The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-03-04

IL BHIto1 StBtpS government Z 10
place temporary post-office
building in the southeast corner of the
Capitol Square. Delegate Featherston,
whose resolution to revoke the permit
Is now pending, said yesterday after
noon that he expected to offer q sub
stitutc which will allow the building
to be erected in the square under the
supervision of the State authorities, to
whom Will be given power to prescribe
the materials to be used, the style Of
architecture, SO that the structure will
not be an eye sore, and the limit on
the time of actual use.
Apparently some plan Is on foot to
have the national government erect q
building of permanent character
which II can use for period of three
years or more. and then turn over to
the State in settlement for the ground
rent, or sell to the State at minimum
price, to be agreed upon by commis-
sioners. The State might use such a
building as museum, for the storage
of records. or for the office of the
Public Printer. moving to 1t also other
offices now crowded together in the
Capitol basement.
Mr.. Fcatherston will insist on more
definite understanding than is possible
under the measure now adopted. He
says there Is no way under the Har-
man resolution by which the United
States can be elected after 1t takes pos
session OF the property.
TOO Much Risk.
Delegate Withers, of Nanscmond. who
made a long but unsuccessful. fight
for amendments to the plan OF pro-
cedurc adopted by the House in the
Blackstone matter. said last night that
he was most doubtful of the expedency
OF the action taken.
with a thirty-day extension, and
recess until March Goth, 1t leaves the
Legislature only seven days in which
to act on the Blackstone matter" said
Mr. Withers. by reason of the re-
lection of my amendment. which spe-
cified tho plan under which the Courts
Committee was to proceed in its hear
ing, the probability Is that nothing will
be done by this committee until the
Legislature reconvenes. They will then
take two days or more for debate
determining how the testimony VIII be
heard, and with the time limit again
drawing near, they may jeopardize the
whole case against Judge Blackstone.
think 1t Is taking too much of a risk"
Fight in Lobby.
Shortly after the Democratic caucus
adjourned last night, and while the
lobby of Murphy's Hotel was crowded
with members OF the Assembly, poll
ticians and guests. besides the usual
crowd OF hangers-on. sharp debate
finally resulting in a fight, grew out
OF a rather old issue between Mr.. j.
C. Johnson. dentist. of this city, and
Mr.. Joseph Johnson, OF Houston.
The point in dispute concerned the
election of Major Edmonson ms State
Senator from Halifax over his oppon-
ent, Mr.. II. o. Kearns, Mr.. Joseph John
son being strong Edmonson man,
and DR.. Johnson. formerly Of Halifax
being an equally strong kearns man
When the debate was at Its height. Dr.
Johnson turned and walked away. The
other johnson. 1t Is said pursued him
at the same time taking off his coat
and threatening the dentist who took
everything quietly until the Houston
man shook fis. vigorously In his face
Thereupon DIR. Johnson, who was much
the smaller OF the two. struck the other
a terrific blow In the face knocking
him to the floor. Before the pros
trate man could arise number OF
delegates and others had rushed in and
the fight was prevented from being
carried further. Neither participant
was arrested, as the encounter .was
quickly over, and the two men had
departed.
:.
Earlys University Bills.
Senator Ea-ly has had passed
through the Senate two very important
bills. which are of vital Importance to
the University OF Virginia. Edward
James. Esq. who died a year or two
ago in Norfolk. left very large
amount of property to the University
of Virginia upon conditions, first, that
one-half OF the income for fifteen
years should be paid by the university
to the Confederate Soldiers Home al
Richmond, and annuity of $50 per
month to each of two Misses Rogers
during their lives. This devise and
bequest of the University of Virginia
was very bitterly assailed by certain
distant relatives OF Mr.. James. Afte.