The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-02-04
AUDITOR DECIDES
TO ACCEPT MONEY
Controversy Over R., F. & P.
Tax Settlement Is Now
Ended.
STOCKHOLDERS WILL ACT
Moore Will Be Guided by Attor-
ney-General's Decision on
Constitutional Point
STOCKHOLDERS WILL ACT

No further opposition to the COM
nromise of tax claims between the
commonwealth of Virginia and the
Richmond. Fredericksburg and Poto-
mac Railroad Company viii be ad-
vanced by state Auditor C. Lee moore
II may be safely stated that II the
money is rendered TO him in settlement
of the claims of the State he VIII
accept il
The onnosition of the Auditor has
been regarded as a serious impeachment
In the way of final adjustment or this
long-standing dispute over taxes
special commission representing tne
state and a committee from the board
of directors of the road finally agreed
upon a basis of compromise Ihe Au-
iitor. however. took the position that
the act creating the special commission
was in violation of the Constitution
in that il permitted a reduction of a
claim for money due the State
Guided by Acknowledgement.
He now agrees, however. 10 De
guided by the opinion OF the Attorney
General on this point and to make no
further protest There is little doubt
what the opinion of the Attorney-Ieh
erai will be, since he attended the con-
fereuces as the legal representative OF
the state. and has consistently agreed
to the proceedings. Further, In CON
yersation he has Indicated TO Auditor
Moore his belief that the act IN ques-
ton is in accord with the Constitu-
ton.
This decision comes at an opportune
time. for the stockholders of the Rich
nond. Fredericksburg and potomac
Railroad have been called to meet AT
II o'clock tomorrow morning IN Tue
general Offices of the road in this city
for the purpose of passing upon tne
compromise agreement and OF ratify :
ing or rejecting IT,
:, rad been feared that the contem-
Mated refusal OF the Auditor 10 az
ut tbe money involved in the agree
,nent might influence the stockholders
AGAINST concentrating the compTo-
mise. ,.ov,s
-. ADMIT is now felt that the stock
holders will consent to settle on tns
bssfs named. and that the road VIII
nav TO the state and localities mo-"
.bau s325. zoe. will surrender inc eN-
euption from taxation II mas enJOs g"
o. nearly eighty years. and VIII Sc
-. amendments to its charter pat
- !, on mar with the other rail-
roads of Virginia
yoorc-s Position
The Aftorney-Sencral- Saie
49, yesterday. lis my legal adviser
-, -, nassed By the Legislature.
.,,ns- a special commission 90 act
so- the state. giving IL power To clos
=, agreement. may be taken as the
-,,o- 81 the representatives OF the
-.c,1o Therefore. IL the Attorney
T<-.-ai thinks the law Is IN comic
.-,,v witb the Constitution l shaii
..t,-e further objection and viii ac-
-, ,hc money u IL Is rendered 70 ne.
Naturally. this position VIII oe Huo.
-. ,,onuiar IN those counties Sho
cs,,es Of the state through wnich N.
-.tt-oad rms. than wa the argument
rat the Law Is unconstitutional lnes-
frs,..rfties. which have been nenuns
o. many years TO secure taxes on .nc
-. basis paid 10 cities and counti.s
-, ,rc other railroads. have been *
-..6t,rfv anxious to see the asTe'
-.s -.tfeed- Good sized sums come
>. -, nv opcration Of the compro-
-. .-,ourttuz TO five years prop
-. 80 ana. in addition. they are as
- ,h,f In future the regular taxes
surcn tnaA ~ :. -. ~.ttroad
viii b. paid them rs the '~,'' -.
while the supreme Court OF Nppc's,S
=, virginia has decided tnat tne 'ai'-
ro.d forfeited i;s exemption %
Letting an amendment 20 its charter
~ apoeaI " stiii pending IN the Su-
.-c,,e court Of the United states. ana
~ outcome is. 81 course. douotfuL
prcp~rfy Tsx Not Asked For
Further. while Virginia secured
6,rf.ior IN her own court. ~ was on
,ne subject Of franchise taxes only.
= = s~r.ofi, pal