Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-03-16
Virginia Legislature.

terday. Practically the last business ses-
sion of the body was held on Saturday,
but a short session was held on Monday
aud another Tuesday in order that the
Governor might have time to sign the
bilsl that has been passed. "a
When the Legislature meets next IN
regular session, in January, 1906, 1t Is
expected that large additions will have
been made to the historic Capitol building
an appropriation of $3.50, 600 having
been made at the session just ended for
this purpose.
Although yesterdays session lasted
less than half hour the usual formali-
ties of closing session were observed.
There were few members of each body
present, only eight appearing in the
Senate. Mr.. Barksdale continued his
speech on the Machen general primary
bill. He declared emphatcally that he
had no apologies to make for having
talked the bill to death. He reiterated
his assertion that he was only voicing
his own individual sentiments in oppos-
ing the bill, and not those of Senator
Martin or any one else. The defeat OF
that measure, he declared, had succeeded
in unmasking one of the city papers in
its position on the Senatorial contest
The papers, said he, had done the junior
Senator from Virginia a gross injustice
in attributing to him the defeat of the
Machen bill. The Times-Dispatch, said
the Senator from Halifax, has changed
front so fast that he did not know where
it stood, or for what, if any, principles.
1t had been impossible for him to keep
up with that paper. This morning that
paper had devoted nearly column to
attacking his position. Yet two weeks
ago the same paper had urged the SEN
ate to defeat the bill. al am entitled to
all the glory or all the blame for the de-
feat of that MEASURE" he shouted,
"and | accept both with equal equanim-
ity and disregard of what the Times
Dispatch may say, think OF do in the
matter"
Mr.. Hartman interrupted to make a
motion to pass by.
Mr.. Machen objected, saying that-it
was most unusual to pass by a corpse.
The State of New York had system of
electrocution for criminals, but in Vir-
ginia the State Senate had cruel and
unusual way of defeating meritorious
accommodating them to death by the
Senator from Halifax. He believed the
Supreme Court of Appeals would hold
that that was cruel and unusual punish
ment.
President Willard interrupted to inform
the gentleman that he had been made
member of the oyster commission and
that he could discuss the bill as much as
he liked when the commission went on
its trip. "And at your own expense, F."
said the president.
CHATS what the Senate has been do
ing-discussing the bill all the time at
my expense" replied the Senator from
Alexandria, and the few senators joined
in the laugh at the point humorously
made.
The little pleasantly was brought to
an end when the committee to wait on
the governor returned.
The Governor replied to the messenger
that he had no further communication
to make, except to wish the senators
and members a safe journey to their
homes and families and long life and
happiness. According to custom, at
exactly the same minute the House and
Senate adjourned sine die.
Lieutenant Governor Willard yester-
day appointed Senator Machen, of Alex
andria, a member OF the oyster commits
sion.
The House was called to order by
Speaker Ryan, with abouta dozen men,
bers present.
The committee appointed to wait upon
the governor and to inform him that the
general assembly was ready to adjourn,
asking if his excellency had any commu.
nication to make, reported that the exec
utive had no further communication, but
wished the members safe return to their
homes and families, long life and hap
piDess.
The speaker then declared the House
adjourned to the second Wednesday in
January, 1906, unless convened in the
manner prescribed by law prior to that
date.
Up to the present time the governor,
who is busily engaged in considering and
signing bills passed, has not made known
objections to any Of them. There is one
bill of especial interest to the temperance
people which the governor has under con-
sideration. 1t abolishes the Jail penalty
for the sale of liquor on Sunday. Several
petitions requesting him not to sign it
have reached him. 1t is thought how
ever, that since it passed both bodies by
such a decided majority, the governor
will approve it. The governor also has
before him bill of great interest to the
corporations which he has been requested
not to approve. 1t allows them to re-
duce their capital stock and to be
taxed on the reduced amount. 1t is
feared by many that the effect of such
bill would be to materially reduce the
revenues of the State.
THE MACHEN BILL.