The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-01-04
Provisions Of a Measure Which Applies
to Virginia Cities.
BE OFFERED in HOUSE TODAY.
By It's Terms Richmond is Required
10 Estahlis,, aud Maintain q Pub
lie Library-Bills in Interest Of
Confcdcraics Notes.

He has thoroughly STUDIED Ahe Q9es-
lion and has been TO the pains 10 TAMIL
iafize himself with The LEGISLATION oil
other States touching public libraries.
His bin is modelled after that enacted in
Michigan. whose statutes were to a large
extent shaped by Judge Cooley, whose
fame as a lawyer and legislator is ma
1ional. Mr.. I'attcson was so much inn
pressed with the admirable law OF Mich
iCan in respcc: TO free libraries that
he Incorporated its IDEAS III the p!li ne
will present
The bill provides that every incorpor-
atcd towr and city OF the State shall
have power 10 establish and maintain
public library. and may for that 2ur-
pose levy tax not 10 exceed one mill
on the dollar annually on all the taxable
property Of the town or city
When any city or town council has
decided to establish a library, the mayor
thereof shall. with the APPROVAL Of the
council. appoint. hoard Of nine direc-
tors from the citizens at large, and
not more than one member OF the coun-
.cil. and he the chairman of the council!
finance committee, shall be appointed on
the board of directors, which shall in
clude the city superintendent Of public
schools.
The bill provides that equal numbers OF
the board shall serve one var. two years
and three years. respectively. be removal
bic Tor cause. receive no compensation.
and that vacancies shall be filled i'll like
manner as original appointments.
The board of directors are given fun
power to choose iileir own officers. adopt
rules and regulations for the govern
ment Of The library. have exclusive con-
troll OF all moneys collected to the credit
of the library fund, which is TO be Kept
separate from other funds of the city or
town. and have power to purchase or
lease ground. erect library buildings. APP
point a librarian and necessary assist
ants and TO fix their compensation.
The hoard is required make full and
detailed reports at the end of every year.
important particulars 10 he verified by
affidavit
Libraries and reading rooms established
under the terms OF this measure shall be
forever free to the use Of the Inhabitants
where located always subject to such
reasonable rules and regulations as the
Library Board may aGo3t.
The bill requires the city of Richmond
TO establish. equip. and maintain a public
library and reading room under the fore
going terms. but leaves the matter OPP
tioBal as TO other cities and towns.
III explaining his bill yesterday Mr.. Pat
tcson pointed out that the great and
growing system OF free public libraries III
the North and Northwest had its origin
in such legislation his bill Involved.
The amount raised by the imposition Of a
lax of one mill on the dollar he admitted
was in itself no; sufficient ;rr the estao-
lish1nent of extensive libraries. but such
initial action. he said. was followed III
1hc majority Of eases by donations OF
wealthy individuals. with whom contribu-
tions TO popil iaf education were growing
in favor. HIS bill is the important first
step. tllc laying OF the foundation of pub
lie libraries in the cities and towns of
the State.
Mr.. Pembroke Petit. of Fluvanna.
will offer in the House to-day a bill ex-
tending relief TO INDECENT and decrepit
Confederate soldiers The present law
confines pensions TO those who were
wounded maimcd or disabled in the ser
vice. Mr. Petit contends that INDECENT
and aged soldiers should likewise share
In the ,-ratuty of the state. The bill was
prepared by his father, VIM. B. Petit.
Esq. president of the State Bar Associa-
ton several years ago. and a veteran who
served In the field in the Confederate
cause.
Mr. Grayely. OF Henry county. who is
also OF good Southern fighting stock. has
n bill before committee now designed to
secure - more liberal appropriation for
old Confederate soldiers. The principal,
perhaps the only objection urged in
opposition 10 the measure is the financial
inability of the state TO carry out its
provisions However, Nj. Gravely pro-
poses 10 answer this objection. He
started in 10 do so yesterday, when he
introduced biz !evying higher tax on
insurance companies. fe proposes to fol-
low up the campaign along this line, and
is now preparing bills providing for in
creased taxation of railroad and other
corporations. Corporations in Virginia
get Off two easily said Mr. Cfrarely,
served her in their prime who should Re
looked after in greater measure than they
are"
The Democrats of the Senatorial Dis
trict embracing Rockbridge. Botetourt,
Bath. Allegheny and Highland counties.
and the city of Bucna Vista. will hold
a convention 1T Clifton Forge to-
night 20 nominate a successor to the late
Senator McCarAc- il is generally con-
coded that DR. A Noah Johnston, OF
will win. He has enough DEL
egates instructed for him 10 defea- all op-
popents ON first ballot. so il is sat7
Mr.. F. z. Cromwell will succeed the
laie NJ S. Newberne in the House from
Norfolk county. He is a. brother of Sher-
III A G. Cromwell. and a most popular
gentleman. Mr. Cromwell viii have a
clear field.
Tie matter Of providing for the in
creased interest on the state debt is en-
Eaging some attention at the hands of
of The Legislature. It has !,oen
suggested that an extra session OF the
legislature may be called on that account
The best opinion, however. is tina. INC
matter will be disposed Of Il, ;his session
OF the Assembly.
il is thought the Committee on Courts
of Justice at It's meeting tomorrow, morn
ing will take mp and consider the bill to
abolish the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.
which is presided over by Judge ]. A.
Dupuy.
Delegate I7olkes stated yesterday that
he thought the movement IN opposition to
the abolition of the Register OF Land
ONCE was gaining strength, He is fully |
convinced that the measure will fail to
pass the House.
Senator John n. Opic, chairman Of the |
special committee appointed to inresti- !
pate the Soieier.f Home, will call that |
body together to-day to map out its |