The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-01-31
TO INQUIRE into
THE BOARDS ACTS
MIR. Pattsson, for Major Gaines,
Offers Resolution to Investigate
Agricultural Department,
DIVISION ON ToRRENs BILL
Though Reported in Regular
Form, Majority Of Committee
Against 1t.

Against 1T.
An investigation into the affairs of the
state Department OF Agriculture, with
particular reference 10 the expenditure
| of funds and the management OF the cx-
perimental farm Is demanded N reso-
luton offered In tho Senate yesterday
by Captain Camm Paterson. of Bucking-
ham.
| While the resolution was presented by
| request and was in fact drawn by Coll
onel Richard v. Gaines, of Charlotte its
general object has the endorsement of
| Mr.. Patteson. The latter would not dis
cuss the matter at any length yesterday.
Out he said enough to Indicate that he
| is not satisfied with the condition of the
departmental affairs.
Captain Patteson states that he would
have something to say later about the
department. AS for the present he corr
fined his comment to the resolution which
Provides:
q THAT the Committee on Finance,
both OF the Senate and the House of
Delegates be instructed to enquire into
the affairs OF the State Board of
Agriculture inquiring into the duties.
salaries and pcrquisites OF Its en-
ployes and whether or not tho law
relating thereto has been violated, and
especially II detailed itemized reports
OF all expenditures have been made
annually to the Governor for the In
formation OF the General Assembly
as required by law and to inyesti-
cato especially the management. or
ganizntion. and equipment of the test
and experimental farm In Charlotte
. xfNSy 49, H..
object contemplated by the people of
Charlotte in donating the State Farm
10 the State have been carried out by
the State Board and IL not why not?"
Court the Fullest Inquiry.
When seen yesterday afternoon Mr..
koiner read the Patteson resolution with
interest, and though not consenting to
enter into any general discussion of the
affairs of his department from the point
of view OF the inquiry demanded, plainly
declared that neither he nor the board
had anything to conceal, and that they
would render any assistance In their
power to facilitate the work of my in
vestigators who desired information con-
corning the department
we are ready for any investigation
that the General Assembly may see lit
to make said Mr.. Koiner, and will
information they may desire. The Board
of Agriculture In the face of difficulties
has done the best could to serve the
interests of the people of Virginia, and
we believe that the people realize this.
We have for soma time, without any
funds for that purpose, been attempting
to bring laborers to the State and our
efforts TO sell Virginia lands and locate
people in this State have been very sue
cessful. The resolution makes some ref
erence to the expenditure of money. A
financial statement in full Is contained
in every annual report. and every three
months the board inspects the accounts
of the commissioner. Vouchers are kept
for every cent paid out AS for the state
farm the task of establishing this work
has necessarily been slow In PERFORM
ance. 1t is in the hands OF a committee
of the board. of which Mr.. j. NJ. Barker,
OF. Henry county, one of the largest to-
bacco growers in the State is chairman.
So far as ] know this work has pro-
crossed to the satisfaction of everybody,
with the possible exception of Major
Gaines. who was an applicant before the
board for the position Of manager at the
farm when 1t was started"
The House Committee for Courts of
Justice seems divided against itself on
the question of reporting the Torrcns
land registration system bill
| The committee, n quorum being pres
| cnt. yesterday morning reported the bill
| favorably. and in less than two hours
a minority report had been drawn and
| signed by majority OF the members
Mr.. Lion, OF Prince William, made the
motion to report the BILL and there was
no discussion or objection. After Chair
| man Boyd had put the motion, and 1t
was carried without a. dissenting voice.
Mr.. Cation asked II the members would
not be at liberty to vote as they pleased
on the floor.
The chair replied in the affirmative. II
should be stated that though there was a
quorum OF the committee present, some
of those who signed tho minority report
were absent. Here is the paper signed by
those who dissent:
To the members of the House:
Gentlemcn.---..We the undersigned men,,
hers of the Committee for Courts OF JUS
ticc do hereby protest as being favorable
to report given by said committee to the
| 1orrens bill and hereby sign this as Il
| minority report to said BILL
]. P, ROYALT.,
| y. &. EARLY, 5JR.,
GEO. MASON
WILLIS PUI4LIANI,
r. e. LEE, JR..
|; r. T. GREGORY. ~
| BOYLAN GREEN. 81