Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-02-24

The Senate was in session two and a
half minutes yesterday. There being
only IL Senators present, that body
made virtue of necessity and adjourned
in honor of the memory Of Washington
by vote of to 8.
HOUSE.
The House made some progress with
the general tax bill. A reminder of the
day, however, was given by the entrance
and marching past the speakers stand
of the pupils of the Westminster kinder
garten, each bearing and waving bravely
diminutive national flags. The incident
occurred during roll call on an amend
ment, and while the members looked on
with interest it did not interfere with
the business of the hour.
The only bills offered were by Mr..
Biscoe, providing for the establishment
of a normal school for girls in Fred
ericksburg, and by Mr. Smith, to allow
the board of supervisors of Warren coun:
ty to borrow money.
When the section of the general tax
bill which relates to the tax on steam
laundries was reached, Mr.. Sebrell, of
Southampton, championed the cause Of
the old colored washwoman, who, he
said, might be taxed if the language
we're not made palmer
Mr.. Cardwell moved to restrict the
sale of pistols to those allowed by law to
carry them, and he spoke ably for his
amendment, and it was opposed by Dir.
Mort, of Bristol, who is dealer in hard
ware
The amendment of Mr.. Cardwell was
rejected. as was also that of Mr.. Rice.
Mr.. Whitehead got in an amendment
including dirks and bowie knives in the
section, and motion by Mr. Leake to
strike out the entire section was lost
Mr. sebFell moved to so amend as to
provide for the payment of an additional
tax upon merchandise sold through slot
machines, and it caused much discussion.
The amendment was lost, and the
House proceeded and made much pro-
gTass with the consideration of the
measure. Mr.. Whitehead got through
an amendment prohibiting the dispens'
ing of intoxicating liquors, through slot
machines, and Mr.. Hartman offered a
bill to make valid a certain deed by
Virginia F. Weaver, conveying certain
land in Richmond city.
Mr.. Featherston at 1885 p. m.
moved to adjourn out of respect TO the
memory of George Washington, but the
motion was lost-ayes, %; noes, 30.
Mr.. Cardwell moved to strike out the
section providing for the tax on under.
takers, but he withdrew it in favor OF
one offered by Mr.. Sipe, which defined
the term "undertaker" more explicitly
This was adopted and Mr.. Sebrell sue
ceeded in getting an amendment adopt
ed providing that the tax on undertakes
in counties and towns shall be So.
There was some discussion over a mo-
ton of Mr.. Smith, of Clarke, for grad
uated tax in the interest of the weaker
companies. 1t was rejected, and Mr..
Early moved to strike out $50 as the
tax on building associations and insert
800.
Mr.. Hunley has prepared resolution,
which he will offer in the House today
providing that after March 5 no bills
shall be introduced other than those
relating to the revision of the laws to
conform to the new constitution and
those enacting such new laws as are
necessary to put the constitution into
complete and effective operation. The
feeling is general that the legislature is
making slow progress with the impor-
tant work for which it was called.