The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-22
HE HAS NO PET PLAN.
SENATOR MASON fND THE RBDUC-
TON OF CPTMINAL E1I * 'SES.
Mr.. McCunc Says His Anti.Fiir'ng BIZ
Was offered In Perfect Good FAITH
Many Applicants for one once.

Tho Legislature will ADJOURN for The
Christmas rcccss to-day. IhH VIII DC
lttlc work done IN either nptsN as mSh'
mcmba's have already text LOT taeir
On January Isl the General Assembly
vi rcco4,Ncue. bat 0s that Gay falls on
52turdSy not a great many OF the sena-
toss ard Delegates viii be here. The ses-
ms Of the senate anu House on thal
80 asiea Vii be purely formal ana no
,us!-.ss Nil DE transacted. Lieutenant
he Senate chamber with very brief ana
simple ceremonies ana soon after TINS ~
done The senators viii 80 over 10 the nan
OF the House TO witness the Inauguration
THE RETRENCHMDNT MOVEMENT.
Nj Mason's resolution. which passed
the senate yesterday, VIII not DC aSteu
upon ln the House to-day. IL PROVIDES
Tor % Joint special committee OF nNe sena-
tors 4ud 1--WE delegates TO investigate tle
expenses OF the State. county ana num-
ClpM governments and to report pan
whereby these expenses may be reduced.
This committee Is. also, 20 report DIiis
looking TO amending the constitution, u
such are necessary In order 10 carry Vut
the plan agreed upon
Senator Mason has no plan looking %
cutting down expenses 10 Whlth ne is
particularly welded. lie toid "a lines
reporter last night that the subject the
committee will have 10 investigate is a
very broad one and the best talent in
both houses should be appointed on the
committee.
The Senator says many members. he
understands. have plans looking 10 re-
trcuchment and all Of these can be pre-
scented 10 the committee ana the best
features Of them be embodied In the re-
MANY AFTER ONE POSITION.
Norfolk and Portsmouth have not had
a war since the Legislature convened
fact which Is worthy OF mention. But
as soon as Governor Tyler goes into Once.
these two cities will make things lively
about the executive office until the quar-
antiuc officer for the port OF NOrfolk ana
Portsmouth Is appointed. This Is a very
desirable position. Or. Hope. Of Ports
mouth SIS the incumbent, and desires the
oihce again. Norfolk has eight candl-
dates 10 say nothing Of the doctors from
Portsmouth who wish 10 succeed Dr.
MCUNEs ANTI-FLIRTING BILL.
Senator J. G.. McCune says he did not
offer what rs known as the anti-ilirting
bill as Joke. but IL was done at the IN
stance of the lady principals OF hdlt a
dozen or more female schools in his dis
trict. The principals are often annoyed
whom they take the young ladies' out Tor
walks by rude men who either communi-
cate. or attempt 10 communicate, with
the pupils against the wishes OF the prin-
Cipals ana scholars. 10 Is with "a view 10
Furnishing persons guilty OF this and IKE
offences. that the bill is introduced.
At the session Of the Legislature or
le93p4, bill was passed giving 10 cities
the right 10 adopt ordinances punishlng
the very offence which Senator McCune
purposes prohibiting by a general statute.
THE PENITENTIARY GUARD.
The announcement that there IS a plan
on foot looking 70 the abolition OF the
present system OF penitentiary guards.
and capitol police and the substitution Of
a military guard, 10 be composed Of Con-
federate veterans. has stirred up those
who hold the positions involved.
There was much discussion Of the sub
ieCt I'm the capitol lobby yesterday. As
was 10 be expected those who hold office
and would D. turned out were the change
20 be made. say "A great mistake would
be made by adopting the plan proposed.
on the other hand. the scheme seems 10
please The average Confederate veteran.
MAJOR HELMS is HERE.
Major George NJ. Helms, the Superin-
tendont-clect of the Penitentiary, reached
here Yesterday. lie will take charge Of
his or on the FIRST day Of January. He
will return TO his home In Franklin coun-
~ 90 spend a part of Christmas. The
Major Is ovcrrun with applications for the
offices he has TO give away.