Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1901-09-10
THE CONVENTION.

THE CONVENTION.
The constitutional convention al
stated 10 the Gazette OF that date, on
yesterday abolished the committee Of
the whole. 1t was not done without Q
struggle, and the vote was very close
(3l to 30); so close that the matter was
temporarily passed by. Mr.. Walton
Moore, who offered the amendment
providing for the discharge OF the COM
mittee OF the whole, briefly explained
it. Judge Qusrles. Of Augusta, spoke
in opposition to it, and predicted that
unless the committee OF the whole
should be preserved, the people would
n 1t get the reforms for which they had
elected the convention.
Mr.. Pollard made O speech on the
amendment offered by himself 10 strike
out the word "Christisn" from the Con-
stitution but 10 concluding, withdrew
his amendment.
Several other clauses OF the Bill OF
Rights were discussed without action.
The most important action In con-
nection with the constitutional conven-
ton was taken by the committee on ju-
dicary. Chairman Hunton moved that
circuit judges be elected for eight years,
one halt to be elected by each qusdren-
Dial session Of the legislature. The mo.
ton was adopted.
Mr.. Eggleston addressed the COM
mittee for reconsideration Uf the vote
by which monthly terms of court were
made compulsory. The motion to re-
consider was carried.
Mr.. Summers offered q resolution
that there bs not less than six terms Of
court year.
Chairman Hunton offered a substi-
tute providing that the legislature have
the right to increase or diminish the
plumber OF terms not less than six
terms a year, as the necessities OF bust
ness might demand. The resolution
was unanimously adopted.
Messrs. Withers, Eggleston and
Walker were appointed subcomm nit
tee to arrange the districts OF the State
on basis OF not less than bimonthly
terms and report at next meeting.
The suffrage committee did not
reach vote yesterday as was expected,
but adjourned over until Tuesday TO al
low the representatives Of the labor or.
CARNATIONS to appear before 1t and pre-
sent their views on suffrage. II Is
doubtful whether the committee will
reach any report until the democratic
members of the convention will agree
to a conference at which the suffrage
question shall be considered. IL is
gwen out now that the action OF such q
il held, shall not bind any
one. Many have expressed the deter
mination not to be bound 10 this matter
by any party dictation.
The most important proposition now
before the constitutional convention lie
toe Braxtoo plan, which contemplates |
a radical change IN the system OF taxa
tion. II is proposed 10 take away from |
the cities and counties the right to i'm
pose taxes upon railroads or to is.ue
liquor licenses. In exchange for these
the plan is TO give the local authorities
the exclusive right 10 tax all real estate.
The revenue derived by the common
wealth, cities and counties and school
from the taxes on railroads,
amounts to about 1850 600 annually. OF
this amount $3.50 900 goes into the State
treasury aud the remainder Is collected
by the local governments. The propo-
sition before the committee on finance
now is TO increase the tax on railroads
TO an amount sufficient TO augment the
revenues 100000 or s400. 900 year.
There is some difference Of opinion
among the members OF The committee
as to exactly how this increased bur-
den VI taxation should be laid upon
these corporations. whether by a tax
upon their gross receipts, which last
year amounted to about 500. DOC, 900. or
to Increase the present rates per mile OF
sdssy. Both plans are under coDsid-
GRAFTON and each hiss his supporters
among the members CT the committee.
1t is also proposed o Increase the
liquor license tax to az amount suffi- !