The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-02-23
MEASURE ENGROSSED,
BUT NOT PASSED YET
Extension Of Session Now I'm
likely, and Extra Session Is Out
Of Question-Reports i'll the
Rhea and Blackstone
Cases Big Events
This Week.
by LEWIS II. MAcHEN.

The proceedings at the Capitol yes
Tho Blackstone investigating com
mittee, which Is the House Committee
for Courts OF Justice, sat from 10
O'Clock until 40 p. M. 1t was field
day for :he defense, as all tho Wit
nesses were introduced upon that side.
Their testimony went to show that the
accused was competent TO attend TO the
business of the circuit and the COM
mittee announced that 1T has now no
doubt that such was the case.
May BE Division.
Testimony was also adduced to the
effect that Judge Blackstone is a per-
son whose general reputation as to
sobriety and morality is excellent in
certain portions of his district Just
how far this evidence OF general repu-
.ation will avail him In the face of
certain proved end admitted circum-
stances OF particular delinquencies re-
mains to be seen.
II Is though. that tho investigation
will be concluded tomorrow, and that
the report OF the committee will be
presented to the House on Tuesday or
Wednesday.
What action will then be taken can
not be certainly predicted. 1t is known
that some members of that body have
made up their minds upon what they
have heard and read of the testimony.
Others. IL is believed have different
information upon which they are pre-
pared TO act. Still others. perhaps a
majority, Will be guided by the report
of the committee. Whether this report
Will be unanimous or divided cannot
now be known. but Judging from the
evident division of sentiment in the
committee. IL may be said that minor
ity report would occasion no surprise
The action of the House. OF course
depends upon circumstances not yet
developed. but Il Is expected TO come
promptly upon the presentation OF the
findings of the committee.
In the Rhea investigation matter
both houses yesterday adopted a Joint
resolution. In Tie usual form, govern
ing the procedure of the Joint meeting
OF the two houses TO be held Tuesday
night. The session will be open to the
public.
Tax on Output of Mines
In the Senate yesterday one matter
wholly enSrossed the attention of tho
members, namely. the bill to impose A
tax OF 1 per cent. on the value of the
output OF mines. This bill. of course.
chiefly affects the Southwestern por-
tion of the State. where the great
majority of the coal mines are situated
hut there are some other sections
which have other kinds of mines. Be
yond the question of local interest
there Is a wide difference OF opinion
as 10 the propriety OF such tax.
The fight was waged with zeal ana
ability upon both Sides, and the re-
suit of the battle will not be known
untll the final vote is taken tomorrow.
License Tax on Pilots.
In the House some measures of i'm
portance were passed though that body
is suffering from the severe handicap
of having so many of its members oc-
cupied with the Blackstone investiga-
ton. Among the measures passed was
one TO impose license tax upon pilots
of $50. and the bill to reorganize the
Board of Fisheries. which will here
after be known as the Commission Of
Fisheries.
The bill providing for the establish
ment of a geological survey. with head
quarters at the University of Virginia.
having passed both houses, went to
the Governor yesterday.
The Senate having substituted its
own pension bill for that of the House
the difference between the two may
nave 10 be adjusted by a committee of
conference.
Next week both houses win sit carly
and late, and 1t is hoped that some
thing may be done to relieve the ter
Tlble congestion Of the calendars of
both branches.
Extension Not Likely.
No extension of the session seems
probable, and an extra session Is out
OF the question How III },lo tLir.u
days work in ten days is tho problem
shat now confronts the Legislature.
The answer will be found in the long
list of dead measures left on the cal
endar on the day of final adjournment.
a (