Evening star., 1901-07-11
MUST PAY POLL TAX
Decision of Suffrage Committee of
Richmond Convention.
Vote Was PRACTICALLY UNANIMOUS
important Resolution Offered by
Mr.. Glass.
PROPOSED INSTRUCTIONS
Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.

Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.
RICHMOND. Va, July 1.-THE consti-
tutional convention was called to order at
noon. The attendance of members contin-
to grow. There were ninety who an
swered to their names when Secretary
Button called the roll
The following resolutions were introduced
and referred:
BY Mr.. Gillespie-Providing for forfeiture
of title to land for non-entry on land books
for five years. and for the sale by public
auction of such lands are forfeited to
the state by such failure and when lands
are bought by the state for failure to pay
taxes.
By Mr.. notwithstanding the attorney
general to pass upon all bills before they
shall be passed by the general assembly.
Providing for a board of public interests
in each city, and for the sale to the highest
bidder of public franchises to operate in,
on OF under the streets of such city. Fran
chises to be first granted in blank and
the sale made of the ordinance as granted
by the council: each ward in each city is to
have one member of said board
Prihibiting the levying of any tax on
notes. bonds OF evidences of debt by indi-
viduals or firms where the rate of inter-
est is per cent or less In counties, towns
and villages, and per cent or less in
cities.
Providing for expressions by voters of
choice for United States senators.
BY Mr.. Braxton-Providing that bill of
rights shall contain the following: Nor
shall any person be twice put in jeopardy
for the same offense
BY Mr.. F1aherty-To encourage immi-
grafton and Industries by exempting same
from local taxation for a period of years.
BY Mr.. BarbOur-PrOViding that no char
tered corporation shall by rights of char
ter preclude the right of exercise of emil
domain
Mr. Glass of Lynchburg offered the fol-
lowing. which was laid on the table at his
request until he shall recover sufficiently
to speak on the resolution:
Direction to Franchise Committee.
Whereas. In calling convention to re-
wise and amend the existing state consti-
tuition it was the wen-defined and openly
avOwed purpose of the people of Virginia
to rid the commonwealth of evils and
abuses incident to a popular suffrage not
based on a permanent common interest
with and attachment to the community
but instituted by aliens and enemies for
personal and partisan purposes: and.
Whereas 1t Is the imperative duty of
the constitutional convention to make eff
fective, in an orderly way. any action it
may take in regard TO revising and amend
Ing the suffrage requirements of the ex-
fsting constitution, so as to conform them
to the demand for purer politics and a
better republican form of government;
l.
tutional convention, That the committee
on elective franchise and schedule be and
hereby Is directed to report no measure
OF franchise revision which shall contern-
plate submitting the work of this con-
vention to an unrestricted electorate"
Voters Must Pay Poll Tax
The payment of poll tax will be made
obligatory on every citizen of Virginia who
after the adoption of the new constitu-
tion desires to exercise the right of suf-
frage- This was finally decided by the suf-
fIage committee today.
The vote on the question was practically
unanimous, there being only two members
who made any protest. These were the
two republican delegates-MeSsrs. Gillespie
and Thomas l.. Moore. The disposition to
be made of the funds collected from the
poll tax was the subject of an animated
and lengthy discussion The session was
secret, but the following propositions were
discussed:
First-To divide the tax between the pub
lie school fund and the needy confederate
soldiers.
Second-To divide the fund equally be-
tween the public schools, needy confederate
soldiers and the county roads of the state.
Third-To devote the entire fund to the
support of the public school.
Disposition of the Tax.
Delegate George D. Wise of Richmond, in
commenting on the disposition to be made
ginia should be required to pay poll tax
of not less than 81, and every cent of this
should go to the support of the public
schools. ! do not believe that the state of
Virginia will ever allow those who fought
her battles to suffer. The old soldier will be
taken care of without the use of the poll
tax. This money should be expended in
benefiting the rising generation. In this
way the money paid by the voters of the
state will go toward building up more in
telligent class of citizens
The other members of the committee who
spoke on the question We're Messrs w A.
Anderson Flood, Ingram Hamilton, Wysor
and Harrison.
Major Anderson favored poll tax of 50,
all to be devoted 10 the maintenance of the
public schools.
poll tax OF $50. one dollar to go to the
school fund and fifty cents to the county
In which it was collected.
Judge Ingram agreed with the views en-
tertained by Mr.. Flood, but would be will
ing To have the tax increased TO 81
Mr.. Hamilton spoke at some length on the
question and urged that the tax be made
AT least So.
Mr.. Wysor said that the tax should not
exceed 81 and that he was unprepared 10
say just how the fund should be distrib-
uted.
The committee adjourned without finally
determining just how the fund is to be dis
tributed.
today Senator Daniel said: THE business
OF the committee is progressing very salts
factorily. This Is question that requires
the greatest deliberation. and nothing will
be done that will not stand the test TO
which it may be subjected"
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