Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-02-21
LEGISLATURE.
SENATE.

To the Senate yesterday Mr. Withers
made speech 10 favor of his bill pro-
viding for submitting to the people
at the next May election the question
of calling constitutional convention.
The measure was not voted upon, and
its further consideration was postponed
until Tuesday.
MIR. Withers compared the expenses
of Virginia with the combined expenses
of the States of North Carolina and
Georgia, and said while these two
Common wealths contain three times
the area and twice the population and
wealth of the State of Virginia, yet the
expenses of both of them combined
were one. third more than those of this
State. The judiciary system of Nir-
ginia cost SS3, 900 more than that OF
North Carolina.
The finance committee submitted the
appropriation bill, all the items In
which are the same as usual, with the
exception that $4,000. instead of $40
600, is allowed to the University OF
Virginia, and appropriation is made for
the salaries of the employees at the
State Library.
The bill to amend section 352S of the
code in relation to ices OF common
wealth's attorneys, and the bill to in
crease the salary of the Judge OF the
law and equity court of Richmond, were
defeated.
Mr.. Sands offered bill to incorpo-
rate the American Annuity Com
pany. The objects are to unite
fraternally ali white persons OF
sound bodily health between the
ages of eighteen and sixty-fve years
to give material aid to its members, to
establish funds for relief of sick and dis
tressed members, and to establish a
fund from which the members at the
end of certain period snail be paid
$1,000.
A bill was presented by A1r. Mush-
bach and referred to amend the code 10
relation to the county or corporation In
which actions at law or suits in equity
may be brought.
The Senate passed Senate bills to
amend an act creating an excise board
for Alexandria county; to amend the
code in relation to the board of health;
to provide for the better assessment OF
personal property, and House bill to
empower the town of Berryville to con-
struct an electric light plant.
Senator Lecato offered a resolution,
which was referred, for the appoint
ment of special committee TO investi-
gate Mr.. VIM. E linger's oyster hold
ings at Fox Island. The resolution re-
cites that it is reported that the survey
was not made in accordance with the
special act passed.
HOUSE.
The bill of Mr.. Bland, providing for
a resurvey of natural oyster-rccks,
beds, and shoals, under certain condi-
tions, was brought to vote IN the
House and was defeated. 1t required
81 votes to pass and it resulted in tie
40 to ~.
The Senate bill to amend section is
of chapter l of on act to provide for the
assessment of taxes on persons, proper
ty, and incomes, &C., for the support OF
the government, and prescribing the
mode of obtaining licenses to sell wine,
ardent spirits, malt liquors, or any mix.
lures thereof, in cases where court
certificate is required, in relation to
taxing insurance companies, &C., was
then taken up.
Speaker Ryan offered two amend
ments, which were adopted, providing
that mutual fire.insurance companies
shall be exempt from taxation, and
that they may do business in the entire
State.
Mr.. Pitcher offered the followed
amendment: Provided that companies
and associations doing business on the
life assessment plan shall pay a State
license fee of $500 per annum, and q
tax Of 1 per centum upon their gross
receipts in the State, which shall be in
full and in lieu of all other State, coun-
ty, town, and city licenses, taxes, and
fees.
The bill was advocated by Messrs.
Harrison, Parker, Willard, Hundley,
and Taliaferro, while Mr.. Pitcher made
an able argument against the bill. The
House adjourned before any action was
taken on the measure.
A bill was presented and referred to
refund to the treasurer of Prince Will
liam county certain money paid out on
State account by order of the Board of
Supervisors of said county.
Mr.. Galleher offered bill providing
for the payment of balance of board
bill of the Alexandria Light Infantry
while protecting prisoners in the Prince
William county Jail.
Mr.. Cooke offered bill to amend
section 1857 of the code in relation to
allowances of deputy sergeants of GER
tain cities. The amendment provides
that the Judge of the Corporation Court
of Richmond, Petersburg, Portsmouth,
end Alexandria may, with the consent
of the Councils of sid cities, make an
appropriation to pay salaries, such al
lowances to be paid out of the treasu-
ries of said cities.
The bill to allow James E. Carruth-
ers, late treasurer of Loudoun county,
and his deputies further time in which
to collect uncollected tax tickets in
their hands and not returned delin-
quent was placed on the calendar.
The House committee on privileges
aud election reported favorably the
Craig election bill which was agreed
upon Wednesday afternoon. This
measure abolishes the constable feat
ure of the Walton act, provides that
the Judges shall assist the voters dis
abled educationally or physically in
preparing their ballots, the names
of the candidates of the respective