The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-01-06

the bill. He stated that the men who fur
nish the material were I'm favor Of the
eectlon OF the Code which protects them
more fully, allowing them the full amount
uuc mem on materials. He gave several
Illustrations To show that for practical
questions the existing mechanics lien law
Was impracticable; for instance. a general
contractor would. by making an assign
ment In giving an order 10 the owner FOR
an amount he owes represent the claims
OF subcontractor for his assignment would
nave priority over the mechanics lien law.
Dr. A. ). Priddy. of Charlotte, also APP
peafed before the committee IA favor OF
the change Of the law. By allowing. at
ieast, six months for the filing of the lien.
Asu The Anu IL, n nts
Judge Josiah Leake spoke against the
proposed amendment of the first section.
saying that the thirty days now prescribed
by law was ample time In which to file
a lien; the time should be fixed as short
as possible in cases where capital is 10
be tied up. He thought that il any
amendment should be made the time
should be reduced to fifteen days lie
thought the Code as it stands was about
as fair and equitable law for the con-
tractor, sub-contractor. owner, and me-
chanic, as could be framed
Judge Leake also spoke against the
amendment OF the second section. which
would only benefit the material man. and
burden unjustly the owner The existence
OF competition was no reason FOR the
Legislature to pass laws To protect men
who did not want 10 protect themselves.
The amendment would also have the ten
dency 10 freeze out contractors OF small
means. who could not afford to wait
too long FOR their money.
Mr.. Bryant stated that he introduced
the bill by request. but he thought the
amendment had some cOmmendable feat
ures.
Mr. Frank II. Mcclure thought the ex-
tension OF time 10 two months would be
unreasonable. even IN the country; he
thought sixty days as provided I'm the
amendment was TOO long, and that
thirty days. was ample time. IL the
second amendment was agreed to. allow
ing the filing Of liens within the contract
price the owner would often be compelled
10 pay for more. In many instances a
sub-contractor would only file lien
after the building was completed or very
nearly So and TIE general contractor
had been paid the larger part of the
amount due him. II the amendments
were enacted the building trade would be
thrown in the hands of few contractors,
and put up prices. or ignorant persons
would have 20 pay an Unreasonably high
price. and finally many would be driven
into other investments.
Colonel A. G.. Evans, OF this city, spoke
on behalf OF mechanics and subordinate
ors and cited some cases where the eX-
listing law had worked harm. He stated
that in this State, since the law had been
revised. about ten times the amount
had been lost Of that prior % the en-
sctment Of the law.
When questioned by Mr.. Saunders. he
stated that In his opinion It would be
advisable 10 have general contractors
give bonds TO the owners for the faithful
execution Of the contract lie thought
that under the present law $4,000 house
could be put up for $4,000 only.
After some further discussion of the
, matter the committee passed the Dill d.
Bank aud Curcenct.
When the first meeting of the House
Committee OF Banks Currency, and COM
merce was called 10 order yesterda|
morning at 1879 O'Clock. only i've mem
hers we're present. Nessrs. DOWNING
Cooke Weaver Newberne. and Matthews
were all Of the thirteen members VINO
could spare the time from the very sharp
contest for Judges now going on
There were two matters Of Importance
for the committees attention. namely
the Nicol and Patteson bills TO proVine
state banks Of CIRCULATION, but chairman
Downing thought thai they were OF TOO
great import 10 be considered without IL
fun attendance Of the committee so 'ney
were passed over until the next meeuns'
next Friday.
The bin 10 Incorporate the Bank or
Flovd. presented by Delegate Turner
was given into the chairman's hands for
examination The committee then ad-
journed.
>0teE
" I'm Nr HnthaNlN. II IaLl aStef.