The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11
Work of the General Assembly.

The regular session OF the General AS
sembly which came to close by lmita-
ton last night will be famed as one OF
the busiest sessions of that body since
the war. For some time past the mem
bsrs sat day and night almost In con-
necessary to extend the session several
days in order TO complete the business
in hand.
A number OF good measures were enact
cd. II the Legislature had done nothing
else it was worth while to establish
State highway commission and adopt
a system under which jaii-birds can be
made 10 work on the public roads. We
hope that the Lassiter-withers plan will
be given n fair trial. These bright young
men who spent so much time in advance
in formulating 1t and who worked so
industriously in putting it through the
Legislature have won deserved praise
for themselves, and II the system operates
as we'll as they believe 1t will, they will
have performed valuable public service.
The state was redistricted FOR con-
gressional representation, the number of
circuit Judges was increased from twenty
four to twenty-nine, good men were
elected TO preside over the courts. an
an,i-graft law was enacted. the Office
of Insurance commissioner was created
and various other measures OF more OF
-.
One OF the most interesting bills passed
was the "Churchman ian.' fixing max
mum rate OF two cents a. milo on aca
and 1000 mile railroad tickets. II Is the
opinion of several members. and It Is our
own opinion. that this measure is IN
constitutional, as the Corporation Com
mission has the exclusive right of making
railroad rates. The General Assembly
as n body was manifestly in doubt, for
it took double chances and passed the
Booker resolution" requesting the Cor
pnration Commission TO establish uni
form flat rate of two cents mile for
all tickets 1t is interesting to note.
by the way, that IL the Corporation Com
mission should adopt the recommends
ton of the Booker resolution" the
Churchman law would become dead
letter. For why Should a traveller wish
to purchase thousand mile ticket at
an outlay of $50, If he could purchase
transient tickets to suit at the same
rate?
Liberal appropriations We're made for
the public schools. The special appropra-
ton of 10000 was doubled and all the
public institutions 81 learning were well
provided for The Legislature was as
generous as funds would allow to the
jamestown Exposition Company and
very generous TO Itself in increasing the
future pay of its members to $500 per
session. But that Is a very small allow
ance, and the taxpayers should not
Irumbe. If member half way dis
charge his duties. he will richly earn his
hire at that wage.
Tho General Assembly also did good
bit of work in having the sanderous
runlors concerning the Corporation Com
mission thoroughly explored and ex-
ploded.
Senator Mann succeeded in having the
law which bears his name somewhat
strengthened, notwithstanding that he
did not get all the amendments he asked
for.
In our view some of the best bills
introduced were not passed; notably the
Torrens bill and the bill to establish
q geological survey. But they will keep,
and we hope they will have better luck
next time,
Richmond IS always glad to see the
members of the General Assembly; glad
70 have them as her guests and sorry
to see them leave Our hes, wishes tc
them all and our assurance that they
VIII have warm welcome whenever
hle% rctun either as lawmakers or a.
individuals
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