The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-11-26
LEGISLATURE.
OATH FOR CANDIDATES.
Bill TO Make Them Swear Not to use
Interpretations From Oystsrmsn
Pouring In on Legislature.


The general assembly is making good
progress with the important work oil re-
vision before 1t, and the Indications are
that final adjournment will be reached
before the Christmas holidays. The most
| troublesome question with which the
| lawmakers have to deal is that OF oyster
| legislation, and the committees OF the
two houses will devote this week to pub
| lie hearing on the Jordan bill and the
majority and minority reports OF the
Joint oyster commission, the one iavOr-
ing aud the other opposing the breaking
OF the Bay lor survey. There will he Fit
tings each day and the final vote 10 to be
taken in committee on Friday. Ii IL be-
lieved that whatever report is made by
the joint committee will be adopted by
the general assembly.
The bill OF Mr.. Hartman to pension dis
abled school teachers failed To pass.
Mr.. Hartman had the measure so amend
ed as to make il applicable only TO teach.
ers who have taught for twenty five
years, aud have passed the age OF sixty,
and who do not own as much as $500
worth Of property, or have an income OF
5000. Mr.. Barksdale led the fight on
the measure, opposing pensions for any
thing save military service. Mr.. Har-
man made an earnest plea for the bill, ar
guing that the standard OF teachers in
many localities ia deteriOrating. He
looks confidently to time when the
State will pay it's teachers better salaries
than they are now given
| Mr.. Lee introduced bill increasing the
pay Of judges and clerks OF election from
81 to 81 per day
The Senate passed the Sale bill, pre-
scribing the manner in which duly reg
istsred voter who has not been assessed
with the State capitation tar may pay
the same. This measure lie designed to
meet the objections OF the Governor to
the House bill on the same subject recent
ly vetoed by Mr.. Montague.
Mr.. Hermsns, Republican, made In the
House the same fight made In the Senate
la st week by Mr. Rivercomb 10 have q
Judge OF election at each precinct selected
IRON lists recommended by the minority
party. The amendment was defeated,
as it had been In the Senate.
Mr.. Green, OF Fsuquier, offered 10 the
II ouse bill which Il enacted into law
" III greatly strengthen legislation look
ing to purity in elections and prohibit
ing the use Of money. 1t pTescribes that
candidates for office shalt take an oath
before entering the canvass that they
i'll not use money or violate the law on
the subject. The idea is to make a can
didate violating the law become per
jurer aud liable to conviction for perjury.
Petitions and protests against the pas
sage OF the Jordan bill to break the Bay
lor Geodetic Survey are pouring into the
House. Great bundles OF them weresub
mitted and Offered TO the committee
which Is now heaiing the oystermen on
tbis subject Some OF the petitioners
criticize the special committee and the
author OF the bill In very plain language
Delegate Garrett. OF Allegheny, pre-
sentt to the Finance Committee bill,
which was report favorably extending
the time for the adding OF the penalty to
tax lists by county tTeasurers for the pa 1t
year. in some counties aud districts, from
December to January l. This extension
is made necessary by Reliability OF many
commissioners OF revenue 10 leturn their
book 10 the treasurers as early as usual
The House bill providing Tor mileage TO
members and employees of the General As
sembly, which failed for lack Of the requi-
site majority Monday, was reconsidered
aud psssed-yess, "a; nays, 9
The joint committees OF the Legislature
having charge OF oyster legislation has
begun public hearings in the question OF
breaking the Baylor survey. Four oyster.
men spoke against breaking the survey
and numerous petitions and protests
were read. The hearings will continue
until Friday. 1t is believed the Jordan
bill will be reported.