Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1902-11-28
LEGISLATIVE DoINGs.

The terms Of new District judges,
to begin January LIST, 1904, were
decided upon by ballot. Judge G..
L. Garrett falls into the two-year
term; Judge II. L. Il. Wright in the
four-year class, and Judge Jno. +.
Mason in the six-year.
BILLS INTRODUCED.
A bill declaring the boundary lines
of lots or tracts of land in the State
of Virginia to be a lawful fence
practically "no-fence" law for the
whole State.
A bill authorizing families or rela-
tives of habitual drunkards to place
such persons in places of confinement
To empower judges of Circuit and
Corporation Courts to employ court
stenographers in certain cases and TO
provide for their compensation.
A bill by Senator McIlwaine, pro-
Viding for special levy of 5 cents
on the 500 of property, to raise a
fund for the payment of pensions.
A bill redistricting a portion of
the State for representation in Con-
gress is being drawn. 1t will apply
only to the Second and First Dis
tricts, the Second District taking the
initiative In the matter. 1t is ex-
pected that the members from the
First District generally will oppose
the bill, though just why is not stated.
1t is understood that the Second Dis
trict largely exceeds any other in the
State In population, and as the
Second District, which adjoins it,
does not come up to the required
number it is proposed to equalize
the two by transferring the Peninsula
counties of the Second District and
the city of Newport News to the
First District. There is little doubt
that the bill will pass, and that it
will become law over the Governors
veto, if he should veto it.
BILLS PASSED.
For the relief Of any county or
city treasurer who has lost school
warrants.
LIQUOR LICENSE BILL.
Probably the most interesting
measure comes from Judge Mann,
of Nottoway, relating to the granting
of liquor licenses. In addition to
the provisions of the law as it stands.
Senator Mann's bill provides that
the license granted must be at place
where there is police protection; that
the Judge must be satisfied that ma
Jority OF the voters of the town or
district are in favor of il; that il
shall not be against sound public
policy; and that the material and
moral welfare of the community will
not be injuriously affected. This bill
does not apply to cities having a COR
poration court, but does apply to all
and towns.
THE BAYLOR SURVEY.
The oyster question, which has
played an important part in the dis
cussions of the General Assembly for
many years, promises to become q |
live issue before the session is many |
days older.
a bill has been prepared and will |
soon be presented in the House pro-
posing to break what is known as the
Baylor survey, and to rent out all |
the depleted oyster grounds held by
the Commonwealth to the highest |
bidder. This will practically abolish
the Baylor survey.
The bill will be offered in few
days by K. Q. Jordan, of Frederick,
one of the most influential members
Of the House. The bill, it is believed,
will have the effect of checking the
rapid depletion of the States oyster
grounds.
The measure to be offered by Mr..
Jordan will, it is said, have practi-
ally the solid support of the men,
oers from the sections of the State
,ther than Tidewater, and those from
hat geographical division will be
divided on the question, many favor
ng the plan. The bill will, never
heless, meet with strong opposition
when 1t comes up, and there will be
many oystermen there when the fight
'pens. 1t is the opinion of we'll in
ormed members that the bill will
'ass finally.