The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-06
HOUSE PROCEEDINGS.
Spirited Debate Over Bill for
Primary School Improvement.

Speaker Cardwell presided in the House.
and prayer was offered by Rev. George
Fl. spooner. OF the Methodist Church.
Assistant Clerk George Lindsay acted
MS chief clerk In the absence of Clerk
John w. Williams. who was detained
from the House by sickness.
A large number of bills were reported
from various committees. and were given
their first reading and placed on the
calendar. Bills on many important sub
jects were offered and referred.
When the calendar was reached there
was series OF desultory roll calls,
a large number OF uncontested bills tiav-
ing been disposed Of.
Mr.. Cation called up out OF It's order.
the bill offered by himself and Mr.. SPECS
sard, appropriating 10000 for primary
and grammar schools, and the Alexan-
dria member spoke earnestly in Its favor.
The bill doubles the appropriation made
by the last Legislature.
Mr.. Gregory thought there was no need
for hurry about the matter. He was in
favor of the public schools. and would
do all in his power to promote them. He
feared, however. that the sum was moro
than the State could stand at this time.
and take care OF roads and other de-
inands upon the treasury.
Mr.. Gregory wished that the increase
should go to normal schools, where
teachers could DO better educated
He did not know that he would oppose
the bill, but he desired 1t passed by until
treasury conditions could be further look
ed into. Mr.. Curlett. practical school
teacher. spoke in favor Of the bill and
said he had given up his place because
he could not afford to teach for the
salary paid.
"Uncle Sam" Opposes.
He thought that one OF the crying needs
of the educational system was better
teachers and longer terms.
Mr.. Powell, OF Brunswick, made a char
acteristic speech against the bill. He was
in favor OF public schools, but he feared
the treasury was about to become bank
rupt, owing to the many demands mado
upon her on all sides. II things went
much further the member said he would
move to turn over all tho property to tho
State; let the State take care of the
people, and he would select his room ut
the Jefferson.
Mr.. Love favored the bill. and Mr.. Pet
tit followed In strong appeal for It's
passage. He said the party was irrevo-
cably committee to 1t, and, for one, he
was here to redeem the pledge.
Mr.. Martin Williams thought the bill
by all means should pass, and he earnest
~ advocated It, He said Mat as soon
as teachers in his counties were prepared
for work they went over the line into
West Virginia, where they received 500
per month for teaching. Mr.. Williams
warned the House that II the promises
made the people for better primary
schools were not kept, there would BIO a
day of reckoning In future elections
Mr.. Bland made n stirring appeal for
the bill. and he was followed BY Mr..
Chuychnnan In opposition,
Statistics Submitted.
The member from Augusta submitted
some statistics showing how much is
now being spent for public education, and
he thought this amount sufficient until
other important demands are met. He
said the State had a debt OF S25, 900,
and yet she was giving nearly 100000
for public education.
Mr.. G. G. Taliaferro made speech
against the bill. He taid the normal