The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-03-13
House is Startled by Louise
Representative When Buch-
anan Land Bill Is Taken Up
Bill Is Passed.
Passing of Blows
Seemed Imminent
Speaker Cox Takes Hand Re-
storing Order. But Afternoon
Session Sees Gordon on Feet
Again In Matter-Mr. Hous-
ton Makes Explanation.

- '@The governor has used his in
nuence with this house and speak
err for the passage OF this bill. and
you WON'T deny it," These words
from r. I.andsay Gordon. delegate
from Louisa county, almost precipi-
tated first fight on the floor Of the
house yesterday when the Buchanan
land bill was under discussion. The
direct charge that Governor Stuart
had directly conferred with the MEM
bers OF the house for the purpose Of
passing the bill. repeating an act
entitled, An act to prescribe the ef-
feet as evidence to be given to deeds
recorded prior to the year 1865. APP
proved 1912" and had done every
thing In has power 10 this end.
When Speaker Cox told the irate
delegate that re could recourse to
an investigation. Mr.. Godon declared,
with heat that he would introduce a
resolution calling for an inyesti-
cation OF the governors actions AZ
once.
When Mr.. Gordon claimed the floor
on question OF personal privilege.
confusion reigned. Delegates were
on their feet on all sides shouting at
the chair trying to get the gentle
man from Louisa from the floor on
V0lHtS Oh QTAtis tsiiANSHS tEa1As'H1
~ TO the text. Mr.. Gordon eon.in-
ued until he was called down by the
speaker on the time limit.
The Buchanan land bill. IS II is
known locally brought about this
fight because II affected the title. of
q land corporation, owning sonle
201. 900 acres OF land in buchanan
county. By the act of 1912. the
chain Of title to this vast tract Fl
land was made complete to the detri-
ment, il is said. OF several thou-
sands of citizens whose t-eies TO
their homes will Re clouded
Mr.. Gordon. speaking OF the bill.
declared the three branches of the
State government should be dis
tsnct
.(;overnor Stuart Is my friend, and
believe in his integrity and hon
esty of heart, but he has been led
into an error by listening 10 law
yers on one side and not listening to
lawyers on the other side OF this
controversy.
Words Are Sharp.
Had he sent message to this
body. explaining his reasons why he
wanted the passage OF this bill"
Men on all sides leaped To their
feet with cries tf That's has gene
too far. This has gone too far"
Mr.. Jordan. of Pulaski, his voice
shaping with passion, shook his I'm
ger at the Louisa delegate. said
"you are trying to howl down this
bill"
Mr.. Gordon heatedly answered,
saving the bowling was done on the
other side.
Mr.. Jordan started from his seat.
declaring. You can't howl me
down"
Several members sprang between
Mr. Jordan and Mr.. Gordon, whose
seats are close to each other The
house was in an uproar. and 1t was
some time before order was restored.
Speaker Cox took n hand in the af-
fair, telling Mr.. Gordon that II ne
would address himself strictly 10 q
question Of personal privilege ne wouio
recognize him, otherwise he would
not.
Mr.. Gordon, leaving his. seat. ad
yancet several feet down the aisle, and
shaking his finger at the. chair. SAID
..rhe fact Is Governor Stuart has used
\ his personal influence with this house
and the speaker, and you won't deny
Ii. lie should. have sent message te
this house. as Is his privilege under
the constitution. instead OF eaikihs "
each member singly.
Mr.. Montague, Of the city of Rich
naond. called him down on point oil
order that his time had expired ana
~ Mr. Gordon retired to his seat
sneaker Cox said, 'If you think any
action is being taken by the governor
that is not legitimate. you can re-
course to an investigation
Mr.. Gordon turned and waving his
hand In the air. said heatedly. that as
soon as the bill was passed he would
Introduces 4 resolution cafttNE for at
Investigation.
The RilI Passes.
The previous question cut short tht
FIGHT and the roll call started. Inc
J bill was passed by vote OF 40 to u, al
follows
Yeas--Adams. Baker, Barley, Boni,
FAINT. Brown. Buck, Cawthorn. Chalkley
Chapman. element, Commins. Crockett
Dalton, Daniel, John Orr; Dodson. Duke
Earman Easley. Ferebee, Flanagan
Franklin, Grant Grasty. Green, Gre
cory. Gum, Harris. Harrison. Hart
lev. Hobson, Horner. Huff. Hughes
Johnson. Jordan. kinsey. Lewis. Lin
rs,ln. I.ooney. Lowry, Massie, Miller
Miistead, Montague, Myers, Nelson. NO
hand Norris, Owen, Page. Pennington
phllpott. Pitts Powell. Price. Radford
Reed Rev. Robertson. Rolston. Smith
Francis w; Smith, Harry b.. Spatig
EpessaYd. Stearnes. Steck. Stephenson
Tnv1or. Terrell. Tiffany, Toney, Wea
ver. III. G.: white. Williams, Willis
B Winston. Mr.. Speaker--7e.
Nays--Birrell. Cousins, Field. Gordon
( Helm. Houston. Leedy,. Oliver, Smith