Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-23
TAX ON SOCIAL CLUBS.


Mr.. Flanagan presented a petition sign
ed by twenty-six citizens Of Manchester,
asking the Senate to pass the House bill
| imposing a tax on social clubs.
Mr.. Eggleston presented similar petit
| ton, signed by forty-one citizens OF
| GAINESVILLE.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.
Mr.. Withers offered bill providing that
at the general election to be held in Nir-
gnia for the election Of representatives
| in Congress, there shall be submitted to
the voters the question "Shall there be
convention TO revise the Constitution and
amend the same?'
| Mr.. Withers stated that the condition
of the States finances was such that the
people had to face one of three difficult
ties: To call a convention. and thereby
obtain an economical system of State
and county governments, or raise taxes
upon the people at large, or meet the
deficit that is sure to come by making
railroad, telegraph, telephone, express.
steamboat and canal companies contri-
butte more largely to the revenues of the
State, which could be done by an amend
ed constitution.
I Sir. Wickham called for the exact fg-
ures which would show that such pro-
perty did not now bear its due share OF
taxation. He wanted to know why Mr..
Withers should pick out one class OF cor
porations upon which to place the burden
Of increased taxation.
Mr.. Withers replied that they were not
paying their just share Of the taxes.
do you know what proportion OF the
States taxes is paid by the corporations
you refer TOT" asked Mr.. Wickham.
II know it is quite large. but have not
/ 10 ac,tr 81 .rktf
produce them at the proper time j am
not seeking TO impose greater taxes on
the corporations. 1 believe the proper way
to meet the condition that confronts us
is to hold a convention, and revise and
amend the Constitution"
The bill was referred.
HOUSE BILLS PASSED.
In relation to commissioners Of roads in
Russell county.
In relation to game in Buckingham and
Cumberland counties.
To compensate school trustees in Rus
sell county.
To amend section 1868 of the Code in re-
lation to attempts TO poison, and how
punished.
To incorporate the Virginia Electric
Railway and Development Company
To repeal an act to establish board
of river and harboT commissioners for
Nansemond river.
Defining the territorial jurisdiction of
the Circuit Court Of the city Of Lynch-
burg.
TO amend the charter of The Blacks
burg Railway Company.
The Senate bill to declare a certain por-
ton Of ground in York river a natural
oyster rock was passed.
OYSTER BILL PASSED.
Mr.. Blakey had taken up out Of its or
der the bill TO declare certain oyster
grounds in York river natural oyster
rock He spoke at length In support OF
the bill. and Mr.. Boykin vigorously op-
posed IT, He said he would not oppose
the bill II he could feel absolutely GER
tain that no vested rights would be af-
fected by the lease.
Mr.. Boykn said he would offer an
amendment providing that the lease
should not affect any pending proceed
ings in any court OF this Commonwealth
by any person claiming to be entitled to
said ground as lessee OF the same from
the State OF Virginia.
Mr.. Blakey accepted This, and the rules
were further suspended and the bill
passed.
AMENDING TOWN CHARTERS.
Mr.. Barksdaie's bill abolshing the pro-
visions in various town charters relieving
them OF taxation for county pauper and
road purposes. reported adversely. called
forth a vigorous speech from its patron.
He said this provision was relic of the
days OF the boom, when every little new