The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-01-20

equal number of the copies of the
Attorney Generals opinion as to the
constitutionality of the segregation
bill as drawn by the joint committee
on tax revision. This motion was OPP
posed by Mr.. Weaver and others on
the ground that that bill was still in
committee, had not been reported and
would not be reported because already
held unconstitutional.
On Ground of Expense.
why go to the expense or printing
the attorney generals opinion on a
dead bill?" 1t was saked
The Montague resolution was
maneded to provide for the printing
of a thousand copies of the Weaver
bill. with the understanding that the
House would today call for the print.
ing of an equal number of copies of
the Attorney Generals opinion on the
constitutionality of the old segrega-
ton bill and his opinion, TO be deliv-
cred later. on the constitutionalitY
of the new, or Weaver bin. The reso-
luton was then adopted.
Mr. Gordon, of Louisa. proposed a
Joint resolution exercising the sent-
ment OF the General Assem- bly, that
under whatever plan of taxation de
vtsea there should be no increase In
revenue and providing that II that
should be found to be the result OF
the measures passed, provision should
be made for the reduction of the tax
rate. The resolution was adopted.
Asks for Old Measure.
Mr.. Chalkiey then sought to have
the old segregation bill brought from
committee and placed on calendar.
His motion was defeated by vote
OF 81 to 80, the first real test OF
strength between the sesregationists
and the centraliZationists.
Mr.. Reed, of Portsmouth, arose 10
a question of personal privilege, and
declared that Floor Leader williams
had persistently refused to give him
credit for what he had done and was
always jumping on him" Mr.. Will
liams disclaimed any such intention.
The house then took up considera-
ton OF the license tax bill, passing by
until today, on motion of MIR. Easley
of Lynchburg. the sections dealing
with wholesale and retail merchants
taxes.
The bill was considered section by
! section and rapidly agreed upon where
there was no change in the present
law. Several amendments were offer
ed however. to other phases and one
by Mr.. Gregory, OF New Kent, exemp-
ton from an extra tobacco license tax
| adopted by a good majority. Mr.. Gre
| CORY had made an effort to have the
| committee adopt this amendment but
had been defeated, carrying his fight
to the floor with success,
| The house adjourned at this point
until today at noon.
Floor Leader Williams Yesterday
read the following statement to the
| House:
| Williams Statement.
Some OF my friends have asked me
to support certain tax measures and
certain features of tax measures as
| floor leader OF the House. This is
irdecd compliment to the position
have the honor OF holding, but l
do not think this position carries me
! this far l am perfectly willing to
answer to advises through the proper
/ channel the committee on rules in all
matters of procedure, and OF a po-
lltical nature, and take upon myself
the responsibility of the advise and In
this connection I will say that If by
by leadership there has been any de-
lay In the great object for which we
are called together l take the respon-
sib.lity therefore. but / am expected
to lend thig honorab BILE position to the
merits OF any measure not political
then j must decline.