The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-11
SAUNDERS CASE
/ MUCH DISCUSSED.
Many Petitions Being Circulated
in Portsmouth iii Behalf of
Superintendent.
SEVERAL IMPORTANT BILLS
Judge Williams Would Have
the Commissioners of Revenue
Make Annual Inspection.

Tho interest in tho Saunders appoint
mcnt does not scem to diminish amy,
says tho Norfolk virginlan-Pilot Of yes
terday.
Nine petitions arc being circulated in
his behalf. Several Senators have CO.
poused his cause and will fight for his
confirmation by tho Senate. No time has
been set yet to give the case a hearing
Mr.. Saunders feels confident, with a
proper hearing before the committee
lie will have no trouble in being con-
tirmed. In the meantime he is attending
10 the duties; of superintendent
n. Finley Cromwell. who preceded j.
G. Nicmcycr. ns State Senator from the
district composed Of the city OF Ports
mouth and the county of Norfolk, when
asked his opinion about the action of the
Senate IN holding up the confirmation of
Joseph III. Saunders as superintendent OF
schools for Portsmouth city, expressed
the opinion that two-thrds of the people
OF Portsmouth demanded his appointment.
He said:
have nothing In tho world to do
with tile matter and do not care to
participate In discussion con-
ceivc II 10 be n matter for tho people
OF Portsmouth
have talked, however. with n great
many citizens of that city, including
the most prominent of them. feel
safe In saying mt least two-thirds OF
them favor the appointment OF Joseph
III. Saunders and earnestly desire his
confirmation BY the Senate.
The sentiment ~ Enthusiastically
strong over there In favor OF Mr..
Saunders say Enthusiastically, because
remember when II WAS my honor and
pleasure 10 represent that consttt-
'icncy. "a bill was introduced changing
the manner OF the election of certain
officers there. from appointment by :
the council to election by the peo-
pic
Desiring 70 perform my duty as
representative of the people. I made
effort to ascertain their wishes and
had no difficulty in finding out Just
what was the wish and sentiment OF
the people
rhe sentiment in favor of Mr. saun-
ders now IL just as strong as II was
then in favor OF the bill referred to
Pnd is just ms apparent / believe n
failure TO confirm his appointment will
defeat the wish OF a great majority
OF the people.
Mr.. Williams, OF Giles, introduced n
bill In the House yesterday, which in
due time will create something of a
stir. Tho bill has not been read yet ex-
cept by It's title. but several members
have seen IL and some of them say It
ought 10 be entitled bill TO make com
lnissioners OF the revenue prowlns State
detectives. Tho bill aims to require c-m-
inissioners OF the revenue annuany to
Visit the banks. banking institutions and
safety deposit companies of Tie Com
Inonweal,h for the purpose of making
assessments of moneys, bonds, chooses
In action and other securities deposited
Tor the purpose OF taxing the same.
The bill further provides that II the
officers or owners OF the banks and other
institutions fail or refuse to furnish the
desired information, as required. they
shall he deemed guilty of Il misdc-
meanor.
Delegate y. Il. Early, Ir.. OF Greene. is
receiving expressions OF congratulations
from all sections OF the Commonwealth
fl regard to his speech on the bill OF
which he is patron, providing for the
appointment of the commissioners OF the
revenue ~ the courts. which bill has
passed the House and is now before
the Senate.
one of the resolutions introduced yes
to-day that is sure to meet with strong
opposition. so several members say, IL
its features ever get into the shape OF
n bill was that offered by Mr.. Reed. 1t
provides that the Committee on General
Laws be requested to inquire into, and II
expediept. frame a general law under
which dispcnsaries may be chartered as
provided under section e. OF the Consti-
tuition of Virginia.
The resolution was referred to the Com
mittee on General Laws.
After one of the hardest committee
room fights of the session the Cation In
suranco bill was favorably reported by
the Finance Committee of the House
yesterday.
Speaker Cardwell yesterday offered a
bill that will interest all of Virginia,
and very particularly the Tidewater sec
tion OF 1t. It seeks to amend the act
creating the board of fisheries SO
MS to abolish the office of chairman OF
the board, practically substituting for
It the Office of commissioner Of fisheries.
The oyster laws are In no way affected
by the bill, hut the salary of the COM
missioner Is fixed at 5000 and that OF
Tic secletaTy pol tilc poaTu III Sl,5VV.
The object is to mako the board more
efficient and to give it departmental dig
nifty
The appointment is placed in the hands
Of the Governor and 1t is provided that
1t must be made before February Is 1906
Only residents of the T!dewater section
of the State and persons having a proper
technical knowledge shall be eligible for
the office.
Next Tuesday is tho day set by the
General Laws Committee to take up the
patent medicine hill recently offered nv
Mr.. Gaines, OF Norfolk. There is wldo
interest in this measure. Which regulates
the sale of patent medicines and gives
protection against preparations used for
evil purposes. The bill is Also designed 10.
drive from. the market patent prepare
tiolis that are destructive to mental,
rn uon,oro Fsa.hIeu avd utn.uI..