Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-09

WOuiu De OF great SERVICE III HdhlhS a
new survey.
In discussing the subject, Major Hotch-
kiss exhibited a number Of maps, which
he brought here for the purpose and by
which he endeavored to demonstrate TO
the committee not only the necessity for
the proposed survey, but also the fact
that, If carried out it would result in
considerable revenue TO the State He
also mentioned the fact that the General
Government had spent 100000 with a
similar object IN view.
After some consideration the bill was
passed by to be taken up at a joint ses-
sion OF the finance committees OF both
houses.
TEXT OF THE BILL.
The bill reads as follows:
Be it enacted by the General Assembly
Of Virginia
l. That there Is hereby established
state geologic and economic survey. which
shall be under the direction and control
OF a commission composed OF the Gov
ernor OF Virginia (who shall be. ex-officio,
president Of the commissiOn), and a COM
petent citizen from each OF the congress
sional districts of the State to be appoint
ed by the Governor. subject to confirma-
ton by the Senate Of Virginia. for a term
Of four years from the LIST day of January.
1898. The members Of this commission
shall serve without compensation. but
shall be reimbursed for actual expenses
incurred in the performance of their Off
cial duties. Said commissioners shall
hold their first meeting at the call of the
Governor and meetings thereafter at
4. a. L -.
shall have general charge Of the survey.
and shall appoint as director of the same
9 geologist Of established reputation and
Such assistants and employees az they
may deem necessary fixing their compen-
sation and regulating their expenditures
and terms of service. but all subject TO
removal by majority vote OF the com
mission.
OBJECTS OF THE SURVEY.
2. That this survey shall have for its
objects:
First. An examination Of the geologic
formations of the State. with special re-
ference TO their economic contents. such
as building-stones, clays. iron and other
ores. Goals, rOad-materials. and all other
useful mineral substances, with special
reference to their economic value and the
collecting of information that will lead
TO their development.
Second. An examination and classified
ton of the soils Of the State with re-
ference to their adaptation TO particular
crops. cooperating i'm this work with the
Virginia Experiment Station in such man.
ner as may be arranged.
Third. An examination of the forests
and forestal resources Of the State with
reference to their utilization to the best
advantage and their preservation and in
crease arranging. in so far as practi-
cable, to secure the cooperation in this
work of the botanist of the Virginia Ex-
pertinent Station.
Fourth. An examination of the physi-
cal features of the State with reference
TO the well being of it's people and the
adaptability OF each portion of the same
TO special industries and occupations. in
GLIDING an investigation OF the water re-
sources Of TIE State, and. incidentally,
its climatic conditions, in cooperation
with the Virginia section Of the United
State Weather Bureau.
Fifth. The preparation and publication
of special and general reports descriptive
Of the geology and natural resources of
the State with maps and such other Illus
tratiOns as may elucidate the same and
add 10 their value.
Sixth. The preparation and publication
OF topographic, geologic, and economic
maps of the State. providing for utilizing
the work Of this character already done,
and that hereafter may be done, by the
United States Geological Survey and CO.
operating with that survey In the further
ance of such work; and. as incidental
thereto, providing for the establishing
and durably marking the true meridian
at the county seats of each county in the
State.
Seventh The consideration of such
other scientific and economic questions
as, in the judgment OF the commissioner,
shall be considered of value 10 the people
Of the State and promotive of their inte-
rests.
REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE.
2 THAT the commissioners shall have
prepared a report before the meeting OF
each regular session of the Legislature
for submission 70 the same, showing the
progress and condition OF the survey
and the results it has accomplished in
complying with the requirements Of this
act together with such other informa-
ton as they may deem necessary and
useful. or that the Legislature may re-
quire.
4. That the regular and special reports
Of the survey. with accompanying maps !
and Illustrations. shall be printed as the
may direct; and that these
reports and other publications Of the sur
vey shall be distribui 3D. or sold, by said !
as the interests OF The |
State, the diffusion of practical informa-
ton relating to the development Of the !
State. or improving the condition Of its |
people, and the advancement Of know |
ledge and science may demand All |
moneys received from such sales shall be
paid into the Treasury of the State.
). That all specimens Of every kind col
lected during the progress Of the survey
after having served the purpose OF the
same. shall be distributed by the COM
to the educational instl- |
tutlons and museums of Virginia. Ia
such manner and under such regulations
as shall, In their opinion, render them !
Of the most value as educational aids and |
in promoting the general intelligence of |
the people OF the State In reference TO its |
physical conditions and resources; or they |
may. at their discretion place the whole |
or part OF such specimens. properly |
labelled and classified. on permanent ex- |
hibltion In a State museum at Richmond. |
6. That the Boards of Visitors OF the |
Of Virginia. OF the Virginia \
Institute OF the Virginia Poly |
Iechnic Institute, and OF the Virginia Ex- |
pertinent station are hereby directed 10 re- |
quest the professors OF geology. botany. |
chemistry. and engineering or these State /
institutions TO render all the |
assistance they can. consistent with the |
discharge OF their regular duties, in pro-
noting the work OF the geological survey; |
md that TO this survey shall be entrusted. |
for It's use. the records OF the former |