The Washington times., 1901-10-24
COUNTY AFFAIRS CONSIDERED.
The Virginia Convention Discusses
the Kenort of a Committee.

ahe report OF a tOniEnIttce-
RICHMOND. Va. oct 23.-Presidsut
Goode called the Constitutional Conyen-
ton to order at 10 o'clock this morning
when siNty-llve members answered te.
their names Prayer was offered By ths
Rev. ". F. Dunaway. Of Lancaster.
The proceedings no longer serve to at
tract visitors to the Capital, the attend
ance lately having diminished to such an
extent that as many as fifty visitors at
any one time is sure to be commented
upon.
Mr. Withers gave notice that he would,
within a reasonable time after reassem-
bling, move to discharge the Committee
on Corporations from the further con-
sideration of the ordinances to create
corporation commission and to incorpo-
rate into the constitution what is known
as the employers liability bill, in case
the committee had not made report to
the convention.
The friends and supporters of the Bar
bour resolution to regulate the liquor
traffic are unremitting in their advocacy
of the measure, and this morning a num-
ber of members presented petitions pray
ing the adoption of the resolution
Chairman Barnes, of the Committee on
Organization and Government of Coun-
ties, moved that the convention go into
Committee of the Whole for the purpose
of further considering the report of that
committee. He called attention to the
fact that only six members of the com
mittee were present, nine members hav-
ing received leaves of absence. Mr.. Wat
son, of Nottoway, whose amendment pro-
viding for eight-year terms for county
treasurers was pending, was not in the
hall. and he would like to have that gen
tleman present and discuss the amend
ment.
Mr. McIlwaine opposed any further post
ponement. He thought the convention had
sense enough to proceed. If the prop
osition of the gentleman from Nottoway
had merit surely there was some member
on the floor who would support it. The
gentleman from Nottoway was his friend.
and he would not be discourteous. but the
consideration of the report should go on.
Mr.. Watson came in and stated that he
was physically unable to proceed with his
argument in support of his amendment,
whereupon DR.. McIlwaine asked unani-
nous consent for passing by the matter
for the present. This was agreed to.
The clause of the report of the commit
tee regarding commissioners of revenue
provided that the commissioners shall
be paid per capita as well as percentage
on the amount Of property listed by them
and who shall list and return for taxa
tion all classes of personal property, and
discharge such other duties as may be
provided by law, and who shall be ineligi-
bic to the same office for the next sue
ceeding term.
Mr.. stebbins. of Halifax. offered an
amendment providing for the appointment
of the commissioners by the judges of the
Circuit Court, and to strike out the pro
vision with reference to ineligibiity
Mr.. Boaz supported the amendment as
did also Mr.. Newton.
Mr.. keezell thought that the proposition
was solution of the problem of in
equality of taxation. He believed by the
proposed method the object aimed at in
the commissioner of valuation act would
be accomplished and that the revenues
would be largely increased The officers
would be aloof from politics.
Mr.. Eggleston, of Charlotte, offered an |
amendment providing for leaving the |
whole matter of commissioners of the |
duties, compensation, term of office, and |
other details.
The amendment was further discussed
by Mr.. Gordon, of Louisa, and Mr. With |
ers, of Danville, stated that he would like /
TO speak on the proposition, but that |
he was unable TO do so today not feeling /
well enough to do himself Justice or to |
discuss the subject as its Importance de- |
Inanded.
On motion of Mr.. Bcaz, the committee |
rose, reported progress, and at 12:10 the /
convention, on motion of Mr.. Barnes, of /
NansemOnd, adjourned until tomorrow at /
10 o'clock.
DR.. Frank w. Shield, recently reelected !
Chairman of the Democratic Committee |
OF Elizabeth City County after a hard /
fight, was among the visitors on the floor |
of the convention yesterday. DR. Shield |
is brother of Phil B. Shield, of this city |
w. NJ. McAllister, of Bath County, was
upon the floor of the convention today.
Senator W. z. Barksdale, of Halifax, is |
in the city.