The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-02-27

Wv got down to business with
less distraction than 1t has
had to encounter for many weeks.
With the fate of Judges Rhca ana
Blackstone hanging in the balance. so
to speak. there is naturally still great
interest In the final decision of the
two cases.
The report in regard to the last
mentioned gentleman has been some
what discounted. as 1t Is no longer
a question of doubt that the charge OF
immortality has been abundantly sus-
tained. The especial form of the ac-
tion which the House will take Is
practically the only open question.
In the case of Judge Rhea the situa-
tion is decidedly different There
seems to be no reasonable doubt that
lie will be confirmed, though 1t Is be-
coming increasingly evident that there
Will be considerable opposition. Indeed,
since the reading OF the two reports
there has been a change OF sentiment.
which may prove strong enough to be
formidable. The pressure of public
opinion. which appears to have become
aroused, and the stand taken by many
leading newspapers of the State against
the confirmation, may yet work TO the
disadvantage of the appointee. A
forceful exposition upon the floor OF
the Joint Assembly tonight of the
views taken in the minority report
might possibly turn the scale against
the confirmation. The odds, however,
are altogether against this consumma-
ton.
Tax Bill Passed In House.
The House of Delegates yesterday
passed the tax commission bill. which
nrnvil-E
for a legislative commission to investl-
gate tax conditions in the State during
vacation. and to report findings and
recommendations TO the next General
Assembly.
Just what opposition the measure
will encounter in the Senate cannot be
known In advance. II any should de-
velop, 1, will probably take the form
of delaying its consideration. which,
at this juncture of affairs at the Capt.
toll, would prove fatal. No doubt there
are many persons both in and out of
the Legislature who honestly think
that the commission Is not the best
body to make this investigation. But
i. has already been pointed out that
there are some interests and persons
rather influential ones. at that--who
might be somewhat embarrassed by
some OF the matters whieh the commits
sion might unearth. Nobody VIII con-
tend that there is not here and there
gross inequality of assessments. as we'll
as f!agrant evasions OF taxes. Any
plan OF equalization, to be effective,
must take more taxes from certain
persons, firms and corporations than
they are now paying. That this pro.
cess will be a painful one to the per-
sons affected goes without saying. If
G op
ing 1t. they would not be human II they
did not embrace It.
The conEested condition of affairs
IN the Senate furnishes fine field for
tho employment of dilatory tactics.
Perhaps. however, the wisest course Is
not to anticipate, but to wait and see
what will happen.
Byrd Bill In the SENATE.
The Byrd liquor bill is still live
issue In the Senate. The debate upon
this measure had extended over the
best part Of two days. 1t has been
amended until 1t resembles nothing so
much as Joseph's coat, so justly famed
for the variety Of its colors. Some of
the amendments resemble a white rib
bon, While others remind one of the
wine when 1t is red.
NOBODY. without risking his reputa-
~'SAA 80 - p1oPhet, could now predict
exactly what would be the effect Of
these various amendments. No doubt
the House will refuse to concur in
many OF them, and differences OF opin-
Ion viii then be fought out in confer.
ence.
For Ninety-Dny Session.
The Senate also adopted the two
resolutions proposing amendments Ia
the Constitution, one providing fo,.
ninety-day sessions and the other do
Ing away with SO much of the re,
tape about the Legislative procedure
as has been found to be totally with
out value. These resolutions in suh.
stanttally the same form passed both
houses Of the Legislature last session,
but were not published for reasons
heretofore explained. If adopted by the
General Assembly at its next session.
and ratified by the people. they will
become operative in the session O.,
1912. The adoption of these resolu-
tions is one Of the wisest of the many
wise things this Legislature has done,
and 1t Is to be hoped that the same
wisdom may be manifested next ses