The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-03-04
EDITORIAL
Technicalities and Rat Greek.

z The temperance people of Virginia are viewing
With eyer growing impatence the action OF the
Senate Of Virginia concerning the Strobe bill Inc
bill was introduced Saturday, February sth:
The hearing on the bill was had on Wednesday and
Thursday, February 10th and 18th. But the COM
mttee did take up the bill in executive session
until "Wednesday, February 23rd and so the bill
was not reported until nearly week after the hear
ing. In the interval between the hearing and the
report the BILL the calendar was loaded with
great mass OF bills, many them purely local,
affecting only a few citizens
When the patron of the bill has, on two separate
occasions, endeavored TO secure the consideration
for the bill that its Importance warrants, he has met
with points of order, and special rules providing
for the consideration OF local bills, etc Rules OF
order necessary for the proper conduct OF bust
ness and local interests should be given their day
in court. But the temperance people OF Virginia
can not be made to believe that techncalities and
bills permitting the building of a wharf on Kat
Geek or bridge over Squedunk River are so
important that they cannot be brushed
aside temporarily whenever the Senate OF Virginia
desires to do so.
The mass of voters Of Virginia not versed in
parliamentary tactics but they know that II the
Senate OF Virginia really desired to take up the
Strobe Bill backed it is by the petitions of over
$4,000 OF the most intelligent industrious and moral
citizens OF the State there would be no parliament
rary difficulty in the way. The importance OF
Rat Creek and Squedunk River would recede to a
II NaHisihils point
Senator Strobe suggested night meetings of
committees and afternoon sessions beginning at $50
4 in order to facilitate uncontested bills but tho
Senate refused Again he suggested afternoon
session of the Senate on Thursday TO take up un-
contested bills but the reply made that one of
the committees of the Senate would be in session
and the suggestion not adopted, although the
absence of that committee would not have affected
in any material way the taking up of the calendar
I of uncontested bills
There has not been as much disposition to give
special consideration this bill as there has been
70 give special consideration to local bill to build
wharf on any small cree although for the Rat
only few people pleading white for
the Strobe bill, thousands OF citizens appealing.
Techncalties and Local bills may finally prevent
the proper consideration and action upon the Strobe
bill but such excuses will not satisfy the people of
Virginia The livest and the most important issue
before the General Assembly today is the answer
the General Assembly will make to the petitions Of
the people for opportunity to vote on the State
wide Law. Topostpone matter OF such importance
till the closing hours OF the session is practical
denial OF its Importance.
The issus today is not how any Senator will
finally vote on the bill The issue today is will the
Senate OF Virginia treat with proper respect the
thousands OF petitioners, who have asked for the
consideration of the bill Gentlemen, you cannot
satisfy the people by points of order and pleas for
local bills. Take up the bill and II you desire to
do so limit the debate but give it consideration and
a recorded vote the meEits of the question: