Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-02-13
SENATORS AND ELECTIONS BILLS.
Joint Finance Committee Consider
Ing the DismissnI of CIerks.

Ing the Dismissal of Clerks.
The Democratic senators were in con-
ference last evening for four hours, and
had under discussion the various cleo
tions bills that have been offered in the
upper branch of the General Assembly
during the session. a number of speeches
were made, and some widely-divergent
views were expressed. II was impossible
to harmonic these views last night, and
IL was agreed TO adjourn over until to-
night at 3 O'Clock. when the matter Will
again be taken up and IL is thought that
some conclusion will be arrived at. The
idea now is that the senator's will agree
upon a compromise bill. which will be
drawn by a subcommittee, 10 be ap-
pointed tonight. What the provisions OF
that bill will be no one seems able TO say,
but IL seems to be the consensus of opin-
ion that no very material changes will
be made in the Walton law, and that the
constable feature will not be interfered
with.
DISCUSSING FINANCES.
A joint session of the two finance COM
mittees was held last night, and the ques-
ton Of looping off appropriations was
considered at some length, though no
definite conclusions were arrived at
Auditor Marye, Secretary ry-Of-the-Com-
Land-O Office Epps were before the COM
mirtees. and argued against proposed re-
ductions Of their clerical forces.
Ii was contended by some that the
State could wei dispense with the SER
vices Of a clerk IN Mr. Lawfeas's Office.
one in Colonel Maryes office. one OF
the Capitol police, and Mr.. Burgess the
watchman employed In the Court OF Ap-
peals.
The officers mentioned above spoke
strongly against any reduction OF their
forces. and set forth in general terms
their inability to conduct their several
offices with less assistance than they now
have. 1t was argued in favor of retain
ing Mr.. Burgess in his position that ne
is a one-legged Confederate soldier.
The committee took no action. but 1t
was generally understood before they ad-
iourned that they would not recommend
the changes proposed.
The question Of cutting off 500 per
annum from the salary OF the Common
wealth's Attorney Of Richmond was also
considered Sections 1926 of the Code pre-
scribes that he shall receive that amount
as compensation for attendance on the
Circuit Court He also receives fees Tor
the conviction of convicts who are
brought before that tribunal and some
members suggested that the fees thus
derived are sufficient compensation lor
This service.
CATTLE-RAISERS TO MEET.
There will be meeting in the Senate
chamber this morning at lO:SO O'Clock Oh
members Of both branches who are inter-
ested In cattle-raising to discuss the ac-
tlon Of the General Government in quar-
antining Virginia against the export OF
cattle. Heretofore the hfty-one non-catte-
raising counties Of the Stale were exempt
from this quarantine. now all are inciud-
ed. and the immediate damage VIII De
over 100000 per year, and may result
I'm the ruin of one OF the greatest IN
dustries in Virginia. Richmond has here
tofore been a large shipper Of livestock
10 The northern markets. Last November
the Governor OF Maryland quarantmed
Richmond, to take effect simultaneously
with the government quarantine teoru-
arr, 1sth. This will take S5OO0)0 Of business
fror, PfchmOll annually.