Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-20
THEY ARE WILLING TO MOVE.
But the Resolution Was Not APP
proved and No Appropriation Made.

proved and No Appropriation Made.
Just before adjournment the Legea-
ture adopted a joint resolution, providing
that the rooms in the new Library build
ing occupied by the Commissioner Of Agri-
culture. which are on the same floor
with the Court of Appeals, be vacated by
him; that his department be transferred
TO the basement Of the Capitol building,
and that his former quarters be given
for the use of the law library. This reeo-
luton was not sent to the Governor, and,
therefore. did not receive his signature.
1t is contended by those interested that
the resolution is not effective without the
Executive signature. and Colonel White
head is not making any preparations TO
move.
The rules under which the Legislature
was working provide that "jOint resO-
buttons intended TO have the force and
effect of law, or To express the opinions,
wishes or purpose Of the General AS
sembly upon any matter not connected
with the preparation. direction, or con-
duct OF its business shall be introduced,
considered and disposed Of in all re-
epects as provided in regard to bills"
This resolution certainly expressed the
wish or purpose" OF the General AS
sembly. and was not connected with the
conduct of its business" and, therefore,
IL is contended that IL should have been
disposed OF as all bills are-that IS, 1t
should have been sent to the Governor
for his signature. The Governor said yes
terday that he had never seen the reso-
luton; but. further than that, he declined
TO discuss the matter.
Colonel Whitehead, the Commissioner
OF Agriculture, when seen by Dispatch
man. said he had no objection to moving
his headquarters into the Capitol building
and IL he was permitted to do so would
move at once. THE resolution, though"
he continued, docs not. so far as / can
see, carry any appropriation. and to movS
my mineral exhibits would entail eX-
pense II tie legislature had instructed
me 70 do 80, would take the money
from my fertilizer fund. and pay for the
moving. | could make myself just as
comfortable in the Capitol building as in
the new Library building.
Mr.. II. III. Gaines, the chemist of the
Agricultural Department. said that he
would not decline TO move If ordered so
10 do, as he was servant OF the State,
and obeyod orders when properly given.
lie didn't want TO move, though, as he
had put the State TO the expense of about
$500 in fitting up Ills quarters. and he
would have TO expend like to ar
range a laboratory in the Capitol building.
and as IL would be impossible for him 10
secure a room with proper lighting facili-
ties In that building. the service of his
department would be greatly interfered
with
When asked about the matter, Judge
Keith declined positively to say any
thing for publication. Mr. Gaines, how
ever. stated that the President of the
Court had voluntarily assured him that
the movement to eject the Agricultural
Department from the building did not
emanate from the Supreme Court. nor
had that body taken any action In the
premises
II IL understood that the resolution
originated with the Richmond Bar Aeso-
ciation.