Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1899-03-02
OUR LATE LEGISLATURE.

bill the session was extended twenty
four hours. So far as its record Is
concerned, the Legislature was about
as bad as it could be politically, while
in matters of legislation our opinion is
that it did very credltable work.
We rather think that a Republican
Senator was bodily stolen, and Mr..
McGraw has proof of this in a protest
against seating Senator Scott signed
by majority of the members OF the
Legislature, who all voted against him.
The action of the Senate in depnvlng
Mr.. Kidd of his seat until the senator
ial steal was accomplished was simply
outrageous.
The Legislature passed some laws
that will probably be very beneficial.
One is Mr.. Mansfeld's bill providing
for a reassessment of real estate in
West Virginia, which will make hold
ers of certain property who have here
tofore evaded a fair proportion of tax
alton to pay a just share. The "val-
ued policy bill requires fire compa-
MES to pay the face amount of poll
cies where there is total loss by fire.
The insurance companies fought this
measure, and the Governor opposed
it, although he allowed it to become
law. It's chief effect will probably be
to make insurance agents more care
full in estimating the value of proper
ty upon which they issue policies, A
bill to tax express companies passed
both houses, but the Governor has
vetoed it. 1t taxed such corporations 2
per cent of their gross receipts, re-
quired 2 cents on each package ham
died, S. for charter and 81 annual
ly for each agent.
The proposition advocated by Gov
ernor Atkinson to distribute the ire
ducible school fund did not meet with
favor. The Legislature refused to
make an appropriation for a geologi-
cal survey, as it was stated that $780,
900 would be required to complete
the work. The Legislature refused
to give the slightest consideration to
the alleged Virginia debt certificates,
and promptly killed all efforts to dis
cuss the subject. The bill to move
the capital from Charleston failed to
pass.
The general appropriation bill as
adopted by the Legislature appro-
pirates $1,752,5375O for the two
years. The following are some OF the
most important items; Weston insane
asylum, $322,725; Spencer insane
asylum, $4,000; University, $780,
500; peni,entiary, $45, 900; criminal
charges, $4,000; Marshall college,
$4,000; West Liberty normal school,
$4,000; Fairmont normal school,
$4,000; Concord normal school,
$4,000; Chenille normal school,
$4,000; Shepherd College, $4,000 i;
deaf and blind schools, $4,000; re-
form school, $4,000; industrial school
for girls, $4,000; asylum for incur
ables, $4,000; colored institute, &c.
600; Bluefeld colored institute, $15,-
600; Storer college, $4,000; the mi
litia, $4,000; contingent funds,
100000; new capitol annex, 100000;
public printing, $4,000.
The following is list Of the bills
passed by the Legislature, leaving out
those of interest only to the localities
affected by them;
Providing for reasseSSment of all the
real estate in West Virginia in 1900
Providing that all executions of the
death sentence shall take place in the
penitentlary.
Abolishing days of grace, providing
shall not be protested until the day fol-
| lowing.
Amending the game and fish law.
| Requiring insurance companies, in
case of total loss by fire, to pay the full
| face value of their policies.
| Concerning the printing of records in
| appeals TO the supreme court.
Confirming the lease of the Berkeley
| Springs property to DR.. c. w. Chancel-
| Tor, of Baltimore.
| Providing for a cadet corps and the
| appointment of cadets with free tuition,
| books and clothing at the West Virginia
| Colored Institute.
Providing penalties for the failure OF
! local boards Of health 10 comply with
/ the laws and otherwise amending the
! law concerning them.
Providing for the creation of State
Humane Society.
Making Christmas, New Years, Me-
mortal Day, WaShingtons Birthday,
Fourth of July, Labor Day and Thanks
giving Day, and general election days
legal holidays.
Making eight hours days work on
public buildings.
Creating d State Board of Undertake
ers and requiring licensing Of under
takers and embalmerS.
Fixing the liability of hotel keepers,
and providing that it shall not exceed
two hundred and fifty dollars for the
loss of personal property OF any guest.
To provide for the taxation of express
companies