Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-01-22
H LEGISLATURE.
SENATE.

Senator Opie, of Staunton, made a
strong appeal yesterday for women to
vote. His remarks we're in connection
with a commonplace bill to amend the
charter of the town Of Waynesboro to
allow the citizens to make a special bond
issue, but Mr.. Opiea inserted a clause to
allow the women to vote. He explained
that an unusual number of the property
holders of Waynesboro we're women, and
that it was a matter that vitality concern
ed them. He saw no objection to their
voting. and did not believe that it was
unconstitutional. Women have never
voted in Virginia, and Mr.. Thomas, OF
Lynchburg, thought it a matter of two
much importance to let go withoutexam-
i%nation. Mr.. Opie made stout fight for
the ladies, but finally consented to pass
1t by for the present.
The first contest in the present legis-
lature was presented in the Senate yes
terday by Z. S. Keen, who was defeated
by S. T. Turner, republican, from Floyd
and Franklin. Mr.. Keen alleges in his
contest that Mr.. Turner violated the
Barksdale pure-election law by the use
of money and whisky in influencing
votes. Mr.. Turner, in his reply, denies
the allegation, and makes similar
charges against Mr.. Keen.
The Senate passed an emergency bill
to clear the situation as regards the tri-
bunal before whom newly elected officers
must qualify. The Circuit Court is the
one required.
The following bills were introduced /:
Providing for correction Of errors OF
Judgment and proceedings in cases pend
ing in county courts or decided prior to
Feb. /, 1904.
Releasing the title of the Common
wealth and theecounties and cities of the
State to all lands purchased at tax sales
prior to 1898.
To empower courts of law and equity
10 admit evidence to contradict, vary or
add to written instruments in cases oil
fraud, accident or mistake or where
a fraudulent misuse Of such instrument
is attended.
Provide for the protection of books in
the State library and punishment OF
persons who fail to return borrowed
books to the library after being notified
so to do by the Librarian.
Requiring the issuance of official re-
ceipts to all persons paying fines and
penalties, and providing penalty for
failure to give receipts.
To repeal the act requiring owners
of mill -dams to construct fish ladders.
To amend the game laws of the State.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Blackburn Smith introduced bill
to put into effect the Torrens land
registry system providing for a judge
to preside over the institution, with
a salary of "a, 900; term of eight years.
Mr.. Person introduced a bill to pro-
vide stenographers and typewriters for
judges in felony cases.
Bills offered included the following:
Requiring every officer collecting a fine to
give a receipt therefor.
10 pTOltCl nSn III lHc CutudiuOdn itfCi nv
its tributaries.
To authorize circuit judges in filing cases to
employ a stenogrspher and typewriter at not
more than $40 per day.
The Senate committee for courts Of justice
ordered favorable reports on the following
bills:
Prescribing the duties of judges and attor-
neys for the commonwealth in cases OF sale OF
adulterated or improperly branded bread
stuffs.
Empowering judges of county courts to fill
offices in cases Of failure of officers to properly
qualify, death or resignation prior to Feb
ruary /. This latter bill was passed by the
Senate just prior to adjournment.
The House and Senate elected Col. John
w. Richardson to succeed himself as register
of the land office, and d. Gardner Tyler.
judge of the fourteenth judicial circuit, to
the late Judge lie. Hubbard.