The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-12

MIR. G.. r.. Swift. Of Fredericksburg, had
this TO say last night concerning his con-
ncction with what Is known as the rake
club bill:
II desire TO correct statement mace
by your representative III to-day papct
as to my connection with Senate biil az.
commonly known as fake club bill. The
report of the proceedings OF the House
OF Delegates in connection with TINS
bill Is misleading, in that 1t states:
"'rhe sessions in the House were tn-
oycntful until the very end of the night
sitting had been reached. Just before
final adjournment II bill not on the call
cndar was introduced by Mr.. Swift. Of
Fredericksburg, and heartily seconded by
Mr. Fuller, of Richmond. The bill pur-
ported to be aimed at fake clubs, and
its provisions were said to be such as
would place the granting of club license
in the hands of the Hastings, Corporation
or Circuit Judges
"rhS statement Is calculated to pro-
duce the impression that ! introduced
this bill with the purpose Of pushing 1t
through the House without proper con-
slderation. Such is not the case. Tho bill
referred to, known as the fake club bill
was originally Introduced In the Senate
by Judge Mann. referred to the proper
committee of that body, and by 1t referred
to a sub committee consisting OF SEMI
tors Sale. Shuckclford and Thomas. which
committee considcrcS, amcrded and re-
ported 1t back to the fun committee. The
bill WAS then reported favorably to the
Senate and. | am Informed. passed that
body BY Il practically unanimous vote.
only two senators voting against II. IL
then came over to the House, was re-
fcrrcd TO the proper committee and favor
ably reported back TO the House. While
not on the printed calendar the bill was
on its second reading. This was the
status of the bill when my connection with
| 1t commenced.
"The rules Of procedure under which
| the House was acting allowed each mem
| bcr 10 call mp one bill and have ii passed
| the roll of members being called alpha
| bcticnl!y. One Of the members whore
name proceeded mine on the roll extended
to me TIC courtesy of calling up for me
and securing its passnge local bin Of
great interest 10 my constituents, with
tho understanding that when my n0mr
was reached would return the culrieyy
lie requested me Ia call up Scnntc bin
322, known as fake club bil' which I
| did ms som as my name was rcunhad. /
| WISH TO siatc that ! read the BIZ care
! tn!ly though hufricdlS aud knowing the
| circumstances under which ii passed thc
] Senate, was satisfied that II was an right
I while do not care 10 10 into any dis
| cushion OF the merits Of The bill, was
| assured ~ member Of the sllbcomrnit.
ice, Who IL II leading Elk and member
of social club. that the bill WAS salts.
| factory 10 bona ildo clubs, and this. too,
! after had called his attention 10 the
| fapt that I, required clubs 10 secure
! liquor slcenae
| The above auffceptly explains my
! connection With The bill, which | thought
! aud NOW think mcritoriouB. and must
dispr0yc any intention on my part To
! attempt 10 sneak through. IN Tho dying
hours Of the session, n bin which, In tho
language OF Speaker Cardwell az re-
ported. 't%ah not what II purpprteJ 10
be but war drawn IN the interest IL The
harkcfpers and aimed 10 injure the feph-
table clubs pt the COMMONWEALTH" nor
do Wish 70 rob the Speaker OF any part
or Tho glory Of having discovered tho