Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1894-02-13
LEGISLATIVE

tor who makes or furnishes material
for building, other Than a general con-
tractor. 1t also allows the mechanic
or material man to hold the owner re-
sponsible, provided notice is given at
any time before the money is paid. As
the law now stands such notice must be
given before the work IS done.
The Senate also passed Senate bills
to create 8 State board of embalming ;
to regulate the practice ofmedicine and
surgery in Virginia to amend the code
in relation TO what officers are forbid
den to have interest in contracts with,
or claims against their countries and
the House jury-exemption bill.
Bills were introduced to amend the
code so as to make dogs listed for tax
alton the subject of petit larceny and
trespass; making it unlawful after
June lst., for any person to sell pistols,
dirks, or slung shots, in the State.
In the House the Richmond and Dan
Vile bill was again discussed but moth
ing new was brought out. The bill
and its various amendments will be
voted upon this evening.
Mr.. Diggs introduced a bill to incor-
porate the Virginia reform association,
which has for its object the care and
reform Of young criminals and such
others as may manifest g desire to be
separated from the hardened prisoners
with whom they may be confined. The
association is authorized to purchase
land and erect workshops in this State,
and al their discretion receive such
persons convicted of crime as the su-
p%erintendent of the penitentiary, the
courts or the Governor may see tit to
commit to their care.
Mr.. Saunders introduced q bill to
change the code in regard to the present
oyster law in relation to the powers Of in
spectors. 1t provides that when fines
or taxes on oyster grounds remain un-
paid the inspectors shall have the
power to remove at the l~essee's ex,
pense a sufficient quantity of oysters
from such grounds to satisfy these
claims. 1t also empowers the surveyor
of oyster grounds when unpaid for his
services 10 make good his claims in the
same manner that is authorized in the
case of delinquent taxes. Any holder
of grounds who fails to pay the rent
after being notified 10 do so shall be
fined 81 per month per acre for such
time as the rent remains unpaid, and
the inspector shall rent the grounds TO
the first applicant.
The bill to incorporate the Richmond
and Manassas Railroad was considered
by the committee Oh roads and reported
fayorably. An amendment "a attach
ed to the bill, however, providing that
the construction of the road shall not
be commenced until the State has dis
posed of its interest in the Richmond,
Fredericksburg and Potomac road at a
rate not lower than that quoted on the
stock OF that company February , last.
Nj. Moon introduced a bill provid-
ing for the further distribution among
those entitled to the money received by
the State from the United States Gov
eminent in connection with the direct
tag.
Mr.. Willard presented a petition
.gainst the Miller bill from the citizens
of Dranesville, Fairfax county.
Mr.. Pitcher introduced a bill to pre-
scribe the forms to be furnished by the
auditor of public accounts to clerks OF
courts of record ofthis Commonwealth,
on which is to be entered the money re-
ceived by them, and receipts to be
given by them to those paying said
money, and also to provide a more eff
fectual method of collecting the revenue
arising from the tax on deeds, wills,
seals of court, and money arising from
fines and delinquent lands.
Mr.. McRae introduced a bill to re-
peal the existing law which requires
persons doing a business for which q
license of more than fifty dollars is re-
uuired, to renew their licenses -four
times annually. This law was enacted
to prevent the payment of licenses in
coupons, and, now that the debt is set
tied, its reason has ceased, and it i'm
poses upon a large number of the bust
ness men of the State the inconven-
fence of taking out licenses four times
a year instead of once, and the ex-
pense of four fees to the Commissioner
of the Revenue, instead Of one. II
Mr.. McRae's bill is passed. all licenses
will be taken out annually, as was the
case prior to the enactment of the exist
ing law.
The House passed House bills to
authorize the Governor to appoint q
board of commissioners for the pro-
motion of uniformity of legislation in
the United States: and to prohibit at
torneys from practicing before courts
presided over by judges with whom
they are partners.
The Speaker appointed Messrs. Rich
ardson, Hunton and Pretlow as the
committee on the part of the House to
report as to what additional legislation
is necessary for the improvement and
keeping in repair the public roads OF
the Commonwealth.
Governor O,Ferrall signed the bill
authorizing the Board of Sinking Fund
Commissioners to purchase bonds.
The House Committee on Asylums
and Prisons met yesterday afternoon.
Mr.. Binford's bill to abolish convict
labor on the Capitol Square and sub
stitute therefor six paid laborers was
withdrawn by its patron.
A favorable report was made on Mr..
Withrow's bill to prohibit the working
of convicts by railroads.
The committee passed by Mr..
Koiner's bill to provide a female physi-
clan for each State asylum.
The Senate Committee for Courts OF
Justice last night heard arguments up
on the bill to exclude railroads from
the operations of the fellow-servants'