The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-01-05
THE LEGISLATIVE OUTLOOK.

bASS, w Hok SHOW as W tuS
moods of the Commonwealth they at
leost give us some Indication Of GER
tain legislation we may reasonably ex-
pect
Analyzing tho replies OF those mem
bers whose Views we have publish ed.
pClirts whose statements will
appear later. II appears to us that upon
OF least three important questions
there is promise of constructive leEis-
lation These are:
l. Reform OF our tax code
2. Amendment of the primary law
5. Adjustment of the fee system
II Is fairly certain that we need not
reform laws at the regular session of
Assembly. Even those members who
agree with us that this Is the all-im-
portant Issue before tho people think
that In the crowded calendar of
sixty day session little time will be
found for the mature and deliberate
discussion OF this intricate subject.
There Is general belief among leg
islators that tax reform must be
worked out ut an extra session of Az
sembly. held perhaps. as Speaker Byrd
has suggested. In the autumn of the
present year. But there Is much diver
gencc of view as to what should be
done In the meantime. Some believe
another special commission will be of
service, others advocate public hear
ings In various parts of the Common
wealth.
Our belief Is that the only bill which
the General Assembly will pass will
be bin which the General Assembly
has drawn. Consequently, we shall
advocate the appointment OF q strong
joint committee OF the House and SEN
ate to hold hearings il they think best,
10 call for expert opinion and to druft
definite bill as soon as possible. This
program. We have no doubt, Will meet
with the approval OF Governor Elect
the extra session.
The basis OF tho new tax code, which
the people demand. is even more uncer-
tain. There appears to be remark
ably even division OF opinion between
centralized assessment and separation
bly, of 1912
As we have often pointed out, this
division rests. in the vast majority OF
eases, on no other foundation than that
of loss or gain. Some Delegates and
Senators, he 1t said to their credit, Will
21Nncufo n 20,
promises genuine and lasting relief;
others. In q determination to reflect
the Will of their constituents rnthor
than the will of the people of Virginia,
VIII champion that system of reform
which benefits their county, and will
oppose any plan that will work hard
ship on the local taxpayers.
II is useless 10 quarrel with these
men or to condemn their stand: human
nature is human nature
Viewed in this light. then, the only
forecast OF specific reform that can be
made is the very obvious ono that the
plan which will be most favored Will
probably be that which benefits the
largest representation in the House and
Senate. Let us hope that from discus
sion and study VIII be evolved n plan
which Will satisfy the majority and yet
bring relief to those classes of prop
crty and to those sections of the State
which are now bearing an unjust bur
den of taxation.
The outlook for amending tho pri-
mary law is bright. one by one our
legislators are coming TO SEQ that the
only primary law worthy Of the name
is one which will throw about party
elections the same safeguards that PRO-
tect general elections from fraud. II is
not TOO much to say that many mem
heIs of the House and Senate are de-
termined not only 10 strengthen the
primary law, but 10 make our general
election law even more stringent. Those
who VIII give bcgrudging assent 10
primary reform. III we are to havo
Primaries" arc few In number.
We nave been pleased 10 note that
the notifications OF the fee system pro.
posed by The Times Dispatch ana other
papers are meeting with very general
favor. There Is II strong element ready
TO act at once in the case of those of
!icers who are manifestly overpaid and
TO place them without delay on q
salary basis. There is likewise general
evidence OF determination to pass
Il law giving the public the facts as
TO the fees received by all officers.
The Times Disp patch is hopeful tina {
the Assembly of 1914 may make for it.
self noble record of constructive SER
Vice Many Of tho members are men
of high qualities and earnest purpose.
Eut Il majority OF them arc altogcthc or
without legislative experience This
means that the record of the Assembly
Will largely depend upon Its leader
ship. Have we men whose transparent
honesty and tested ability viii win
the confidence ana the support of now
members? Have we veterans whose Wis
( ion Is Keen and whose ideals are high
Upon the answer TO that question
more than upon any Other considera-
tiun viii depend the record of the new
( Assrn1hlv