The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-12-03
THE SUBJECTS
FOR LEGISLATION
Military VIII Ask for an Annual In
campment Fund.
CHANGES IN CHAIRMANSHlPS.
There VIII be a Great shaking mp III
the House. as Many OF the Fro
minent Old Members Were
Not Returned.
CHANGES IN CHAIRMANSHIPS

WIFI. no very important issues were
,us.u--ed during the campaign IT. %
i,y quite certain that much i"ipo' ''"'
legislation VIII Dee attempted
PRISON ODD tine election the Dfmo'i"'7
were too much interested in trying .o
nominate candidates who were f,tsoId"',
to either Martin or Tyler Tor niue"
States Senator 90 give consideration .'
matters that are really of more import
auce tO the taxpayers.
This LEGISLATURE is expected 10 make
rro,i.ion for meeting the Increased lh-
ter.st on the state debt. which VIII go
into effect ON July lst. 1890 Ihefe VIII
h.. an Increase OF from two 10 three per
cent. which viii mean SlceooO anhuaily.
Az fhfs time there is mo- apparent reason
for believing that the Commonwealth
win even have tight squeeze to meet
its obligation. The finances OF the state
have been administered by wise ana dis
Greet men. OF ample experience, and the
state treasury is In really a more healthy
condition than at any time in a number
AS TO TAXATION
The Legislature will lose no opportu-
ritv 20 provide new subjects OF taxa
ton. There is no prospect OF an emsr-
eencv requiring am increased tax rate on
"a radical cut I'm the expenses OF the gov
eminent. 10 is quite certain that an ei-
fort will be made 90 have the railroad
telegraph. telephone and express compi-
mics contribute more money TO the sup
mort OF the government This movement
wil De stubbornly fought.
There Will be radical changes made IN
the so-called "Land-grabbcrs' act ms
law will certainly not Doe repealed unless
a better one can be framed. rhe act
has brought into the state treasury
good deal Of money but In the opinion
of many IL hrs acted harshly upon the
owners of property. such changes '7
nav be made will be designed to protect
lie rights OF the owners. bur at the
same time an effort will be made 10 pre-
servo such features of the bill as are
calculated 10 aid the officials In making
the owners Of property pay their taxes.
TIE ELECTION LAW.
II is nrottv well understood that Cow
ernor Tyler will recommend some con-
sarvafiye changes I'm the election laws.
MANY members Of the Legislature VIII
come here pledged 20 vote for reforms.
They will not be i'm sufficient numbers
IN effect any radical changes. which
vo,1d be oprosed by the members repre-
santing counties having negro majorilleS.
Rut the matter Of suffrage Is going 10
no ono NJ the iveliest topics considered.
,rbare is an over the state an evident de-
sira IN mass some act. either by consu-
tutional amendment or otherwise, where
b, the ignorant negro vote may De
eliminated. III,
VIVA, will be done at this session will
nrobablv be only the starting Of cam
paign that will eventually result IN I'M
nortant changes in the constitution "A
rule the Valley and the Southwest
members will be favorable to material
changes I'm the election laws. but Win
ont a constitutional amendment restrict
ing suffrage The Eastern and the SOU
thern senator's and delegates Will be op-
pcsed 10 making concessions TO ther
Western brethren.
THE MILITARY
II Is believed the military Will fare
better than usual at the hands or the
LEGISLATURE. Since the General Assem-
bly was last In session, the war with
Spain has been fought. and the militia
nv fervor has been strengthened. bill
yin no offered 10 provide for an annual
encamprneut OF the state troops. Inc
measure win make an appropriation Tor
having officers and men the salaries and
exnenses allowed by the Federal govern
ment while in camp. The Idea Is 70 give
encouragement 70 the military 20 meet
once a wear FOR drilling end other rur-
noses. when strict military discipline VIII
be observed.
The military people will have strong
lobby on hand In favor OF this bill. IL
will be contended that men who give
their services to the State should be paid
Tor the time they have to lose frem ssir