
will GO home with less money than he
had when he came here"
IT IL NEEDED.
"In my mind, >" the Judge continued.
"thero is no improperly in an extra
session. In fact, it is needed in order
that the State may he reapportioned for
legislative representation, which tho
Constitution provides shall be done in
1891 and every ten years thereafter. My
opinion ia that the intent of the law Is
that the reapportionment should be
made in time 10 allow the Legislature OF
1912 to be elected on that basis.
NOT TIME ENOUGH.
"The Governor SAYS that this can be
done in 1891 by the Legislature at its
regular session. I do not think that
there would be sufficient time between
the first Wednesday in December and
the Christmas recess for The work 10 be
done. II would take at least thirty DAYS
for the great dominant party tthe De-
nocrats) to redistrict the State with JUS
tice to all concerned"
NOT FAIRLY REPRESENTED.
"To fail TO avail ourselves of n new
apportionment would DO maniiestly un'
inst for several reasona First, there has
been heavy falling off in the population
of the black counties and heavy gain II
the Southwest. If this il allowed togo 10y
default IL cannot be done for ten years
As sample OF the injustice thai
would DO done, Roanoke city and coun
~ and Craig county, which must have
somewhere near 40, 600 or 80, 600 inhabi
tants would only have one delegate
while Richmond city, with a little Owe
0,000, has four.
so MORE MEMBERs.
1.-THE Legislature will have no NOR
members than at present, but there vii
be a larger number of voters in each dis
trict than heretofore and il would be ;
splendid idea 10 elect the county judge
soon in the year in order TO take then
out OF politics next fall.
LUSACY INCREASING.
"Of late there has been an alarming
| increase in the number Of lunGtics II
this State that is truly amazing. Thu
asvlnms are overcrowded ami the Jail
are full of these unfortunates whose con
dition il really horrible. Ii for no othe
reason there should certainly DO an OK
ira session to remedy this one evil.
ABOUT THB DEBT.
"The legislature committee re
sumed the Judge, coming to the debtques
ton, 4" has never organized since its sp
pointment. All that | knowsbout Itspres
emit status is what have seen in the DIS
PATCH; that is, that the Bondholders
Committee have agreed unanimously OF
a proposition which has been referred
to tho Advisory Board. II this latte
body thinks well of 1t il will probably
make proposition to our committee
which will at once be called together t.
consider It.
"From what can understand. tho OF
fer that is 10 be made viii be very little. i
any, in advance OF the Riddleberger set
Element. ! think that the bondholders n
last realize that Virginia Is unable 4
pay the full debt.
FAVORABLE OUTLOOK.
81 must say Ia conclusion that / an
very hopeful of a settlement at last. Az
( fairs have now come to that stage tina
both parties realize il is better TO have i
settled and over. SO far as | am person
ally concerned, am exceedingly anxiou
( 10 see a settlement OF the debt, and NJ
obstacle should be pat in the way Of set
Element within the ability Of the Stat
TO carry out. In other words. think j
best to let the spirit on both sides b
that of giving and taking little. ,"
Gx&up,(flrs