Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-11-26
LEGISLATIVE GLIMPSES.
Matters Which Are Now Being DIS
cussed by Lnyv-rSalxcrs

Chief interest In the session thus far
has been manifested in the bills prescrib-
ing the manner of choosing county com
missioners of the revenue. Several plans
are proposed. One is to have them ap
pointed by the Circuit Courts thus CIV.
ing to circuit judges considerable patron
age. Another proposes to have them elect
cd or appointed by the boards of super
visors of the various counties, thus
bringing the choice a step nearer to tbs
people. Still another plan proposes tc
carry out that favored by the constitu-
tional convention Of allowing the people
to elect these officers directly. The chief
objection to the aforementioned plan is
that with popular election Of commits
sioners they can serve but one term,
being barred from reelection to the con-
secutive term. This will be earnestly op-
posed by the commissioners themselves.
and by all the influence they can bring
to bear. The Indications are that one
of the appointive plans will be adopted.
bus which one is uncertain.
Several bills are in committee, pro-
posing to regulate tho issuance of license.
The most revolutionary of these is that
offered by Senator Mann, of Nottoway.
This in its practical working reverses
the present system and is equivalent to
local option in every city and county.
These bills will provoke a great right
when they come before the committee for
hearing Their fate will probably be
the same that awaited the QuarlesBar
bour bill in the convention. Judge Mann's
bill being substantially the same propo-
sition.
The proposition to levy a special tax
for pensions for ex-Confederates is one
of the important measures proposed This
General Assembly seems to be inclined
to show more generosity to the survivors
Of the great clash between the States
than any other, and this bill finds much
favor. In view of the reduction of tax
alton by the convention 1t Is believed the
people would be willing to pay this snalle,
tax for the sake Of the beneflciaries. The
measure will be ably and earnestly advo-
Gated.
Both the St. Louis Worlds Fair and
the Jamestown Exposition projects are
asking for appropriations at the hands
Of the State The ST. Louis bill proposes
an appropriation Of $4,000, and it is the
intention of the Jamestown Exposition
Company to ask for n2ore-probably g
hundred thousand. It Is too early in the
session to predict the fate of these two
1neasu1 es. Some appropriation will almost
surely be made In both cases. but just how
much will depend greatly upon the show
ing made by the States finances and the
attitude OF the chairmen Of the finance
committees of the two bodies to the PRO-
jects
The Campbell Crawford affair was
resurrected Saturday, but the skeleton
was not ratified. The coffin was merely
opened for minute, and then it was
relegated to Its grave in the committee
room. The question Of removing Judge
~ n
come up again before the session erds.
but the older it gets the less strength
will it muster.
The only contest left unsettled Is that
from Norfolk City for the sats of its
two delegates. This is set for hearing
this week, but it is expected to be soon
confident Of winning out, and it now
seems uncertain that tho matter will be
seriously prosecuted.
Mr.. Barlksdales election bill will come
up some time during the session, but
ont soon. If 1t be not reported by the
committee to which it was referred its
patron has avowed his intention Of call
ing it up. When 1t does come up there
viii be. some lively political discussion.
in which Democratic factional differences
are likely to figure. The bill Is designed
to minimize The use Of money in elections.
Thus far the session has been beauti-
fully and monotonously tremendously
harmonious Indeed there Is so much dry
routine and legal work to be done thar
there is neither time nor occasion for the.
Injection oil political discussion. The daily
sessions have been short and devoid OF
any particular Interest. most Of the
work being III the committee rooms.
Ii The General Assembly will prob ably adj
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES the following Mon