Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-02-23
Especial to vIrginian-pllot.l


ffchHOHu. va, Ecu. 2ggg.-The ScnaUs
this morning, after II debate which con-
sumed considerable time. adopted the
resolution whereby the question OF
holding constitutional convention
shall be submitted to the voters of Vir-
ginia on the fourth Thursday in May
next.
II was. of course, foregone con-
clusion that the resolution would be
adopted. 1t having been made 4 party
issue; but there was Il considerable diff
ference in opinion. as has already been
indicated in this correspondence as to
the proper form OF the resolution.
n substitute was offered by Senator
kezeell providing that the words For
Constitutional Convention" shall be
printed in such type ns provided by the
general law. and shall be at least one
inch from any other printing on the
ballot This was accepted by Senator
Mann, and was adopted.
The substitute as amended was
adopted by the following vote:
Ayes-Senators Barksdale, Bruce,
Clayton. Donohoc. Eggleston, Flood,
Glass. Gold. Hartley, Johnston. LeCato,
Lupton, Lyle. Mann. McIlwaine Opie,
Stands. st. Clair, Tate. Tyler. Walker,
Wallace and Watkins-23.
Noes-Senators Cogbill. Dinwiddie,
Foster, james, Jeffries, Keezcll NIasic,
Morris, Munford, Steele and Wickham
Ill
The resolution was passed. under 4
suspension of the rules. with only Sena-
tors Dinwiddie (Rep.) and Steel tDem.)
voting against 1t. Twcnty-three Sena.
tors voted for the measure. Several
refrained from voting.
1t Is regarded as practically certain
that the resolution in its present form
will pass the House.
PURE ELECTIONS BILL.
After many days of waiting the Sena-
tor from Halifax, Mr.. w. p. BarkSdaIe
was permitted to take up his pure cleo
tions bill In the Senate this afternoon,
and II was the subject of Il lively dis
cussion for IL considerable length OF
time.
MIR. BarkSdalc made II most vigorous
speech in it's support. calling attention
to the fact that 1t had not only worked
weiif -Missouri,-b up=had= beer=upfttieff=
and complimented by the Supreme
Court of that State. He argued that
it was Il necessity in order that the
elections held In Virginia might throw
off the reproach that the corrupt use
of money had attached TO them.
The opponents OF the bill chief among
whom was Senator Flood, took the
ground that the bill was not necessary,
and it was designated by Senator
Clayton bill for the relief OF defeated
candidates
The bill was recommittcd.
The general impression seems to be
that the bill will not be heard from
again.
THE BLAND QUARANTINE BILL.
There was warm debate this morris
ing before the Committee on General
Laws of the House on the bill providing
for the appointment of quarantine
officer for the district of Elizabeth river
and its branches by the State Board
of Health instead OF the Governor.
This measure was favorahly acted
upon by the committee Il few days ago, +
but was recommittcd at the request Of
Mr.. Bland. i
The latter advocated the bill to-day,
and 1t was vigorously opposed by Mr.
John Whitehead who submitted a
number OF letters on the subject. The
committee decided finally to again re-
port It favorably.
THE TELEPHONE BILL
The great battle over the telephone
bill is attracting more attention than
any subject that has been considered
Continued on Page 8.