The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-02-26

enburg. of Norfolk. and Carr Of New
port News. They all made earnest APP
reals on behalf of their companies against
the passage of the bill.
The committee arose at 6 O'Clock 10
meet at 10 o'clock this morning, when the
railway attorneys will be further hearu:
AT $50 this afternoon the committee viii
visit the car sheds Of the Traction Com
pany for the purpose of inspecting the
rolling stock of the company. Colonel
Cation will close the argument IN favor
OF his bill, which, it now appears, VIII be
pnfavorably reported. The committee
viii go to Norfolk on official business to-
morrow afternoon.
Mr.. Heermans, of Montgomery, yester-
day made this interesting statement:
..,rhe press of this city seems to think
that it rests entirely with the Constitu-
t:onal Convention whether or not its Ia
fors shall or shall not be submitted 10
the people, and that my bill in the house
for such submission is simply an eX-
preston of sentiment on the part of my
political associates. Not SO. Art. ., sec.
i. OF tho Constitution of Virginia says
the legislative power OF this Common
wealth is vested in the General Assem-
bly,.
The submitting of the Constitution is
q legislative function. There are but
three departments of government-legis-
latiye, executive and judicial. The Con-
/. stitttional Convention is neither. 1t has
no life but that breathed into it by the
Grabbing act. that of February l6, 1901.
1t is bound by every section OF that law.
Section six provided that it should meet,
discuss, consider and propose q, new Con-
s,:tution. Propose 70 whom? To them
selves? No To the people of Virginia.
| How?
"The act provides that If their work
was completed by October 9Th 1T should
be submitted at the November election.
Section seventeen provided that II they
failed to complete their work by that
date then it should remain for the next
Legislature (this) to provide by law 1or
submitting it.
MY bill follows the very words Of that
law, and, in my judgment, unless this
Legislature passes a law for its submls-
sion the work of that body will not be
worth the paper it is written on If 1t
ever goes to the courts. l believe it is
imperative on this Legislature to pass
such a law. They cannot abdicate nor
surrender their powers. 1t is duty re-
sardless of party politics.
1t is not believed that there will be any
| hitch in the passage of the Norfolk ter
| centenary bill to-day in the House. Mr.
| Wallace stated on the floor yesterday
that Richmond would make no further
| fight, and the bill only went over on the
| request Of some members that they
fright have an opportunity to read II.
Mr.. Whitehead yesterday moved that
the guarantee required to be put UP by
the company be reduced from $1,0OO,OO0 to
| $500, 900. This motion will not be pressed.
In an effort to have $4,000 appropriated
for improvements and repairs at the Sol
diers' Home Colonel John Murphy and
| Captain E. ]. Bosher yesterday appeared
before the Senate Finance Committee.
According to Colonel Murphy, these inn
rrovements are badly needed and he
thinks fully $4,000 will be required to
put what he termed the old and dilapi-
GATED building in good shape again.
There were a, number of House and
| Senate Committees in session yesterday
afternoon
The House Committee on Chesapeake
and its Tributaries reported a bill Offered
by Mr.. Nottingham, for the protection
OF the fish of the State.
The Senate Committee on Cities and
Towns held brief session and considered
a. few local measures. The Senate Com
| mittee on Roads met and set Tuesday,
March 4th, at 4 O clock P. NJ, for taking up
the Norfolk ferry, bridge and tunnel bills.
1
There are two reports from the
| Penitentiary Commission. The minority
paper is signed by Mr.. *. B. Stoner,
| of Botetourt, who recommends the ap-
| ,1ropriation OF 100000 and the purchase
| Ct additional farm lands. The majority
report which is signed by A1essrs. LeCato,
Eggleston, Priddy, ard Newhouse, appro-
! rr!ates 100000 and provides for aGdi-
| t;onal improvements to be made on the
| present buildings
A number of ladies representing the
| Hollywood Memorial Association ap-
| peared before the Finance Committee OF
| the Senate yesterday in the interest OF
| the bill approprating $3.50 for the care OF
| the graves of Confederate soldiers.
The committee heard the ladies, but has
| taken no action.
The House Committee on Chesapeake
7 fS>nf