Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1897-12-04
THE LEGISLATURE.
SENATE.

SENATE.
Yesterday was busy day in the Gen
eral Assembly. The State officers nom-
mated by the democratic caucus Thurs
day night were all elected with the ex-
ception of the second auditor (Ryland)
whose office may be abolished, and
practical steps were taken in both
houses toward shaping the legislation
of the session.
In the Senate bill was introduced
providing that each town in which any
bank, either national or State, is 10.
Gated may take all the shares of stock
issued by such bank so located within
the limits at The same rate as is assessed
upon other moneyed capital in the
hands of individuals.
The Senate passed the bill reported
on Thursday by special committee
amending the law regarding the sale OF
lands deiaulted to the Commonwealth
for taxes. The bill requires four
months notice to be given to all par
ties interested before real property can
be sold for taxes. Under tie present
law this notice was required to be given
only to the person in whose name the
property last stood on the tax books.
Many sales have already been made
under the former law, and many more
were expected to he made in the south
west very soon. The House will prob
ably pass this bill to-day.
Senator Flanagan offered bill re-
pealing the act passed at the last ses-
sion providing for the transportation Of
convicls to the penitentiary. The law
sought to be repealed is that which re-
quires the superintendent of the peni-
Tertiary to send guards to county seats
for the purpose of conveying convicis
to the penitentiary. 1t was the advo.
cacy of this law that defeated Major B.
w. Lynn, the present superintendent
of the pententiary. Senator Barksdals
offered a bill designed to repeal the
laws in relation to the Office of railroad
commissioner. 1t is Mr.. Barksdale's
purpose to offer bill creating a new
commission with increased powers. The
measure was referred.
Senator Opie introduced a bill pro,
yiding for special committee to take
into consideration the expediency OF
abolisbing or merging some of the State
Offices.
Mr.. Letcher introduced bill provid-
ing that shares of stock issued by banks
located in towns shall be taxed as all
other moneyed capital. The law at
present allows cities to tax such stocks,
but towns have not that power.
HOUSE.
The first legislation in the interest of
the Chesapeake oyster tongers was Of
fered yesterday as a joint resolution
that no tax shall be imposed for tong
ing on natural oyster rocks and beds,
but that the amount of sales of oysters
taken by longer in one year may be
taxed the same rate as any other
property. Some such measure is likely
to become law.
DR.. Winston offered a resolution,
which was adopted, providing that
Joint committee to take into considera.
ton the most desirable means to be
adopted in order to reduce the expens.
es of the States.
Mr.. Saunders offered joint resolu.
ton, which was agreed to, providing
that a joint committee be appointed
to thoroughly investigate and report
upon the matter of the States criminal
expenses, and as to means of reducing
such expenses.
Mr.. Anderson introduced bill to
abolish days of grace on promissory
notes, drafts, Sc, in the State OF Vir.
ginia.
Mr.. Parker introduced bill to
amend the law relating to grand juries
so as to allow them to present for m sde-
meanors which may not be tried by the
county aud corporation courts under
he present law, but which shall, upon
being reported by the grand jury, be
referred to magistrate for trial, with
right of appeal, if desired to the county
and corporation courts.
Mr.. Ryan introduced bill to amend
and re-enact an act entitled an act 10
incorporate the Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, of Loudoun county.
The TWO houses appointed joint