The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-09
Measure to Repeal Char
ter Of R., F. & P. Evi-
dence of Raiload Fight
MESSAGE READ
IN BOTH HOUSES
Many OF Governors Recon-
mendations to Be Put Into Eff
fect-Change in Revenue
Law Already to Front.
Survey Of the
Session.
ny LEWIS H. MAcnEN.

ny LEWIS H. MACIIEN.
The new Legislature is under way.
At noon yesterday the gavel fell In
both houses. and the law.makers
buckled down to their tasks. Tho or
sanizatlon of the Senate and House
was speedily accomplished by the unart-
imous election OF the nominees made
by the caucus Tuesday night.
The rules which were in force last
session were adopted, with an amend
inent providing for committee Of each
house upon insurance and banking.
The rule was retained excluding from
the floor of each house all save nenl-
bers and their families, ex members and
officers OF the State,and those especially
invited by the presiding officers. This
rule was adopted last session because
OF the annoyance to which members
We're subjected by lobbyists .andsothers,
who sought by Importantly to influ-
ence legislative action. In the House
Delegate Powell made plea for the
open-door policy but was only able
to marshal vigorous minority OF one.
The Steering Committee Of the Sem
ate was appointed, and the committees
OF both houses will probably be an
nounced to-day or tomorrow. They
viii find plenty Of work cut out for
tbsm from :he start.
Heard Governors Measuge.
The Governors message was read
In both houses and listened to with
attention. It created a favorable inl-
preston. was generally regarded by
the memebrs as Il strong and cOnser-
cative document and some Of his rec
concentrations will doubtless be incor-
porated into bills. The suggestion OF
a large appropriation in aid of road
building attracted attention. and that
concerning increased expenditures for
primary and high schools. and an APP
preparation for new normal school
for women. met with general favor
The warning against extravaganza in
the distribution of the surplus in the
treasury was considered timely, and
especially the recommendation for. this
further reduction of the public debt.
Though there will be hungry clamors
for appropriations for special pur
poses there seems to be a determine
tton on the part Of the members not
to impair the credit OF the State.
Only four or five bills We're offered
In the House.
Flood of Senate Bills.
In the Senate forty-nine bills were
introduced, quite a number OF which
Will be sure to cause EXTENDED and
earnest controversy. It would not be-
possible and. perhaps, not profitable.
to give even the substance of all OF
these bills at this time.
Three of them provide for tho repeat
OF the act OF last session authorizing
the appointment Of commissioners nc
the revenue by the courts. Senator
Ward has undertaken to settle by q.
bill the veXed question OF the uualifi-
cations OF voters at special and local
option elections by providing that for.
such elections held before the first
day Of June of any year those may
vote who would be qualiti ed. under ex
listing law to vote at spring elections. n
and at elections held after the first
day OF June those may vote who would
be qualified to vote at the regular fall s.
election for that year.
Taxing Out the Jug Trade.
Senator Folkes comes forward with
a proposition to tax express companies
100000 for the privilege OF transports
Ing Intoxicating liquors between points
within the State.
Senator Echols asks for the repeal Of Il
the license, tax on physicians.
Senator Rfson presented bill for
geological survey by a commission
composed of the Governor, representa-
tfves of the University and the Virginia a
Agricultural and Mechanical College
and. others, with Office and plant located
at the University of Virginia.
Senator Lassiter offered a bill In aid
OF the State convict road force, and L
another for the prevention OF tubercu :
losis
Mr. Folkes has a bill for an Inspector
of prisons and charities In accordance
with the Recommendation OF the Gov
ernor's MESA ge,
Itailrond Charter Fight
Many other measures We're offeress n
contention. But the bill OF a Senator
Sims providing for the repeal OF the
law prohibiting the paralleling of the
Richmond, Fredericksburg and Poto
mac Railway Will perhaps be ktha
ground Of one OF the fiercest struggles
OF the session. It Is said that large tin-
terests will be enlisted and powerful
will be exerted upon botl.
sides. The battle will first be fought
before the committees and the merits
of the controversy vii be developed
there. s4S a I
Caucus Was Pcrfunctory.
The joint caucus last night wasa per-
'unctory affair. and speedily accom-
plished the unanimous denomination &
y the present basement officers,
"a. decided, after a lively debate.
o decline the participation In future
oemocrat tics aucuses. OF De elegate Rich
,rdson, who was elected from Henry
county as an independent t. 9iS 5i " 53
IT Is expected that to-day Will Wit
less the beginning OF the active Work.
,f tha session. &
IfIrTIE lVnPK IN HnIleE