The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-02-23

know. but he was sure that II the bill
were passed it wou,u hurt many peo-
pie who are not stockholders in any
company.
Colonel Cation, OF Alexandria, op.
posed the measure in an able speech
lasting some minutes. He did not APP
pear for any Insurance company or
the Southeastern Tariff Association, he
said. but represented only the people.
The passage of the bill would not re-
suit in any benefit to the great NUM-
Der of people in this State.
Mr.. Withers also spoke at length
in opposition to the bill. He acknowl-
edged that he was a stockholder and
director in one of the Virginia insur-
ance companies, but this was not his
motive in speaking against the meas
ure, he declared He believed that
great harm would result from the re-
enactment of this law.
Delegate Cook was next to be recog-
nized by the chair. and spoke in favor
of the measure. Mr.. Cook had just
commenced when the hour for adjourn
nent arrived. He gave way to mo-
ton to adjourn at o'clock.
The following Senate bills were
passed.
To amend and re-enact section 81 OF
the Code prescribing the qualifications
of voters in special and local option
elections.
To amend and re-enact an act APP
proved March 10, 1904, entitled. can
act to provide for lists of all persons
who have paid their State poll taxes.
and for posting the same; and pro-
viding compensation therefor"
amend and re-enaCt act aO-
proyed January II, 1904. entitled, IAN
act to provide for furnishing by county
treasurers 4efsrlist of those who are
residents of or voters in the incorpo-
rated towns of the Commonwealth.
who have paid their State capitation
taxes six months prior to regular
election to be held in the incorporated
towns of which they are residents.
To provide for normal instruction In
certain public high schools to be de-
signated by the state Board of Educa-
ton and to appropriate money there
for.
To establish a State geological sur
vey and to make provision for the pre-
paration and publication OF reports
and maps to illustrate the natural re-
sources Of the State, together with the
necessary investigation preparatory
thereto.
Afternoon Session.
Upon the reconvening OF the House
Mr.. Cooke took the floor and resumed
his sneech. He attacked the South
eastern Tariff Association. saying that
lawyers representing that organiza-
ton have been here fighting the pas
sage Of the bill. The war-cry of the
association was "Raise rates" and it
had only abandoned it, so far as this
State was concerned, shortly before
the Assembly met, because 1t knew
this question was coming up. Mr..
Cooke was often interrupted by ques-
lions, and towards the last of his
speech did nothing but reply to MEM
bers. Mr.. Cooke was equal to every
occasion, and usually came out with
flying colors.
Mr.. Featherston followed in opposi-
ton to tho measure. He very briefly
stated his reasons for his position, and
asked the members to vote the bill
down.
He was followed by Mr.. Craig. who
also opposed re-enactment. he did
not believe 1t tt be to the best in
terest of the State and people. Mr..
Craig very ably presented his side of
the case. and was literally applauded
when he took his seat.
Delegate Oliver spoke for the bill,
and in strong speech put his views
before the House. He said that by his
appearance on the floor In favor of
the bill he would lose the agency of
two local insurance companies which
he now held, but he was so firmly con-
WINGED the measure was Just that he
felt in duty bound to support It, and
would stand the consequences.
Mr. W. W. Old. of Norfolk, closed for
the opposition. EIe did not speak at
length, but was very forceful in his
remarks.
Judge Williams made the closing re-.
marks in favor OF the passage of the
bill, He reiterated his statements OF
the morning, claiming that the South
eastern Tariff Association Is n monop-
oily. and that tho enactment of his bill
would result in great good. Judge Will
liams concluded by saving that the
passage of the measure was nothing to
him, hut that hc was fighting for the
people.
HilI Is Passed.
The pending question was called for,
and on n recorded vote the bill was
passed "A TO "a. Following Is the title
OF the bill:
House bill to prevent fire Insurance
conpanies, associations or partnerships
doing business In this state, or the
arcnt. ar said companies, associations
NJ nartnc rslllph from entering Into Come