The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-10-22
ONLY ISSUE WAS
THE SENAT0RSHIP
The Legislature However VIII Have
Important Work to Do.
FIGHT FOR THE SPEAKERSHlP.
MIR. Saunders Friends Say He VIII
Easily Win-A Pretty Race for the
House Cicrkship The Other
OHccs.
FIGHT FOR THE SPEAKERSAIP.

The campaign in Virginia il so very
cas-sideo IL is lacking in the interest
tina, usually attaches 10 a political hsht
IN this State. .,-..-, zoe
One reason for this Is that interest was
oracticaliv exhausted by the primary
contests inside the Democratic party
Away back In the spring the Democrats
besan TO divide up into Two very cleatty
defined factions. one wanted Mt. MaIuh
reelected 10 the United states senate ahn
the other desired 10 defeat MIN lhai
neht Is now practically ended. Tor the
man who will receive the nomination az
IN, hands of the Democratic caucus Will
easily win.
Other issues than that al 7ho shall rep
resent Virginia IN the Senate have been
ignored. Nominations have been made
for the General Assembly In nearly every
case solely with a view OF promoting the
chances OF eth Mr.. Martin or Governor
Tyler No matter what his views were
ON other questions. he was all right so
long as he favored the senatorial candi-
dale. a majority OF his people wanted
elected.
WORK or LEGISLATURE
while few issues have been made. there
will be many important questions 10 be
dealt with. Two years ago members Of
the General Assembly came pledged 10
reirenchment ard reform Most OF the
session was taken up with the considera-
ton of measures looking TO cutting down
expenses The extremists were defea. ed
IN their purposes. and nearly all OF them
will be left AT home this wear. The Leg
islature did &C, omplish good deal in
the way OF reducing criminal expenses
hut there was almost a complete failure
n the efforts made 20 cut down the
salaries Of The poorly paid and efficient
officials and employees Of the state Gov
4rnmont.
In only one county this year was the is
sue OF cutting salaries made. and that
was In Louisa. Editor James Il. Bibb
who promised n nominated and elected.
10 cut down expenses. was defeated.
The General Assembly viii have 10
make provision FOR meeting the increased
interest on The state debt. which goes
into effect on the first of July 1901. This
will amount al one -er cent to $3.50 coo
annually. The State Treasury is in bet
ter shape than u has heen for some years.
and those who manage the finances are
confident that the increase can be met
without reducing salaries or raising taxes.
The LEGISLATURE will certainly not in
crease the tax rate Efforts will be made
to provide new subjects OF taxation.
PRIMARY ELECTIONS.
Two years ago. when Sena or Banks
da'e and Hon. w. F. Reddy fought to get
bills through providing methods for vot-
ers 10 express their cho'ce Of candida es
for United States Senator. they met WI h
n very bitter ana a strong opposition.
The measures were killed. II Is practical
~ settled that blll similar to those pro-
posed at the last session will pass. This
will be done because of the widespread
demand that vs. coming up from all parts
OF the State for such law
Senator BaTksda'e proposes 70 go fur
Their He viii offer a bill designed to pro-
hiblt traffic in votes tie proposes 20 pro-
vide heavy penalties for the improper rse
of money in elections. Mr. Barksda'e will
also try 20 ge, through a bin 10 break
up the operations Of trusts IN this STATE
II looks very much a. n the bin 10
give the reople the privilege OF voting on
the question 81 calling a constitutional
convention VIII PISS.
THE sPFAKFRSVIP.
Next 10 The senatorship The contest for
the speakership IS the one OF most IN
ferest Two years ago. Hon John +. Rv-
an oi Ioudoun had no opposition In the
caucus Hon r w Saunders. Of Frank
lin. was beaten before the night the NOM
fnafion was TO be made.
Shrewd politicians are predicting that