The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-09-28
GET
PART OF RECEIPTS
Counties and Cities Will Proba-
bly, Share R., +. & P. Back
Taxes With State.
C0NFEREES ARE SATISFIED
Resolution Expresses Confidence
Successful Fight Made
for Division.

Representatives Of the counties and
cities through which the Richmond,
Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad
runs met in conference yesterday at
the office Of Governor Mann with the
special commission appointed by the
State to effect a compromise with that
road. So we'll satisfied were the visi-
tors with the situation as outlined
TO them. that a resolution was passed
expressing the utmost confidence in
the special commission and approval OF
its position. and pledging the consent
OF the localities to any compromise
which may be consummated.
1t is argued from this attitude Of ac-
quiescence that the counties and cities
are likely to get an equal share with
the State OF any amount OF property
taxes which may be collected as a
result OF the conferences.
Those who met yesterday morning
at the call of the Governor were as
follows: Mayor George Ainslie and
City Attorney Henry r. Pollard. repre-
senting the city of Richmond: F. +.
Sutton. Commemorative attorney. and
W. c. Saunders. chairman Of the board
of supervisors. representing Henrico
County: George p. Haw, Common
chairman Of the supervisors, for Han
over County: w. W. Butzner. Common
wealths attorney for the city Of
Fredericksburg: Stonewall J. boswell.
attorney for the town OF Ashland
Thomas Fl. Lion. Commemorative al
torney. and J. T. Syncox, chairman of
supervisors. for Prince William Coun-
ty: G. P. Smith. chairman OF super
visors, and w. E. Ennis. Common
wealth's attorney, for Caroline County.
and G. B. Wallace, Commonwealth
attorney. for Stafford County.
The county of spotsylvania did not
seem to be represented.
Localities Probably Win.
In the beginning of the negotiations.
it was not expected the localities would
share in the division Of money realiz-
ed from the railroad. The tight in
their behalf was taken up by s II.
Evans, member OF the House o. Dele
gates from Caroline County. He has
been persistent in his efforts to get
recognition for the counties and cities.
On September 9 he appeared before the
special commission and submitted his
argument in behalf Of Caroline County.
the same points covering all the terri
tory through which the road runs.
Mr.. Evaus supported the Richmond.
Fredericksburg and Potomac bills be-
fore the Legislature, doing SO in the
fear that If amendments were proposed.
the bill would fail. and nothing could
be done for two years. In that time
the State might lose in the litigation
pending in the supreme Court Of the
United States looking to the collection
OF arrears OF taxes from the railroad.
and there would be no taxes in the
future. 1t was understood that the
special commission had the power to
secure for the counties and cities and
town the same rights as the State.
Wanted Their Part.
In his address before the special COM
mission on September 2. Mr.. Evans ar
gued that it would be distinctly unfair
and unjust to permit the State to take
all the money that might be secured
in compromise. 1t was true that state
and localities alike had been deprived
of taxes from this railroad, but the
State has received large amounts in
dividends on its stock Referring to
mis- own county, he said that while the
Auditors report shows it received ST.
955.41 more from the State than IL paid
in II il could have collected railroad
taxes, the balance might have been on
the other side
Richmond will get some money from
this source II the solution is as now
predicted although the property taxes
which the roassis required to pay for
previous ye - may not be great. 1t
is believed a compromise is close at
hand OF course, II makes no differ
ence TO the railroad. once IT agrees tc
a certain amount for a compromise.
how the money is divided or where u,
goes-to the state or localities. or
both. Whatever part OF the amount
finally paid TO be credited to franchise
taxes. will go to the State
So far as Mr.. Evans 10 concerned. ne
is now satisfied that as far as prop
erty tax is concerned. there Will De
no distinction in division between state
and loca! taxes.