Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1908-03-13
WHAT THE
LEGISLATURE
HAS DONE
Few Measures of Applica-
ton Have Failed of
Passage

hN ohNty way tSttn prescribed Dy
the Constitution for the regular ses-
sion of the General Assembly expired
March 18th at II O'Clock to night.
While the members will continue
active legislative work until March
II, pursuant TO the joint resolution
extending the session, it has been
agreed that no original bills are to be
considered in either house, and ONLY
those that have been favorabIy acted
on In one branch and referred to the
other for concurrence will be taken
up. The calendars of both houses are
still crowded, but the bills now re-
naming to be considered are largely
OF local interest.
The session has been an extremely
busy one. 1t can be fairly stated that
few bills of general interest have
lacked discussion, and few of general
welfare have failed of passage
The investiagt ion of the fitness OF
Judge Rhea TO be a member of the
Corporation Commission, and the
time consumed in discussing the re-
ports of the InvetsigatingComm
as also the ENHANCEMENT deveIopedby
the presentation Of charges against
Judge Blackstone, seriously interrupt
ed the program of Legislative work,
but were dipsosed of i'm due course.
There may be many legislatures
before similar condition may arise,
at least ii is not reasonable TO pre-
sumo that each Assembly will be
called upon 10 inquire into the char
acter and fitnss of the Virginia
judiciary, or of any other Of the State
officials.
THROUGH WITH ITS WORK.
1t has been persistently suggested.
ever since the Constitution w. S
adopted, that the sessions should be
extended TO ninety days. A joint re-
solution has been adopted TO submit
the question TO the voters of the
State. A glance over the calendars
at this time would hardly justify
the conclusion that the General AS
sembly needed an additional thirty
days, TO complete its labors. In fact,
its work, except for few finishing
touches and the disposition OF the
Blackstone case, may now be said 10
be all in.
Here are some OF the principal
measures of general interest that have
been passed by both houses and sent
up to the Governor for signature:
To confirm the State militia to pro-
visions of the Federal law known as
the Dick Bill.
Appropriating Sl25, 600 annually TO
the Sinking Fund To pay the State
debt.
Lassiter-W ithers bill TO sentence
two-year convicts to labor on public
roads.
Repeal restriction as TO paralleling
the Richmond, Fredericksburg and
Potomac Railroad.
Regulating admission of evidence
in ccses arising under the unwritten
law.
Fixing the status OF the Board OF
Agriculture and the Commissioner,
and defining their respective duties.
Appropriating $3.50, 900 of State
funds to aid of public roads.
Creating Board of Charities and
Corrections to supervise prisons and
correctional institutions
Increase of pensions TO old soldiers
by $50, 0OO.
Eliminate low grade fertilizers, and
reduce mum Ger of inspectors.
Create bureau at University of Vir
ignia for State geological survey.
For normal instruction in high
schools of State,
Provide for working Jail birds OF
public roads of the State.
Relieving coastwise vessels from
payment Of pilot charges and provid
ing increase of fees on foreign YES
sells.
Byrd liquor bill increasing license
and restriction and enforcing prohibi
ton In rural districts.
Making it felony to sell or dis
pense cocaine, except for licensed
physicians, pharmacists, dentists o
manufacturing chemists.
Congressional redistricting bill
removing Floyd county from tn
Fifth to Sixth, and Craig count.
from the Ninth to Tenth.
Child labor bill, prohibiting EN-