The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-01-15
The ANTl-FLIRTING BILL.
II KaS Discussed Before a Committee
Of Senators Yesterday.
Mr.. MCUNE GIVES HIS REASONS.
Ills Object is to Frotcct Pupils at Female
schools from Insult at tho Hands of
Rude Young Mcn-Judgo watkins
Advocates tho Passage ofthoAct.

senator McCunes bin. commonly known
as the anti-firtns act was discussed be-
fore tho senate Committee on Public
Institutions and Education yesterday af-
tcrnoon.
There were present Chairman Morris
and Messrs. Opc Egslcston, Clement,
Koczci and Rarksdalo. The hearing took
place in the senate chamber before about
one hundred persons. including four ia.
dies.
Chairman Morris stated that ;ho COM
mittcc had met in tho Senate quarters
ont Of courtesy TO those who desired TO
hear the debate ON the bni. and-4ho re-
qucstcd au in attendance to preserve per-
feet order
The act which ie designed 20 protect
pupils at the female schools from would
bc mashcrs was read by Clerk Hunter
MIR. McCCNB EXPLAINS.
Senator McCuno was then invited 70
explain his views. Armed with % great
bundle of papers. Do arose and faced the
committee "a moment OF Two before Begin
ming his remarks lie said the measure
was misunderstood j. was not a freak
bill ass any seemed 90 think. but an net
designed to protect the prosecuted wo-
men Of Virginia.
The senator went on 10 State that he
offered the bin at the request Of many
principals of female schools. II was not
done for huucombc nor with any hope Of
political reward
Of may hc lacking IN come moral
qualities" said the Senator, "but no man
can Justly accuse me of ever treating the
women of virginia in any other than the
most respectful manner. ] love and ad-
mire virtue. II is my wish 10 provide
protection FOR the young ladies az orr
schools Perhaps. every member o. this
committee. except the honorable chair
man. has daughters az school who are
liable to be iusulted by rude young men.
Tor whose crime there is no punishment
provided"
WOMEN LOBBYISTS.
MI McCune said ne had read I'm "a
paper that there were women lobbying
in opposition 20 this bill. and he pro-
ceeded 90 gently score them.
Just at tins point senator Burksdale
came in and Mr.. McCune referred TO him
as senator who had said the men need
ed the protection provided in this bill
more than The iadles
Mr.. Bafksdale replied that Mr.. McCune
had misintcrprctcd bis remarks.
Mr. MCCune retortcd that DEE did not
suppose auy ladies. except fhose who had
reached The age when they have 90 wear
srectuot- nOuld can" t0 hr, with Mr..
Bark dale.
Contruinr his remarks Mr. McCme
read lettci- from Professor John l..
HYDE. Of Winchester. Professor james
y l. ID ID. 4 i fl-
non. Jr. of Blackstone. ana other educa-
tors of females endorsing his BILL Hc
had heard 3D. distinguished senator say If
"a lady Wlukcd at him he would simply
wink tho other eye and lIit his hat but
would go uo further
This bill is to protect the virtue Of our
homes and if do not get il through AT
this session ] shall come back here again
and advocate it.' said the Senator in
conclusion.
Mr. j. H. Booker member OF the House
from Nousemond. said the principals OF
the female schools IN his town were
favorable to Tho hiu and had asked him
80 use his influence in its behalf
MR BARKsDALE REPLIES.
Senator laAsdale amused the audience
o. some plcasautries at Nj. McCune'
expense. and concluded hv say.ng the
Legislature would not Doe bothered with
the senator from Shenandoah after this
Fc--lou.
Alr w. g. Darlington. She delegate from
Charlotte. next got The door and poked
FUN at both Senator EdrEsdalc and Sena-
Tor McCunc iIc talked 40 some length.
and finally Senator Flanagan arose and
inquired oi Mr. Darlington which side
Dr. was on. and Where ic was at?'
Nr Darlington replied that hc did not
know. for the bin had not been explained
so that au intelligent man could under
stand it
4 SERIOUS MATTER
Judge Asa P.Watklns. of Prince Edward
asked to be heard. and was accorded the
privilege. he sa.d he regarded this bill
as a measure worthy of serious considera-
tion. Speaking for 259 young ladies of the
Female School at Farm'illc. he appealed
eloqucltIy to the committee TO recon-
mcnd The passage OF this. or similar.
act At Tarmsiuo 3 special policeman
had 60 hs employed 90 protect the young
ladies OF the school against rude young
men. There We're similar troubles an
over Virginla Iu Richmond an ordinance
had 10 Dee passed. but general statute
could remedy the trouble better than or
onanccs.
Chairman Morris said he had been
quoted az being opposed 10 tho bill but
h. had said nothing 20 give foundation
20 such q report
The committee postponed action on the
bill until the next meeting