The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-11-09
form of local government.

commissioners VI lSNS VIZ ..
tive in no States except in Virginia and
possibiySin New York The economy OF
the ,appointive system was alone greatly
in it's favor. Under the appointive sys-
tenn in Rockingham county. North Caro-
/ lima. it cost to list and assess S4,0tD,Cg
worth of property 1855 for 1899. In Pitt
sylvania county, Virginia, the cost for
listing and as sessing taxes on this amount
of real and personal property was over
$1,000. III
In NIecklenburg county. North Carolina.
1T cost on over $40, 100000 worth of per-
sonal and: real estate, the sum OF s6452i
to list and assess this property
III Norfolk county, Va. on Sl2.0oO,Ouo
worth of, property, it cost the sum of 81
7 463 so to list and assess it-more than
four times the, cost of the North Carolina
assessment under the appointive system.
He said he was not advocating the
adoption OF the North Carolina system,
7. or intending TO reflect on the intelligence
of. the Virginia. system, but he simply
desired to- call the attention of the con-
ventionfta the one question Of greater
economy under the appointlNe: system,
which was the question now under con-
SideratOn.&
OPPOSED BY JUDGE HANCOCK.
Judge Hancock spoke earnestly in OPP
positiontto all amendments and urged the
continuation of the present system as
recommended by the committee.
He said.$[if the matter was placed in.
the power of the Legislature. in effect 1T
took the power cut of the hands of all
the people and virtually placed it in the
hands Of one man, who was a member
from the county of that Legislature. He
paid an eloquent tribute to the high char
acter OF the commissioners OF the rev.
Henue, and said Virginia did not possess
any officers of better efficiency or who
more faithfully attended to their duties.
He said it was dangerous time for the
people when Mr.. Withers came around
with his figures. 1t would not do to rely
upon figures. They were as dangerous
as an e,.-parte proceedings in court II
YOU let :l4luWyer file his own papers in
court and no one on the other side, it
was time TO be cautious: The same might
be said or Mr. Withcrs when he quoted
figures. $50.
Mr.. O'Flaherty offered are amendment
that. commissioners should be appointed
or chosen. Rejected. Mr. Harrisons
substitute to strike out all reference to
commissioners Of revenue was rejected
yeas. s: noes. 43.
WAS VOTED DOWN.
Mr.. Eggleston's amendment, giving to
the Legislature the power of regulating
the manner of assessing and listing taxes.
was then rejected-yeas, Is; noes, 80
Mr.. Westcott said he voted under
m;sapprehension and wished for another
vote.
Mr.. Egsleston asked unanimous consent
to take the yote over. Judge Hancock
objected.
Chairman Wise ruled that. as several
members mad voted under a nlisapprehen-
sion, it was proper to take TIE vote over
again, and he so ordered.
The second vote resulted il the adop-
ton Of the amendment-yeas 70 noes. %
Judge Portlock moved to reconsider the
vote.
Chairman Wise ruled that on the day
of adjournment for the recess the vote
on this amendment had been reconsldered
and Il second reconsideration was out OIL
ord or.
Nj. Manly Barnes asked il it had not
just beenarcconsidered
The chairman stated that only re-
count ofs5the vote had been taken on
statement by members. that they hao
voted under q misapprehenslon
Judge Hancock claimed that it was only
fair to have a recount.
The chairman ruled that no me1nper
haG requested it, on the ground that nc
did not understand the question. he
ruled Judge Hancock out of order
Mr.. ]. thompson Brown then claimed
that the last vote was null and VOC, oe-
cause 1t was eOIueTeuE
consent. l.c chair ruled that when mem-
Der stated they had voted under nisap-
prehension it was proper to order a re-
count.
Judge PortloclS took an. appeal from the
ruling o. the chair, but afterwards with
drew it.
Chairman Wise informed Mr.. Brown
that he could appeal if he wanted to.
Mr.. Brown replied that. he believed he
would not try it. Applause and laughter.)
On motion of DIR. Barnes. the com NIT tee
lat 12:45 s o;cloclS) arose, and reported
progress to the convention So
Mr.. Fairfax moved that the convention
.takesa recess until 3 O'clock. ~ u;
Mr. Brown moved that 1t adjourn until
10 o'clock Saturday. Reje ctea--4eas, III;
noes, IS. s5 "a
The chair was then vacated until 3
o'clock.
Afternoon Session.
The. convention went into Committee OF
the Whole at 8 o'clock to further consider
the report Of the Commit ee on County
4c,rfai1fY-