The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-03-12
Resolution to Amend Consti-
tuition Giving Initiative and
Referendum, Without Recall
Passed.
Woman s Suffrage
Bill Is Defeated
West Fee Bill Advanced To
Engrossment, and Resolu
ton Providing for Election
of School Superintendents
By People Passed.

of School Superintendents
By People Passed.
with three busy sessions yesterday
the house of delegates passed upon d
number of matters of general interest,
The womans suffrage bill was de-
feated by the vote of "A to Is: Mt.
Harrison's resolution, providing for the
initiative and referendum in Virginia
was adopted; the West fee bill was
ordered TO its engrossment; the Love
resolution. looking 10 the election of
school superintendent by the people.
was passed and a number OF other
senate measures were advanced.
Many Joint Resolutions.
After the house convened yester-
day morning and the bills referred
to committees announced, it began
working on joint resolutions. which
for several weeks have been laying
on the speakers table. A house res
olntion extending the sympathy of
that body to George L. Browning. Of
Orange. on the death OF his brother,
was adopted.
Then the joint resolution in regard
to extending the session Of
the general assembly. One from
the SENATE provided an amendment to
the constitution extending the session
of the legislature from sixty days TO
ninety days. This resolution was
adopted. together with an amendment
regarding the procedure.
A joint resolution, providing for
an amendment to the constitution,
by Hugh A. White. OF Rockbridge,
providing for two sessions of the
general assembly. one each year of
forty.five days each. The resolution
provides that nothing but local bills
shall be considered at the first ses-
sion. while at the latter, only gem
eral bills can be considered by a
four-fifths vote.
Both Of these resolutions were
adopted, so that when the next gem
eral assembly meets 1t can consider
both resolutions and adopt the one
the citizens of the State generally
consider the best.
To Avoid Last Day Rush.
Mr. Gordon. of Louisa, introduced
resolution providing that the gem
erai assembly continue in session for
five days after Saturday, without pay.
so as not TO have the usual rush of
legislative session. He spoke briefly
to his resolution and was answered
by JudeeM artin williams. 1t was
referred TO the committee on rules.
Mr. Oliver followed with a resolu-
ton providing for Il twelve-day stay
over without pay. and this, too, was
referred TO the committee on rules.
aterestisas- discussion ft,i fowcrt
the report Of the Williams re-
trenchment resolution. which pro-
yides for a joint committee of three
members, two to be appointed by
the speaker of the house and one by
the president of the senate. TO study
the state departments with a view
TO retrenchment, to cut down the
expenses of government. and the plac-
ing of State institutions under one
board This committee. according
to the resolution. is TO make thor
oueh investigation and report To the
next general assembly.
Mr.. Gordon opposed the resolu-
ton because he thought it would be
another expense without gaining the
desired results. Judge Martin Will
liams, of Giles. patron of the reso!u-
ton. briefly explained his measure
and Mr. Horner ably defended 1t.
Mr.. Leedy, of Page, warmly opposed
1t on the ground that the resolution
was only in line with the duties of
each member BY a vote of 43 To
81 the resolution was rejected.
Election of superintendent.
Mr.. Love- of I.unenburg. introduc-
ed a resolution amending the consti
tuition. providing for the election OF
division school superintendent in the
manner prescribed by law, instead OF
election by the State board of educa-
ton This opens the way for legis-
latien by the general asse mbly by
which the counties can elect thelf
own superintendents and the cities
can appoint theirs to suit themselves,
A warm debate followed. mostly
on points OF the resolution. the mean
ing of which was obscure, but the
measure was adopted by vote OF
g. to 81.
Then came the resolution which
gives the people of the State of Nir-
ginn the initiative and referendum,
Prepared by Hugh a. White. 81
Rockbridge. this resolution provides
for an amendment of the constitu-
ton sharing the right now vested In
the general assembly.
Initiative and Referendum.
Mr. White explained fully his res
olntion. declaring that he did no,
include the recall which Is provided
| for in other resolutions OF this cnar-
acter before the house
Mr. Gordon. of Louisa, taiso nitro
dueed similar resolution. providing
for an amendment to the constitu-
ton, granting the initiative and ref
erendum. but providing for the re-
call Of Judges. There were Other
small differences.
Mr.. Harrison, of Prince George
introduced resolution amending
the constitution granting the initia-
tive, both direct and indirect. ant
the referendum, but not the rexnh
His measure differed from Mr.
| Whites only In that It, required I