Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1906-01-22
THE LEGISLATURE.

Inc Ctudte was not III scSoion "" 49,
urday.
Among the bills offered in the House
were two or three of general interest,
attention being particularly called 10
measure proposed by Mr.. Byrd, design
ed to remove from the cities and towns
which have taken advantage of the an
uexalion act of 1904 10 extend their
limits, the danger of an upheaval as
result of the proceedings now pending
in the courts of the State. This Dill
validates the steps taken under this act,
whatever may be the decision OF the
courts RS to the constitutionality OF the
law, and insures the status of the cities
in question presenting what, should the
act be declared unconstitutional, might
otherwise be a serious and even dis
astrous blow to the municipalities. Nj
merous cities and towns have taken ad
vantage of the act TO enlarge their bound
aries and many have held elections,
issued bonds and made improvements
on the basis of the new corporate limits.
To declare this null and void would
cause incalcuabIe confusion in the State.
Mr.. Cox Introduced bill 10 extend
the time of the act passed in 1903 pro-
viding for an appropriation OF $40, OOO
for statue of Lee in Statuary Hall IN
the Capitol at Washington. The limi-
tation of the original act was two years.
Sculptor Valentine is at work on the
figure, but il is far from finished, and
Mr.. Cox's bill is simply to keep alive
the measure. The act authorizes only a
payment OF one-third of the money until
the statue is completed.
Mr.. Cox also introduced bill intend
ed tc meet the awkward situation in
which Richmond was thrown by the
death OF its city treasurer, without the
power to at once select another. Its en-
powers cities and towns, in addition to
their other charter privileges, to fill
vacancies in their Offices. The bill while
intended TO carry out charter changes for
Richmond, applies to all towns and cities
alike, az provided by the constitution
that such mease,cs can only be effected
through geaeral I'LL.
| Mr.. Sterrett introduced bill asking a
50, 500 appropriation for the Governors
contingent fund, on account of unusual
expenses in the last fiscal year, such as
the funerals Of Fiizhugh Lee, ex-Gov-
ernor O'Ferrall, entertainment Of Psesl-
dent Roosevelt, renting Offices, and the
like.
The Cation BILL permitting the crea-
ton of estates by devise or deed of gift, to
which the estates of courtesy or dover
shall not attach, was reported adversely
from the committee for courts OF justice.
The report of the joint committee On
local and private legislation indicated
the decision reached touching amend
ments to local road laws, the conslilu-
tionalty Of which is questioned.
Bills were introduced
To amend the act to provide for
the appointment of police justices
by the corporation courts and their
jurisdiction in cities of population of
ten thousand or over, in which, by the
terms of their charter, no provision is
made for the election or appointment
Of police justices. The bill provides
that the term OF police justice shall be
four years. 1t is further provided that
the police justice shall be paid salary
out OF the city treasury, the amount to
be fixed by the city council, aud that the
Justice shall receive no further compen-
sation for his services The salary is to
be not less than 1920 in cities of 10, 600
to 8, 900 population; not LEGS than ST.
600 in cities of from over ID, 600 to TO-
900, and not less than 81 200 in cities of
over 20, 900.
To amend the code relating to the
division of school districts and sub DIS
tricts, so as to provide for such division;
for the government and administration
OF such sub-districts; for additional school
TAX therein, and for tie appointment OF
school directors, providing for their terms
of Office powers, duties, etc.
To amend the code relating to the
regulation of the number OF schools
TO declare the true aud lawful confines
of cities and towns of certain class.
Senator Maehen has announced that he
would within lew days re-inIroduce
the bill Tor q legalized primary that
caused the spectacular fight at the last
session.
II is stated that when Senator Strobe,
OF Amherst, introduced his bill last week
looking to a reduction in The cost OF tut
ton at the University of Virginia, the
authorities there had already cut the
matricuatlon free IN half from $40
to $40.
Mr.. Byrd is making fight to increase
the salaries of Virginia's twenty-fOur
circuit Judges, and the finance committee
has reported his bill favorably, after cut
ting the figure down from So, 500 to
SO, 900.
The reelection of United States Sena-
tor Martin, which will take place to-
} morrow will be one of the features of
the session. Under joint resolution
already adopted, the two houses will pro-
coed at 80 y. m. to elect Senator
Senator Henry I. Wickham, of Han
over, will present the name of the Junior
Senator in the upper branch, and this
service will be performed in the House
by Mr.. Richard f. Byrd, of Win
chester
COURT OF APPEALS.
The proceedings oflhe Court of APP
peals Saturday we're as follows: