Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-12-13
The PEOPLE: TO ELECT
THIS MANNER OF CHOOSING COM
CUSTOMERS MOST POPULAR.
1T is LIKELY TO PREVAIL.
But Not Before There Has Been
Season of Spirited Debate in the
Assembly, Appointive Method
Seems to Be Losing Ground.
c There HIS Been n

The debate on the question Of the man
ner Of choosing commissioners OF the rev
enue begun in the House of Delegates yes
terday is one Of the most Interesting that
has yet marked the sessions of the two
houses. 1t may be concluded to-day but
it is more probable that it will run into
Monday.
For some weeks past it has been
thought that one of the appointlve meth
DDS would ultimately prevail for the rea-
son, among others, that commissioners
elected by the people cannot serve but
one term. Now, however, there has ap-
rarently been great change of senti-
ment. Indeed, it Is openly predicted that
the popular election plan will prevail.
1t was made manifest in the Senate yes
terday that many OF those who are in
clined to the appointive plan are not anX-
ious to take the floor In advocacy Of it.
For instance, a substitute providing for
appointment Of commissioners by the Cir
cult Court, as proposed in the Lyle (Sen-
ate> bill, was twice offered by members
and few minutes later withdrawn by
both. and finally reintroduced by another
member. There is an impression among
those who favor the popular election plan
that the people will resent any method
which takes the matter out Of their
hands.
ADVOCATE APPOINTMENT.
On the other hand. some of the Oldest
and best-known members Of the House,
notably Chairman William II. Boaz. of
the Finance Commit openly declare
that the elective method has been demon
strated to be failure. and advocate the
plan OF appointing the commissioners eth
CT by the Circuit judges or by the Boards
Of Supervisors Of counties.
It is claimed by those who favor the
elective method that d canvass of the
House shows the majority in favor OF
such method of selecting these important
local revenue officials. Not only is the
House believed to be favorable to the
elective plan, but it is reliably stated
that poll of the Senate shows that that
body also favors this method
CONSTITUENTS SILENT.
It may be that argument may be ad-
duced in the debate which will convert
enough members to reverse this pro-
phesied result, but that is not considered
likely. Petitions or expressions from the
people of the various counties are what
many of the members desire to guide them
in their action, but Oh this point many of
the members are at sea, having no eX-
pressiOns from their constituents on the
subject. On the other hand many of the
commissioners from the counties and cit
les have been urging the appontire plan.
Many of the leading citizens and bust
ness men OF this city have filed a petit
ton with their representatives urging
them TO provide for appointment by the
courts. 1t is contended by the advocates
of this method that better men will be
secured and that the commissioners thus
selected. not being responsible to the
people directly, will not be subservient to
them and will enforce the laws more
strictly. Even under the popular plan,
however. the stimulus afforded by the
hope Of reelection will have been re-
moved by the prohibition against re-elec-
ton. It is contended by the advocates
OF appointment that a good official can
not be retained by the popular election
plan and that the public loses the value
Of experience in the ONCE unless the Of
fetal is made appointive.
a SPIRITED DEBATE.
There are strong arguments on botf!
sides, and the debate promises to be a
spirited one. Several of the best-known
members of the House spoke yesterday,
and others will express their views to-day.
If the opponents of popular election were
united on any plan for appointment they
might make a stronger showing, but as
it is now, the plan of court appointment
will be voted on first and probably de-
feated; then the plan Of selection by
boards Of supervisors will be similarly
voted down, and there will then remain
nothing to do but adopt the popular cleo
ton plan. If II were direct issue as to
election or appointment the advocates
of appointment would stand very much
better prospect of winning.
A Great Meeting Sunday.