Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-01-16

10 provide police protecuoo -
courses. Fairgrounds. etc.
10 empower George Booker 20 e'ecs :
pavilion In Hampton Roads.
10 confirm and validate the charter OF
the Peopyxs Perpetual Building ana Loan
Association OF Roanoke.
TO authorize q vote In the city or Dan
Vile and town Of Neapolis upon tne ques-
ton of annexation.
10 amend an act to appoint board
OF trustees for the Virginia Female IN
stitute. Of Stanton.
HOUSE BILLS PASSED.
In relation to the New York, Philadel-
phia. and Norfolk Railroad Company.
To change the name OF the Norfolk and
Ocean View Railroad and Hotel Company
10 the Norfolk and Ocean View Railroad
Company.
To Incorporate the Norfolk Electric
Light and Power Company.
To incorporate the Norfolk, Willoughby-
Spit, and Old Point Railroad Company.
To amend and re-enact an act In re-
latIon to the duties of the Sealer Of
Weights and Measures.
To incorporate the Society Of Colonial
Wars. in the State Of Virginia
To provide for erecting. rebuilding. and
repairing bridges in Fairfax county.
To incorporate the Potomac-River Power
Company.
To incorporate the Powhatan Troop
Association.
The Senate adjourned about half-past 1
o'clock.
House of DcIegates.
The joint resolution agreeing to the
amendment to the fifth clause of Article
X. of the Constitution OF Virginia. In re-
spect to the imposition OF capitation taxes
and the imposition of the duty to work
on the public roads and highways of the
state engaged the attention OF the House
during the greater part OF yesterdays
session. This amendment, which passed
the General Assembly last session. pro-
poses to submit to the people the ques
ton of so charging the Constitution as
to empower the General Assembly to
enact law making II obligatory on all
residents OF the counties to work TWO
days in each year on the roads or pay 10
cents q day for failure 70 do SO.
Much eloQuence and greet deal OF
logic was used in the discussion OF the
measure. which was finally dismissed.
The resolution was called up from the
calendar on its second reading. and
Mr.. Galleher moved to dismiss II, ma
king an earnest speech In behalf OF his
motion
DIR. r. s. Powell, the most humorous
taIker in the House, followed. and ap-
pealed to the m smbers to vote down Mr..
Galleher's motion. When he took his seat
the "Old Oak of Louisa" Mr.. Vale.
Jumped TO his feet, and, taking Mr..
Powell to task. made a strong speech
against the passage OF the resolution.
Claiming that the proposed amendment
would impose condition worse than
slavery on the people or virginia
KEEP HIM HOME.
Mr.. Vale was repeatedly interrupted by
Mr. Powell. who. In semi-humorces
fashion, attempted to disconcert the OLD
gentleman. He retorted promptly TO each
sally, and said that he hoped IL Mr..
Powell succeeded in engineering the reso-
luton through that the young men on
whom the slavery was imposed would
vote against him and keep him at home.
Mr. Powell replied TO this, and said
that it was through no solicitation OF
his that he was now member OF the
House Continuing, he said: Il represent
my people on a higher principle than
does the gentleman from Louisa. Tor.
while he appears to represent only the
boys, / represent the women and children,
too"
Mr.. Keesee. of Halifax, made an ear
nest speech in opposition to the resolu-
lion. and Delegate Powell and Delegate
Vale each advanced additional arguments
in support Of his position.
Mr. Graves spoke for the resolution.
and Mr.. Saunders made a very able argu-
ment In favor OF submitting the question
10 the voters. He said in support OF the
measure that while with more money
there might be a better system, the pro-
posed plan was the best that could be
adopted for the present: that owing to
the varying pecuniary condition of the
counties, and the differing amounts of
their Indebtedness, II was impossible 10
ADOPT a general system fo- working the
roads by taxation: that rate for that
purpose which might be borne by some
counties would be oppressive In others;
that in his county the aggregate tax for
all purposes was about $50 in the hun
dred, and that In some other counties
1t was even higher; that in many of the
mountain counties, where the improved
road machines could not be effectively
used, in order to keep the roads by taxa
ton in as good condition even as they are
at present 1t would be necessary to add
from one fourth to one third to the
present tax rate; that this would make
an aggregate tax rate which would be
ruinous to an agricultural people. Mr..
Saunders said the proposed amendment
would not interfere with the workings OF
a single local road law in any county In
the State. and that it was selfish and OPP
pressve for the counties where the tax
rates were low, and the tax system for
working the roads in operation, to force
this system upon other counties that
were III able to endure 1t under existing
conditions. Mr.. Saunders said the roads
were with us. and one OF the burdens OF
any system of government, and II the
proposed amendment was defeated many
counties in the State would be left with
out any road system. and unable to adopt
any that would not be onerous and bur-
densome to the last degree
Mr.. Craig was opposed 10 returning to
the old law. He did not believe good
roads could be had unless labor was PAID
and paid we'll
Mr.. Parker advocated the adoption Of
| the resolution, and Mr.. Saunders
spoke against II. There were
several little tits between members ere
vote was reached. and finally. just be-
fore o'clock. Mr.. Einstein called the
previous question. and the resolution was
dismissed, the opposition members voting
solidly against 1t.
RACING BILLS PASSED BY.
The Maupin and Reddy racing bills were
called up on the calendar, but were
passed by until to-day. when argument
will be heard on them. Mr.. Maupin was
willing that his bill should go over in
order that members might examine 1t
carefully.
ENLARGE THE MILITARY BOARD.
Mr.. Lewis. OF Culpeper, fired the first
military gun Of the session yesterday.
when he introduced as had been fore
casted In the Dispatch. q bill to change
the complexion Of the Military Board.
The bill provides that the Governor. the