Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-01

| but we may expect, with the coming
! years growth in her population and large
| expansion OF her mining, manufacturing
| railroad, and industrial enterprises. The
| existence of such q bureau, and the com
| pilauon of the information which it will
secure, will be productive of great good.
II viii enable the General Assembly to
deal intelligently with legislation affecting
these great interests IL will give to the
labor of the country, with all Of its mani
Told interests and often inarticuata cry.
a mouthpiece. through which to bring its
needs, its wishes, and it's rights to the at
tention Of the public. And best of oil. 1t
Will furnish a public official who will
stand as the go-between in any threat
ened conflict between labor and capital.
Mr.. Munford said that his views with
respect to organized labor were well
known, and had been heretofore urged
upon the Senate. He believed in or
ganized labor. In this day OF fierce COM
petition, Of concentration, and organiza-
ton in every interest, il was absolutely
necessary for the well being OF those who
toll that they should associate thus for
united erort with respect TO every ques-
ton affecting their interests
This legislation was asked by the rep-
resentatives OF the organized labor of the
State IL was the only bill which had
been asked for by the representatives of
the state organization, and 1t was the
part of right and of sound public policy
for the Democrats to heed this request
and TO pass the bill. Mr. Munford com
bated the idea that organized labor was
necessarily the enemy Of capital and of
the rights of the employer. With the
organization and conference the laboring
men OF the country not only learn their
own rights but the rights of employer and
capital and the mutual dependence of
labor and capital. Mr.. Munford, as an
instance Of this harmony, referred 10 a
threatened strike a few years since on
one Of the railroads of this State. where.
IN consequence of reor saniZation, the
wages of every official and employee OF
the company had been reduced. The
locomotive engineers of the com
pany protested against the reduc-
ton, and threatened to strike unless their
wages were restored. Through a COM
mittee, representing their splendid organi-
zaton, the Brotherhood of Locomotive
Engineers, the authorities of the company
We're approached, Those officials laid be-
fore this committee a statement Of the
company's current receipts and liabilities.
and appealed 10 the committee 10 know
whether in the light of the actual fnan-
cial condition of the company the reduc-
ton OF wages was not necessary. The
committee of engineers, upon investiga-
ton, became satisfied that the reduction
was necessary, and indicated their opin-
ions to their organization; the reduction
of wages was accepted. and by this frank
and reasonable conference between Off
Gals of the company and representatives
OF labor, authorized to speak for all their
fellows, a great strike was averted and
hundreds of thousands Of dollars saved 10
the company, its employees, and the pub
lie.
Mr.. Munford earnestly urged the pas-
sage of the blu, as being In line with
the action of the most advanced and en- |
lishtened commemorative and the neces- |
stiles surrounding our modern industrial !
life. Il.
The bill was passed without a dissenting |
vote.
HE FAILED TO QUALIFY.
A communication was received from the |
Governor announcing a vacancy In the !
OF Dinwddie County Court.
owing To the failure OF Hon. b. J. Epes |
to qualify within the time prescribed by |
law.
HOUSE BILLS PASSED.
To provide for destruction of poll-books,
sc.
For the protection of game In counties
west OF Blue Ridge mountains.
For the protection of quail in Culpeper
and Orange counties.
To amend act in relation TO contagious
diseases.
To amend section 1881 of the Code In re-
lation to issue out OF chancery.
To amend section 1874 Of Code providing
for the returns Of accounts Of sales OF
hduciaries.
To make the night-watchman of Chinco-
league Island a conseryator OF the peace.
TO amend section 1853 Of Code In regard
10 school trustees.
TO provide for the protection OF part
ridge in Pittsylvania county.
TO amend act In relation to fees 10 be
paid by applicants to practice medicine.
To amend act In regard 10 appointment
~ notaries public.
To provide for the collection of taxes.
&c, under the control of fiduciaries
To incorporate the Princess Anne Tele-
jhOne Company.
70 amend license-tax law.
TO provide Tor aseertaining and PUBLISH
hs annual statement OF receipts and dis
,ursemehls OF the counties and cities OF
he Commonwealth.
TO amend charter town OF Martinsville.
In relation 20 Jurisdiction of Corporation
curt OF Winchester.
10 amend section 40S2 OF Code as 10
aymen, OF witnesses In misdemsanor
aseS.
TO incorporate the Princess Anne ana
.yphayen Bay Railway Company.
10 amend act 10 allow voters OF Chcr-
eriield county to vote on d fence law.