The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-23


Interesting suggestion of possible
new investigation are contained In a
somewhat mysterious bill offered in the
Senate yesterday by Mr. Keezel. of
Rockingham. to prohibit unlawful agree
ments or combinations on the part of
contractors with the State. When ques-
toned about his bill the Rockingham
senator was reticent to degree, but
eventually referred incidentally and with
| out specifically connecting the two. to
| the reported large advances demanded
on the State printing contracts. This
aroused the belief that the bill, though
general. Is aimed mt a suspected local
printing trust, the existence of which is
being mooted.
The Keezell bill provides that
II shall be unlawful for any person.
firm or corporation to ente: into any
agreement. combination or other arrange
ment or understanding for the purpose
of advancing, or the tendency. of which
would be TO advance, the prices to be
paid by the State for any work whatso-
ever to be done by or for the State.
Any person, firm or corporation violating
the provisions of the act will be deemed
guilty of misdemeanor. and upon con.
viction thereof will be fined not less than
$50 nor more than $500. or confined in
~
three months. or both. in the discretion
of the court; and any contract made in
violation of the provisions of this act
shall be void at the option of the State.
Under the act any officer OF the State
whose duty It shall be to award contracts
for work TO be done for the State, of
whatsoever kind or character. who shall
have knowledge of such unlawful agree
ment or combination, must Immediately
report the fact to the Acknowledgement
of the State, who will institute such pro-
ceedings as may be necessary to enforce
the provisions of the act. and any officer
having such knowledge and failing to
make report as required. will he re.
moved from office Immediately by the
Governor. No witness called by the
court or the Attorney General and giving
evidence for the prosecution of violators
of the act. either before the grand jury
or the court In such prosecution, shall be
proceeded against for any offense COM
mitted before the giving of such evil
dence. but such witness shall be com
PEELED to testify, and for refusing to
answer any questions. may by the court
be fined sum not exceeding $500 and con-
fined in Jail for term not exceeding six
months.
by Mr.. sadler. of Powhatan. makes it a
misdemeanor for an person. residing In
the State to change his name or assume
another nama unlawfully or without COM
plying with the provisions OF the act
touching this matter. Penalty is fixed
in the shape of fine of not less than
$40 nor more than 800. Upon a repeti-
ton of the offense the violator OF the
law will he confined in jail not exceed
Ing sixty days.
An assistant superintendent for the
State Farm to be appointed by the Board
of Directors of the State Pententlary Is
provided In bill offered In the Senate
yesterday by Mr. Sadler, of Powhatan.
The salary of tho assistant will be $50
a month. He will execute bond in the
penalty of $4,000 His term of office
will begin and expire with that of the
superintendent of the farm, The as
sistant will also act as bookkeeper at
the farm.
A resolution has been prepared and will
be offered in the Senate to-day or to-
morrow calling for an extension of the
present session of the General Assembly
for fifteen days The resolution, which
will require thrce-fifths vote, will I'M
questionably be voted down by an over
whemlng majority.
DIR. COCHRAN VERY ILL.
= T. F. E i r 81 =