The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-03-02

time to make the round before De-
cember 1?
Touching upon the constitutional
point, MI Lunsford did not believe the
Governor has any right to proclaim n
tax rate. 1t is to be prescribed by
law, according TO the Constitution.
Tribute to Byrd.
Il appreciate" said AIR. Lunsford. at
inc conclusion OF an address lasting
or parts of three sessions and which
was heard with profound attention,
me public services OF the dlstin-
SulShed speaker OF this House
prompted by patriotic impulses. he has
made close study of the situation.
ana has done what he conscientiously
believes 70 be for the best interests
or the commonwealth. trust that
his services may be preserved TO the
State for many years. but at this
time ! must lay aside personal feeling
ana judge of this bill as | see it. 1
believe II strikes at tho fundamental
liberties OF the people. Let us hold
on to the principle of local self-gov
ernmen5, which Is being gradually
other States which are called progress
sive. Everywhere we meet the same
ancient idea OF centralized power. Be
tore we take such step let us pause
and consider"
John W. Stephenson said 1t seems
accepted that the county will always
appeal from the decision OF the COM
mission Ii its assessments are in
creased. This might not be so. The
supervisors would consider that they
must employ an attorney. and they
the individual, who might &c put 10
great expense in securing an adjust
ment- Further, he did not believe
the commission would accomplish any
thinS. while II would cost much.
Commission of Five.
Transfer values are not true in
dcN 10 real values, in the opinion o:
Mr. Ioberts. of Mccklenburg. In his
section there was an influx OF people
who think the lands there are cheap.
and they buy at prices which seem
very high 20 the residents. He thought
1t would De best to have commits
sion OF about Ave persons. composed
Of two farmers, two city men and the
state Accountant.
In speech which caught the atten-
ton or the House. John w. Chalkley.
OF Wise. defended the bill fEs did not
believe there arc three commissioners
az the revenue In the State who really
so to the property which they value.
the Tax Commission would go 20 enc,-
county and city. and would call In
the citizens for their advice. They
would arrive at an average, and
would base their assessment
stands Alone.
Everybody knew. ne proceeded. that
market value. They vary from 20 to
Il am fully aware" he said, that
Stand alone among the members
from the Southwest In favor OF this
bill. have applied the acid test to
1t 20 see X there was any good rea-
son why should not support II. But
can find no way to oppose IT, The
bill i5 Just and fair and equitable.
There Is no answer to the statement
that equalization in this State Is lack
Ing. | think the patron has accepted
ali the amendments which ne can
without injuring his measure. II may
be that the people OF my county VIII
not approve my vote. II not, / shall
surrender any petty political ambi-
tons which may have. and shall cast
my vote for what I believe to be for
the best interests OF Virginia"
nyrd's Final Statement.
Speaker Byrd (Judge Williams ia
the chair) closed the debate
II know" he said "and we all
know. that the people demand relief
from the obviously inequitable as
sessmants which prevail have
striven 10 prepare a bill which viii
give MEASURE OF relief. have done
my best. have done my duty While
I should dislike to see this House de-
clare Itself unequal to the task OF
settling this question. I shall have no
more TO any. am ready for vote"
The previous question was called and
agreed to.
The committee amendments to the
+, substitute We're adopted without d.
vision.
The question than came or the Lana
providing that ona farmer should be