Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-01
sive canvass. end is sanguine OF his cleo

sive canvass, and Is sangune OF his cleo
| tion.
AN EARLY CAUCUS PROBABLE.
1t is probable that the caucus for the
nomination OF basement officers will be
held this week. There has all along been
very general desire on the part of Sena-
tors and Delegates to have the meeting
at as early date as possible. the men,
bers being anxious to get rid OF the un-
usually great lobby that impedes work.
a movement was begun last night to have
the caucus tonight.
REDUCING EXPENSES.
The resolution adopted at the caucus
of the House last night, looking to or
suggesting the abolition Of certain base
ment Offices and the reduction OF the
salaries OF officials, was quite generally
discussed later in the evening. The gene
raj opinion seemed to prevail that while
salaries I'm some instances might be re-
duced, the consolidation Of the offices was
probably hardly practicable with salts
factory results. There are. however
several schemes on foot looking to saving
money TO the State by this course.
PROBABLE LEGISLATION.
Further expressions from Senators and
Delegates to Dispatch reporters yester-
day were along the same general lines OF
those published yesterday morning The
necessity for retrenchment Is emphasized
in every instance, and it seems certain
that legislation Of this character will be
enacted.
1t would also appear that oyster legis-
lation is to be proposed. but how much
Of a fight will result cannot be predicted.
ECHOLS AND MONTAGUE.
Lieutenant-Governor Echols arrived in
the afternoon, ana registered at Muir
phys. He was Immediately surrounded
by host OF friends. who were hearty in
their congratulations. Mr.. Merritt Cooke.
who was a prominent candidate for the
office to which the ex-senator from
Staunton has been elected met the lat
ter n few minutes after his arrival
and extended his congratulations. "The
last time we met" he said. was on
the stage" the Norfolk delegate referring
to the Roanoke convention.
Mr.. Echols, when asked by a Dispatch
reporter what he thought would be the
most important legislation to be con-
sidered at this session of The Legsa-
ture, said. in his opinion, retrenchment
and reform would be the keynote. He
thought there would be no change made
in the election laws. The next Lieuten-
ant-Governor said that he had merely
come to Richmond to remain a few
days and to meet old friends and wit
ness the familiar scenes of the gather
ing together of the lawmakers.
Acknowledgement Montague arrived i'm
the morning and left last night. He re-
ceived quite an ovation i'm the hotel
lobbies. Retrenchment and reform, he
thought, was the most important issue
to be dealt with this session. Mr.. Monta-
que says he thinks he shall make his
residence in Richmond.
THE NEED FOR ECONOMY.
Mr.. Merritt Cooke, member of the
House from Norfolk city, in speaking to
a Dispatch reporter, said: Il suppose
the most important legislation to be con-
sidered at this session will be retrench-
meut and economy.
1T IS great qualification to me. as
friend of economy, that it was endorsed
at Roanoke. If this Legislature will use
good judgment and economy there will
be no trouble in our meeting the in
creased interest Of $4,000 I'm 1902. our
bonds will advance in price, and will
add greatly to the prosperity of Ntr-
ginia and to the benefit OF the Demo-
cratic party. We should "lop" off use
less offices, and combine as many as
possible. We should pass laws to secure
the personal property for taxation"
Cooke said: 81 do not think there will
be any change in the election laws, with
the exception of possibly some slight
amendments. for the reason that the
Parker Walton bill is becoming more and
more popular, and has returned, even
I'm the Southwest, more Democrats than
ever before. People IN the Second Con-
gressional -DistHct, ava rulc, are per-
fectly satisfied with the present law"
INTEREST IN RETRENCHMENT.
Mr. f. w. Saunders, Of Franklin, who
Is one Of the most prominent members
of the House, said: "The work Of the
session will be directed TO retrenchment,
where we may discover retrenchment
can be made. / think they will institute
a different judicial system In the State,
with view 10 a reduction OF the gene
raj expenses, and the abolition Of some
Of the present courts" Mr.. Saunders
said that he intended TO introduce bill
looking to a change in the system Of
taxing foreign corporations doing busi
ness in the State. This measure would
be in the direction of reaching that por-
ton of their capital stock which may
be treated as localized I'm Virginia.
Senator Mason said he. like others, |
thought the most important legislation |
this session would be in the direction of |
and reform.
THE OYSTER QUESTION.
Hon. Charles T. Bland, of Portsmouth, |
said he favored legislation in the direc- |
ton of more economical administration |
of government, but he was especially in |
terested in the oyster question, and at |
the proper time would seek to have the |
recognize the fact the oyster |
beds, rocks, and shoals of the State are |
being encroached upon by private indi-
viduals until the men who make their |
living longing oysters are starving.
BILL FOR CHAIN-GANGS.
Senator H. c. Lowrie, Of Bedford, Is
deeply impressed with the necessity of
the criminal expenses Of the
State, and will in the early part Of the
session introduce a bill providing for
in all the counties and cities
Of the State, to which persons convicted
OF misdemeanors can be sentenced and
forced TO work upon streets and roads.
thus relieving the State Of the cost Of
these cases.
Senator LowIie Will also offer a joint
resolution providing for the appointment
Of a committee to report what changes,
IL any, are necessary in order to more
administer the State Gov