Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1894-01-12
LETTER FROM RICHMOND.
Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette.
PrcrJ,tOND Vo Ion II 1904


RICHMOND, Va. Jan. II, 1894.
Conventions are becoming quite pop
ular in Richmond. Yesterday there
was meeting of the Building and Loan
associations of the State. Tomorrow
there is to be an oyster convention and
Monday there will be meeting of the
tobacco trade. The latter is 10 consider
the free leaf bill now pending before
Congress, which it is claimed is greatly
detrimental to the manufacturers in
terests, and consequently injurious to
the leaf tobacco trade. 1t is claimed
that the leaf tobacco is put up in pound
packages and sold to consumers with
out the tax and therefore it hurts the
entire industry. All the tobacconists
oppose the free leaf.
Some of the experts invited to be
present and take part in the oyster
convention have already arrived, among
them being Capt. ]. B. Baylor, of the
coast survey. He has number of
maps with him and will give an
account of the recent survey of
the oyster beds. AS previously stated
in this correspondence the object of the
meeting is to adopt some plans where
by the oyster industry can be made
paying enterprise for the State. 1t is
believed that this can be done as it is
said the oyster business of Connecticut
was once in pretty much the same con-
dition that Virginia's is now in and by
proper management and legislation it
has developed into splendid piece OF
revenue for that State One of the
most important points for discussion
will be the term of lease. On this sub
ject there is diversity of opinion.
Some think that perpetual lease is
the best, while others say twenty
year lease with privileges of renewal
will be all sufficient. 1t is argued that
perpetual lease will give better salts
faction because of the fact thatit takes
great deal of work to get an oyster-bed
in profitable shape and that the tenants
want their lease in such way as to in
sure their possession as long as they de-
sire President George l.. Christian, of
the chamber of commerce, will preside
and Mayor J. Taylor Eilyson will de-
liver an address of welcome. 1t is ex-
pected that fully 500 people will attend
the meeting.
The Eighth district probably fur
nishes more leading men in the Legis-
lature than any other one district in the
State, and now that the Speaker of the
House, Mr.. Cardwell, has been elected
TO the Supreme Bench, it is almost GER
tain that the next Speaker will be from
the Eighth. That person is Mr.. Ryan,
of Loudoun, who has been in the House
for ten years and is at the head of the
committee on roads and internal navi
CATION and the second member of the
committee on finance He occupies
position of great influence and ranks
way up among the leaders. Mr.. Ryan
is familiar with the rules and makes an
excellent presiding officer. He is near
ly always called to the chair by the
Speaker when that official desires to
vacate his seat. Besides his ability Mr..
Ryan is regarded as one of the hand
soonest men in the Legislative body.
Some weeks ago in this correspond
ence Mr.. Nicol was mentioned as one
of the leaders. He is now being promi-
nently mentioned for the circuit Judge
ship made vacant in the Eleventh cir
cult by the promotion of Judge Keith
to the Supreme Bench. Mr.. Nicol after
ten years absence from the House, oc-
cupies a position of influence hardly
second to that of any man in the body
and is one of its most valuable mem.
bers. There is no Delegate whose
speeches are more effective. He is al
ways ready in debate, and he states q
proposition and argues it in such a
manner as makes it at once clear to the
most simple minds. Mr.. Nicol is one of
the most popular members of the body,
and it is not unlikely that the demo
cratic caucus will discover in him Judi
cial timber fit for the successorship of
the distinguished James Keith, who
has been promoted to the Court of APP
peas. --rv. kvunu .r.rr>