The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-02-01

Just two things stand between ninety
days sessions Of the general assembly
and an additional cost to the state OF
some $4,000 for that purpose.
These two things are the people OF
the State of Virginia, who will have
vote on the subject, and the general
assembly to be chosen next year. This
latter body would have to approve the
action of this session after the people
have ratified the proposition.
Not that alone, but yesterday an
amendment to the constitution was
adopted which will. in great measure.
simplify the enactment OF bills after
they have been introduced At this
time the method Is slow and cumber-
some. and appears to have been made
for the very <purpose for which rem
edy is now being sought
This was set forth in the resolution
adopted yesterday. offered by Mr.. Fea-
therston. which Is, in brief. as follows:
Bills are now required to be read
at length three times in each house
after they have been reported from
committed. Tho proposed change Is to
have them read one time in full and to
be read on two other days by title.
If there is an emergency at any time
and II is necessary to rush q bill
through, there have to come several
motions and roll calls before this can
be done. and on the face OF the meas
ure II has to be- stated that the "emer-
gency" exists. All OF this consumes
valuable time and greatly delays the
enactment Of meritorious measures.
Senator Lesner in Limelight
Mr.. Lesner, of Norfolk. got into the
limelfght good and proper yesterday.
He received from several constituents
batch of bills which he was request
a II nj
the time was fast approaching when
the Introduction of bills would be lin
tied. and he did not have time to read
them over with a great deal OF care.
So he arose and presented them in a
bunch, adding that they were present
ed by request In conversation with
The Virginian he stated that the gen.
tfenncn who were interested In the bills
were in the city, and that they will
be here for a day or two and as there
would be no session Of the senate On
Monday. so far as public business Ia
concerned. he presented them and had
them referred 30 that a chance would
be given the advocates OF the meas
ures to appear before the committee
while in the city.
Increase of narksdale's Pay.
The committee on insurance and
banking has made n report to amend
the laws regarding this branch Of the
State corporation commission. Incl
dentaIly the amendment means that
the salary OF Chief Bank Examiner c.
c. Barksdale 10 to be increased to
81. 600 a year. The queer part OF this
move liz that the banks. which have to
pay tho increase, ar ethe ones which
came forward and urged that the SAL
airy Of Mr.. Barksdaie be placed at $4,000
year. And the committee made a
unanimous report in favor OF the bill.
Mr.. Barksdale has been at the head
OF this department since II was created
and his work has been all over the
state. He has one or two assistants
and they are kept on the move all the
time. They have a habit of appearing
at the banks without notice and delve
into affairs with a view to seeing that
everything Is being kept right UP to
the minute.
Oppose headlight BilI. i.
Several days ago Mr.. Wendenburg
offered bin designed to force all To-
comotives driven in this State to have
headlights Of not less than 1900 candle
power, without the aid of refectors.
The bill was considered by the com
mittee on roads and internal naviga-