The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-08
HOUSE PROCEEDINGS.
Session Taken Up With Discus
sion Over Commissioners Bill.

The House met at noon. Speaker Card
we'll in the chair. and prayer was offered
by Rev. George Fl. Spooner. OF the Metho-
DIST Church. et
A large number OF bills We're reported
and others offered and referred.
1 The special order for one o'clock was
the bill providing for the appointment OF
Commissioners of the Revenue by the
courts, and when It was called Mr..
Throckmorton offered an amendment con-
stituting the judges, treasurers and clerks
of the various counties and cities the ap-
pointing boards Mr.. Throckmorton
briefly discussed his amendment, though
I'm its advocacy he incidentally took
ground in favor of the principle OF ap-
polntment.
There was a good deal of cross firing
between Mr.. Throckmorton and several
other members. and the bill was earn
estly opposed by Mr.. J. l.. Taliaferro.
He declared that 1t was sought to de-
stroy tho principle OF local self govern
ment and that he would never agree to
1t.
Mr.. Peyton opposed the amendment.
and incidentally advocated the passage
OF the bill.
| Mr.. Read offered an amendment pro-
viding for the appointment OF half the
| commissioners and for the election Of the
rest.
Mr. Fuller opposed the Throckmorton
| plan. and advocated the bill in a brief
but earnest speech
A strong appeal was made for the blu
! by Mr.. Cation. and he was followed by
| Mr.. Massie. both contending that the
| measure was in the interest OF n pro-
per assessment OF the revenues OF the
| State. Mr.. Massie said that as a rule
| people did not pay as much taxes as they
| should because the commissioners sat
around like putty men," and failed to
J do their duty.
Amendment Withdrawn.
| Mr.. Read Withdrew his amendment, and
that offered by Mr.. Throckmorton was
| rejected.
Mr.. Lee offered an amendment, placing
| the power OF appointment in the hands Of
the boards OF supervisors, and 1t was
| rejected.
( Mr.. Churchman opposed tho bill In a
| strong speech, and declared 1t was con-
| trary to Democratic government He
| said 1t meant surrounding the courts OF
| the State with political temptation. He
declared In conclusion that In the APP
pointments the judges would be beset
by those seeking to bring political inf'u-
| ence to bear upon them.
The bill was opposed by Mr.. Lane in a
L IL
| vigorously opposed the measure as I'M
| Democratic and unwise. He felt sure
the people would continue to select good
commissioners. even though they could
| not succeed themselves.
Mr. Gaines offered the bill on the
ground that it controvened the Bill OF
| Rights.
Mr.. Gill offered an amendment provid-
ing that the Judges appoint those men
who shall have been nominated by the
people.
Mr.. C. C. Taliaferro spoke for the BILL
and declared that it was a wise and i'm
| portrait masure.
Mr.. Cochran favored the bill and sub
mitted some statistics to show that the
Legislation was needed.
Mr. Gwathmey spoke for the bill and
Judge Green followed In it's favor. He
contcnded there was great need for the
| measure, and that the sentiment In the
| Constitutional Convention was decidedly
In favor of appointment.
Mr.. Royal, tho Republican floor leader.
spoke for some mements In opposition to
the bill. and declared that all the mem
beers Of his party would so vote.
Tho House. at 2:5 p. M, adjourned
| until noon to-day.
i