Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-02-15
TIE LEGISLATURE.
SENATE.

The discussion of election metDoos
and proposed changes in the walton
law engaged the Senate throughout
nearly the whole of yesterdays session
of three and a half hours. The special
order was the consideration of the Hay
election bill, and Mr.. Little offered as 8
substitute the measure adopted py tue
csucus Of democratic Senators on the
previous night. The most important
change, as stated yesterday. ID that the
special constable feature is abolished
aud il is provided that an elector, pnysl-
cally or educationally unable TO pre-
mare his ballot, may call upon any Judge
of election, who shall go into IN Ine
booth and render him assistance. Inc
Judge is required to observe secrecy re-
garding the manner 10 which an elector
shall cast his vote. Provision IS made
for voting for presidential electors, IN
which the existing law is defective. IL
il provided that the names shall be
printed in plain Roman type not small
| Ter than plea, and the names snail Do
printed in uniform order.
The bill offered by Senator Hale
populist. had the right of way and was
advocated by the patron and by Mr.
Flanagan, republican, both of whom
accused the democrats Of being too
strongly partisan. They were replied
to by Messrs. Flood, Williams ana
Withers, and the measure went over
until day.
Bills we're introduced to amend sd
act providing for the distribution OF oil
rect tax money from the United States
government among those entitled 10
the same. The bill provides that,
should any balance on the tax remain
on January l, 1898, the treasurers snail,
after deducting commission OF per
cent, turn over the balance to the prop
err officials, to be expended on the public
roads: to repeal an act to define the
power and limitations of building ana
loan associations; to provide for board
of labor and industrial statistics, and
to define the duties of said bureau.
Mr.. S;ubbs spoke against the fisn
commission bill, but a vote was not
reached.
HOUSE.
In the House Mr.. Lee moved to dis
charge the committee on federal rela-
tons from the consideration of the sto-
val free silver resolution. Mr.. Hundley
opposed the motion. He thought that
the body had plenty to do in attend
ing to local affairs, and should not 60
out of lis way to deal with questions
that belong 10 Congress. The House,
by very decided vote, refused to DIS
charge the committee from the consid-
GRAFTON of the resolutions.
Almost the entire time OF the House
was taken up with a discussion of Mr.
Cookies bill to exempt all coal barges
entering the various ports of the State
from pilotage. The matter went over
till to-day.
Mr.. BANDS oyster bill in the House
went over till next Monday.
Bills were introduced to amend sec
ton 41O6 OF the code touching the juriS-
diction of police justices and justices
of the peace az to trial OF offenders IN
certain cases.
To amend sections !, 8, and 5, of an
act to give aid to soldiers, sailors, and
marines OF Virginia, MANNED or dis
abled in the war between the States,
and to the widows of Virginia soldiers,
sailors, and marines, who lost their
lives in said war in the military service.
Providing that all life insurance
companies doing business in Virginia,
shall make deposits with the Auditor
under sworn statements. The bill pro-
vides that the companies shall semi.
annually, in January and July, make
sworn statements to the Auditor Of
their premiums, death-claims, divi-
dends, endowments, surrenders, ex-
penses, investments in Virginia bonds
or county and municipal bonds, in
crease or decrease Of such investments,
30 far az these matters mentioned con-
earn Virginia insurers. Section pro-
yides: "Wben any such company ty
such report shows its investments ID
bonds mentioned TO be less than the
excess OF premiums which it has re-
ceiyed on business, on lives of Virginia
citizens over the amount returned to
them, the balance shall be deposited in
cash with the State treasurer, and held
by him until such time as the company
shall show its investments, as stated,
equal the excess OF premiums, when the
amount deposited shall be returned, the
company, less 120 OF per cent. Tor the
expense of deposit. The bill provides
for barring out any company neglecting
or refusing to comply with this law.
To amend chapter of an act to provide for
tho assessment Of taxes on persons, property,
and incomes. and on licenses to transact
business, and imposing taxes thereon for the
support of the government and public free
schools. a. I'd TO pay the interest on the puohc
debt. and prescribing the mode Of obtaining
lie nses to sell wine, ardent spirits malt
LIQUORS, or any mixture thereof in cases
where a court certificate is required; to
amend section 164 OF the code, as amended,
relating to fourth-class postmasters; for
amending and rcensctiDg sections 1913 and
1874 of chapter IA of the code, regarding the
salaries. mileage. and other allowances OF the
Governor, Attorney. General, Secretary OF the
Commonwealth, Auditor of Public Accounts,
and other State officers, from Governor OF the
State to the pages of the Senate and House OF
Delegates.
The Ho ,se passed Senate bills to amend
section S62 of the code entitled treasurers,
annual settlement with the supervisors; TO
deliver books, ETC., to successors.
DAUGHTERS OF THE CoNFEDERACY.
"The Grand Division of Virginia"
was formed at Charlottesville at the
meeting of the Daughters of the Con-
q