The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-02-05

Secretary Of the Commonwealth, but he
mas not very much TO do
MR. BANDS APPEAL.
Mr. Charles r. Bland. Of Portsmouth,
said ne was peculiarly impressed by the
action Of some members Of the House.
During the discussion on the previous
day, Or. winston, of Hanover, had in
the most earnest manner opposed the
suggestion Of having the salary Of the
surgeon or the pententiary cut down
from 500 to $500 year and now. only one
day later. he was willing TO cut every
Dodys salary. Then again. the gentle
man from Richmond, Mr.. Anderson, had
told the House time and again, that he
favored retrenchment. but since this
bill IN reference 10 the cutting OF
sanries OF officers had been under dis
cussiOn. this same gentleman had repeat
edly expressed dissatisfaction with that
measure ana he seemed in fact 10 be dis
satisfied with every bill that came up.
Mr.. Bland then spoke of the necessity
OF cutting down salaries. he knew. he
said. that II affected every member on
the floor. but it had to be done in view
OF the crippled financial condition OF the
Commonwealth. Retrenchment or no re-
trenchment was the question, and there
was only one alternative. 10 decrease the
expenses OF the State or TO increase the
general taxation.
Mr.. Upton u. Jennings OF Lynchburg.
desired TO know whether Mr.. Bland
thought II consistent with the endeavor
OF working in the interest Of retrench-
mont and reform, when he voted IN favor
of creating the Fishery Commissioners.
whereby the expenses of the state were
increased.
Eyes. do" replied Mr.. Bland, be
cause they will bring into the State
Treasury an additional revenue OF $4,000
annually"
Or. Winston asked that this prediction
OF Mr.. Bland be entered on the Journal
OF the House for future reference.
And I would like 10 have added" said
Mr. Jordan, OF Frederick. that II this pre-
diction OF the gentleman from Ports
mouth fails TO become true. that two
years hence the mountsineers be given
an opportunity Of trying their heads at
oyster legislation"
Mr.. Bland said in reply that the bin
creating the Board OF Fisheries was en-
tirely the product Of the declarations OF
the gentlemen from the mountain coun-
ties.
Mr.. Jennings. OF Lynchburg. then de-
sired to make a prediction, which he
asked the clerk to enter on the Journal,
TO the effect that these Fishery COM
missioners would bring the State In debt
more than It was now.
Mr.. Bland then continued 10 urge the
House 10 take some decisive action In the
interest OF retrenchment and reform.
THEY WILL COME TOGETHER.
Mr.. Parks. OF Page. told the House that
ne was member OF the COMMITTEE on
Retrenchment and that that body had
worked hard and arduously In preparing
the work for which they had been APP
pointed. Then the members of the House
became restless. and asked for the report
n, tho committed Now that some mem
hers do not agree" continued Mr.. Parks
with all the details Of the bill. they
say We arc going back on onr record
Th.r so-rct however. that all legislation
4. brourh. about by the way % compro-
mise. The General Assembly may differ
as 70 the details Of the various retrench-
nent measures. but they will dnally come
together as true vlrginians.
Where shall the government rest IN
free-born people or IN monered