The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-05
Special TO The Posi-


Richmond, Va, Dec 4-The lawmakers
are coming in more rapidly. The fact thas
there are so few contests over important
offices is the chief reason why members
of the legislature have not hurried 10
Richmond, as usual Probably one-halt
of the members had arrived tonight but
it is expected that nearly ali OF them will
be here by tomorrow night. when the
Democrats will caucus for offices OF the
two houses The only contest OF note Is
that for clerk OF the house. All five Candi-
dates have headquarters at Murphys, and
have been busy to-day and tonight urging
their claims upon the delegates. The re-
suit is very uncertain. though Mann AMI
Gooeh seem TO be the leading candidates.
II IS thought all the other old officers OF
both houses will be reelected. The great
fight o. the night will be that over the
admission of Mr.. Stands. of the Isle or
Wight district. TO the senate caucus. Mr..
Shands is here, and has with him as the
leader of his fight. Hon. j. G. Parker. of
Southampton. one of the ablest members
of the last Two houses. Senator Martin
and his managers will exert all of their
potential influence to prevent the admis-
sion of Stands, who defeated Col. Boy
kim the Martin candidate, who was recog
nee of the party. Senator Martin, with
Congressman Swanson, Epps, Hay, and
Otey, arrived here tonight, and spent the
evening in the lobby at Murphy's, which
was swarmins with politicians.
Fight 10 Exclude shands from Caucus.
Mr.. Martin Will probably remain until
after the organization of the general as
sembly. 1t is expected that he will be re
nominated Friday night. and that the
State officers to be elected will be named
at the same time. Che of the strong pleas
to be used in behalf of the admission of
Mr.. Stands to the caucus will be a letter
from DR.. Thomas Ii. Barnes Of Nanse-
mond, declaring that he should be. The
delegation from the Second Congressional
District will confer tomorrow touching
the Shands case
The only man elected as an independ-
ent who will seek admission to the house
caucus is Josiah Stickley. OF Shenandoah.
Il is not believed that he will be admit
ted There are three circuit and three
county judges to be elected by this leeis-
lature, but an effort will be made to
abolish the eighteenth Roanoke and Bed
ford circuit, which was created few
years ago.
Delegate Bland says Mai. ]. F. Croker
will be elected Hastings Court judge, of
Portsmouth. The sentiment seems to be
almost unanimous In favor of the bill
senator Barksdale will offer to prevent
the corrupt use Of money I'm elections.
The e seems TO come demand from
all sections of the State for such legisla-
tion. Mr.. Barksdale will also introduce
a senatorial primary bill.
Important Bills Prepared.
Senator Barksdale. of Halifax. has
his bill to prohibit the use Of money
in elections perfected. and it will
be offered on Wednesday. 1t pro-
vides that no candidate for office shall
either directly or indirectly promote his
chances fer nomination by caucus con-
ventiOns or otherwise by the use of money
or othe- things of value. The act per-
mits the use Of money only for personal
expenses. 1t makes IL a crime for a man
to promise an office to any other person
in order to help his own chances, but In
the canvass he may define what his pO-
sition or purpose is as to any election in
which he, if chosen, will take part. Per-
sonal expenses are defined as the actual
cost of travelling, printing, postage tele-
gTarh and telephone bills, &c. candi-
cate is allowed 10 make a voluntary con-
trib'Ition 10 the committee Of his party.
Provision is made for the treasurer Of
such committee TO file statement giving
In detail the moneys received from cam
ddates end how disbursed.
Mr. Barksdale will on Wednesday offer
also his senatorial primary bill, which
was defeated at the last session He
thinks IL will pass this legislature
Hon. VI. s. Newberne, of Norfolk Coun-
", who is the fourth oldest member OF the
house in point OF service, will offer a bill
TO make hazing OF students criminal
offense. Mr.. Newberne has not perfected
the measure. but he will do so In few
days. as he will advocate its pasasge with
all the energy which he possesses. Sew
eral fellOw-membars have promised MIN
their hearty support.
On the very first day of the session a
bill will be offered to require railroad com
panies to provide separate coaches for
the whites and blacks. The act IS model
ed after the Kentucky law, which has
stood the test OF the Supreme Court 0f me
United States. The author Of the separate
car / I'D will also present an act TO prohibit
street car companies from working their
motormen and conductors more than ten
hours d day. except In emergency cases,
which will be very clearly defined.
4 big fight viii be made 10 abolish the
position OF register Of the land Office.
Some Of the old members now on the
ground say the movement VIII be sue
cessfuI. II is proposed 70 have the secre-
tary OF the commonwealth discharge the
duties OF this position and 10 give him an
additional clerk.
Col. George Wayne Anderson. one OF
the delegates from Richmond, - perfect
ing a bill 10 correct the evils OF the So
called ''land-graboers" act He has given
this subject much thought and study.
and hopes 10 be able % present measure
that Will bring into the state much reve-
nue., and AT the same time viii protect
the interests or the owners Of property