The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-01-29
LEGISLATIVE. COMMENT
By LEWIS H. MACHEN
REVIEW AND PROSPECT

cities of tho several companies. all of
which are naturally opposing the bill.
est tight
, . Bills With a similar import have
Cation. OF Alexandria. fought for the
principle Of TINS measure as long as
ne was In the House OF Delegates.
Martin Williams has now taken up tho
burden OF tho battle. Delays and other
h!ndrances have wrought the defeat
OF similar measures heretofore. and
tnere seams no reason to prophecy a
inherent result at this session.
Woman's Suffrage.
inc womans suffrage amendment
COMMITTEES on Privileges and Elec-
lions. 1t is supposed that the com
mittee stood to 3. THAT is probably
when the measure Is reached on the
calendar, as 1t may be the latter part
Of this week.
Tho lady lobbyists, however. are
undaunted.. and will appear before the
corresponding committee of tho Senate
to-nisnt \ number OF Senators are
majority are against it. In fact IL is
In time to be voted on at this session.
The senate Committee on Privileges
being very Deliberate In making its
reports. In fact. all OF the Senate
committees appear TO be working
of its calendar, which Is q very I'M
usual thing for this period OF the ses-
sion.
Tax Commission Dill.
The biggest Legislative nut to be
cracked this week is the Byrd Tax
Commission bill. 1t has been spe-
cial order all OF the past week. but It's
pose OF working out some amendments
winch have been suggested. The gen
cral purpose OF the bill has strong
public approval but some of the de-
tails are not generally commended.
and the entire measure Is opposed py
a great many officials. who believe that
they would be injured or inconYcni-
This movement also has been in
progress for the past SIX years 1t
has undoubtedly gained strength. The
report of the temporary Tax Commits
sion. and tho message OF the Gov
ernor. In which it was emphasized.
nave given an impetus to the matter
ure through the House in a modified
form The Senate, however. is likely
TO take no action upon it. or an un-
favorable one.
The present necessity is 10 get the
blli into such shape IA to enlist the
greatest number OF members of the
House In Its. support, without giving
peaker Byrd Will give notice to-day
OF his Intention TO call the bill up
o,morrow and ask the House to re-
solve Itself into II Committee OF the
Whole. will Invite the fullest discus
sion and suggestion OF amendments
anu thefo is an apparent diver
gence OF opinion as to the details OF
the measure. he will ask that IL be
again referred 70 the Committee on
Finance to amend tho bill to meet
what seems to be the opinion of the
majority. At the present writing such
a reference seems altogether probable.
W"odr"w Wilson Thursday.
The Legislative program for the week
VIII be dclightfully interrupted by the
visit OK Governor Woodrow Wilson TO
Richmond and his address to the Leg
islature and the Council OF this city
Jointly at the City Auditorium II will
be memorable occasion. The whole
country Will sean the address for some
nllusion TO his recent breach with COL
oncl George Harvey and Colonel Henry
Watterson. Moreover. as the leading
nsnirant for the Democratic nomina-
lion for the presidency. as we'll as one
of the foremost Virginians OF his gen.
alton. his speech Will be heard with
PROFOUND Interest by the members of
the Legislature.