The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-12-22

The Senate aud House passed lhe fcI-
tilizer Tonnage Tax bill with some amend
ments yesterday.
There was a lively debate in the Sen
ate over tho act TO abolish the position OF
REGISTER Of the Land Office. Opponents
of the measure nibustcrcd and broke
the quorum. There was a call OF the
House and six members were found and
brought 10 the bar Of the Senate. The
bill was then passed.
A Joint resolution was passed providing
for a. Joint special committee TO invest-
arate and report ass 90 the contract re-
@en,fv made between the Davis Shoe
Company and the commonwealth Tor the
hire of convicts.
The General Assembly adjourned until
the Srd of January
THE FOLKES BILL
Delegate Fo.kes' bill to require tele-
phone telegraph and electric lighting
wires to be placed under ground lh an
cities Of more than 10000 population. came
up before the House Committee on Gene
>ral Laws yesterday. il was set for
hearing on the 9th of January.
The measure will be fought by the com
panies interested.
unique feature Of the situation Is that
many companies operating I'm what were
supposed 10 be towns having less than
half of 20e0 inhabitants protest against
the massage of the bill and say they will
be seriously affected If the measure should
be passed
MAY CHANGE LAW.
4 report was current about the Capitol
to the enect that if the bill 10 i'm
pose tonnage tax upon fertilizers should
become a law, a measure VIII be Oiter-
ed 10 make the Commissioners Of Agri-
culture elective by The General Assem-
blv. The runor could not he traced TO
any one who would state positively that
he knew of any one who would offer the
bill
Several gentlemen had heard the report
aud one senator said he was quite certain
the bin would be offered.
Commissioner Koiner and members Of
the Board of Agriculture who were seen
had heard the report They stated tnat
they were satisfied with the law as IL nov
Is and would advocate no change. All
they wanted was more money 90 make
the Department Of increased value to the
farmers.
A DISTINGUISHED VISITOR.
During the consideration of the Fertilizer
bill. Hon. Elliott +. Danforth. one Of the
most prominent Democrats Of New York.
entered the Senate chamber, accompanied
by Mr. Ben. T.. owen, Jr, the Governors
private secretary on Senator Flood S
motion, a recess was taken for i've
minutes and all the senators were pre-
scented TO the distinguished visitor.
In the Senate.
The Senate met with prayer by Rev. Or.
T. y Calisch
on Senator Wickham's motion, the
House bin to amend the charter of the
Virginia Electrical Railway and Develop
mcnt Company was passed under sus-
pension OF the rules. The bill authorizes
the company to change the location of its
principal office from Lynchburs TO Rich
mond
House bin 10 authorize George F. Par
ramore 10 build d bridge across King $
Creek IN Northumberland county was
passed on Senator Blakey's motion.
Senator Wallace got through under
suspension OF the rules the bills 10 auth
orize Fredericksburg 10 issue bonds ana
TO authorize the council of the same city
10 apportion the cost OF street improve
ments
House bill Go prevent the obstruction Of
streams and promote the drainage Of
dams in Bedford. was passed under sus-
pension of the rules, on Senator Clayton s
motion.
senator Tyler got through under sus-
pension Of the rules. House bin 20 ncor-
porate Newport News Lodge. B. J.. o. E.,
No. 5l5. ..,,,,,.
A UNIQUE MEASURE.
Senator Maynard introduced the follow
ing bill:
THAT Il shall be unlawful for any
agent or solicitor TO call at or enter any
residence. Office or premises which has d
notice posted al or near the front door
or gate Agents not wanted.
The Bill provides for me OF % LOT
violation OF the act.
Senator Eegleston introduced a bill 10
repeal an act 10 define the powers ana
limitations Of building and loan associa-
tions. The patron states that the OBJECT
OF the measure is TO take from the as
sociaiions the power 10 charge usurious
Interest
a bill was offered by Senator Cogbill 10
amend the act in relation TO working and
keeping IN repair roads and bridges IN
Goochland
Senator Tyler offered a measure TO
amend certain sections Of the charter of
the city OF Newport News
A bill was presented by Senator Eg
gleston 10 amend the charter OF the town
OF Chase city.
senate bill introduced by Mr.. Glass 20
suspend for a period OF 30 days the opera
lion OF the Land -Grabbers law came back
10 the Senate with a House amendment
providing that nothing contained In the
bin should be construed as interfering
with applications pending AZ the time the
bill II passed
The Senate concurred in the House
amendment
HOUSE BILLS PASSED.
To incorporate Hampton Lodge OF Elks.
To amend act Incorporating United Land
and Investment Company.
To amend charter OF f'Otts Valley Rail-
road and Iron Company.
The bill 20 impose a tonnage tax on
fertilizers. which was reported with
amendments by the Committee on Agr-
culture and Mining. came up as the spe-
cial order at 1890 o'clock. All the amend
rncnts reported by the committee were
promptly agreed 10. The principal
change are % require tine Commissioner
Of Agl culture to give bond In the sum