The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-08
BY LEWIS II. M.AcHEN.

Simultaneous caucuses of the Deri-
ocrats of the Senate and House OF Dell
egates furnish more interest than Que
man can grasp. One must needs hays
more than one pair of eyes to watch
them both. Yet alternate glances may
reveal something.
Both were largely attended. apd
there was goodly crowd of onlools-
ers. many of whom showed their in-
terest in pending contests by applaud
ing speakers and the announcamentsso
results. There were few Repnhli-
cans. members and their friends. who
looked on in apparent unconcern.
The First Gathering.
1t was the first gathering OF tia
legislative Democratic hosts. In IL
relative sense the word is appropriate.
since the number OF Republicans IN
the two branches is not sufficient to
count In the news OF battle. unless
the battle is close. The men who will
do the legislating were nearly all in
evidence. There was much greeting
OF old friends and some Introduction,
OF new members. A few ex-members
OF both houses might be seen. haunt
ing their old arenas. but. like harnsg
OF Tara. emitting no music.
The contests in the Senate being mora
doubtful. most attention was centred
there. Judge Mann, unanimously cho.
sen chairman OF the caucus, made an
effective speech, impressing upon the
ohop % fS,nfs~
bilities and the opportunities for good
service which awaited them. Ex-Lieu-
tenant-Governor Echols was chosen
president pro TEN. Of the Senate over
Senator Sims by a narrow margin. The
nominating and seconding speeches on
behalf of the two aspirants for the
clerkship OF the Senate. though in GOOD
humor, were earnest and pointed ana
at times partook OF the nature OF a.
| debate.
Mr.. Booker's nomination had practi-s
cally been conceded in the afternoon.
and his good majority occasioned no
hurprtse. The sergeant-at-arIns and
the doorkeeper OF the Senate demon
strated their popularity by unanimous
denominations.
| The Senate requested the House to,
agree to Joint caucus to-night for.
1.-THE nomination of basement officers to:
which the House consented. 1t Is
thought that the old officers will ,he.
renominated, without serious; opposi-
| Itlon, s$
MIR. Byrd's Speech.
In the House the nominating speeches;
| We're elaborate, and for the most part
effective. Mr.. Massle, of Richmond. to
whom, had been assigned, the duty of
nominating the new speaker. was,
necessarily the star performe er, and
PLAYED the part perfectly. q s-t.
AIr. Byrd's speech was heard with
the greatest attention and interest. It
was a clear and strong presentation
Of some Of the more important sup-
ljects with which the new Legislat tura
must deal. Perhaps the portion that
excited the greatest interest was that
pointing out the unsatisfactory condi-
tion OF the law Of evidence in honti-
! eide cases, with the attendant evils OF
| pleas OF emotional insanity and tha
possibility of mlscarriages,o of 3usticb
LIN the application OF the so.called uns
/ written law. The fact that ha sug !.
| gested no remedy did not sdetract from
the force OF the statement. His sug-
gestions regarding the equalization ot
assessments for purposes OF taxation
and uniformity In the keeping. OF sar-s
counts of public moneys We're striking.
and will probably find expression In
numbers OF bills. Altogether, II was
an impressive speech. impressiveiy de-.
| llvered.
The selection of the House officers
was devoid of excitement, the old off,
GERS being chosen without opposition,
| except in the case OF Colonel New
was large.
Opening To-day. 5s
In Il few days there will probably
4 be a Joint caucus so nominate judges,
i By that time the committees OF both
Houses will be appointed and the l.es- y
il3islature OF sos VIII have gotten dcwn.
\ to business.
4 The opening at noon tod VIII VI
formally inaugurata the session. Tha
Il officers nominated last night vii pc
i elected and the sQyornor's MESSAGE
/ l,Wul hs read IN beth Haasss. ssaA =