Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1903-01-21

PAY ! !
AMENDMENT TO REDUCE sALARIEs5
OF LOCAL JUDGES DEFEATED.
FAVOR HIGH RE i j i j i: ] ATOM 10
Many Motions were Made But Al, Al
were voted Dovn-F1n.nce Cons.
mIttee,. Report Passed In It's o ri.
s1na1 Form. {.
8. 3. s. -,
HIGH REMUNERATION

The session of the Senate yesterday was
devoted almost wholly to the consldera-
ton Of the report Of the Finance Com.
raittee with regard to the salaries of
member of the General Assembly and
the officials of the State. The bill was
ordered to its engrossment#on SATURDAY,
but was reconsidered in order 10 aHoro
Senator Halsey, of Lynchburg, an oppor-
st1,rlity to offer some amendments concern
ing the pay tof judges OF the new cir
cult courts. The bill was passed as It
cume from the committee the only
change being one striking out the salary
of the commissioner Of State hospitals,
the bill fixing the pay at 5000 being
amended so as to provide for the determt-
nation Of the salary when the duties are
prescribed.
An effort was made by Senator Ha1sey
to increase the salary of the Attorney
General from 5000 to $500 q year, but
the amendment was defeatedy
by Lieutenant-Governor Willard. There
was no prayer, and the journal was not
read.
"A large number Of resolutions favoring
the Mann bill were presented and re-
ferred.
!. Leaves Of absence were granted to
Senator Garrett, OF Henry. and to sena-s
tor Harvey. Of Patrick, who are detained
by reason of Illness
PAY OF.JUDGES.
The report Of the senate, finance COM
mittee. regulating the salaries, mileage
and other, allowances to legislators,
Judges and other officers came upon
motion to reconsider the vote was re-
considered.
Senator Halsey, of Lynchburg, offered
an amendm ent providing for the reduc-
ing the salaries Of judges of the city OF
Norfolk and Richmond from IS 200, as
at present, to $500, the same as paid all
new circuit Judges.
In advocating the amendment, Sena-
tor Halsey said If the cities desired to
augment the salaries they should DO SO at
their own cost.
Senator Anderson opposed the amend
ment. The proposition. If agreed TO-,
would reduce the salaries Of the city
Judges by S7o0 and Increase the salary OF
the county circuits $500. The city would
have to pay one-half the salary. whereas
under the old regime she only PAID the
excess OF $500, where moro than thai
sum had been paid.
Senator Wickham. chairman OF tne
finance committee, defended the report
of that committee. The matter had been
carefully considered, and he believed tnat
all interests were subserved.
Senator Byers said he was inclined to
the belief that question Of constitution
atty Of the proposition. inasmuch as the
salaries were not all the same.
Senator Wickham said that, In his
opinion, there was no question OF TIE
validity Of that portion Of the bill
The vote was taken and the amendment
was defeated-ayes, II: noes. Is.
THE HOSPITAL COMMISSIONER
The vote by which the salary Of the
State commissioner OF hospitals at $1,000
was on motion Of Senator Donohoe, re-
| considered.
Senator McIlwaine moved to strike out
| the salary. He said. it would be time
| enough to fix the salary when the duties
! Of the position were fixed and the CHAR
acter of the man who was to I'LL the Once
! had been determined.
The question was debated pro and cor
| by the senators. and the vote was taken
| on the motion Of Senator Mc1lwatne. tc
strike out the amount was agreed to.
| Senator Hartman. of Tazewell, who hac
| introduced an amendment to increase the
pay of members from 81 to IS a day. saic
| that the debate caused him t
embrace the spirit Of reform, and ne
/ introduced the amendment.
| Senator Halsey, of Lynchburg. offered
! motion TO increase the salary OF the
| Encouragement to $3.50.
Senator Halsey said that he was salts
| fed that the expense Of living in thu
] city was greater tl.an in the country. ant
I it was the duty Of the State to compen
safe the officer. He could not build up ,
law practice here in four years.
Might not the position of attorney
| general lead to the governorship?" in
| quired Senator Barksdale.
4 There is one instance In which TIL
attorney-general was made governor
said Sena tor Halsey.
Senator Wickham said he favored higl
salaries to all officers; but If Increase
were in order the salary of the auditor
the adviser of the general assembly. ant
1 of all who had to deal with the Stat
! finances, should be raised.
The amendment was rejected and tn
4 bill was passed.