Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-02-14

But FEW OPPOSED IT
Measure Introduced BY Fairfax Dele
gate Causes Spirited Debate in
House Of Delegates.

Richmond, FEB. 14-Spirited dis
cussion enlivencd the atmosphere II
the House of Delegates Saturday: oc
casioned mainly by the introduction
of the compulsory education bill
sathered by Mr.. Williams, Of Fairfax
County.
The bill ives energetically opposed
by Mr.. Walton, of Hanover, who, witt
MIR. Gordon, of Louisa, were the only
opponents Of the bill when it was
sent to its engrossment
Argument started when Mr.. Wal
ton moved to dismiss the bill from the
calendar. In the ensuing discussion
Mr.. Brown of Roanoke, in the heat
of argument, said with mucn en-
phasis that he did not like the
methods pursued by Mr. Walton, IN
his efforts to kill the measure, by
bringing it up at a time when at least
one-third of the members OF the
House were absent.
Mr.. Walton retorted that ne did not
want to bring the bill up at this time
because he felt sure many OF those
absent would support him in his OPP
position to the bill, but that the patron
Of the bill (Mr. Williams( had asked
HIM not to ask to have st passed by
~ Iris tire, as III wantdA tc- have IL
disposed OF.
"The patron Of the bill did not ask
you to antagonize it," replied Mr..
Brown. "You are taking him literal
", but not in the spirit which you
,hould Show"
Later Mr.. Brown apologized for
his apparent attempt to impugn Mr..
Walton's motives.
"The chair suggests that The gen
tlemen shake hands over the incident
in front of the pulpit" suggested
Speaker Houston. amid laughter.
Mr.. Williams spoke strongly in ia
vor of the bill. He said that he had
given it much study, :and felt. that
Such a measure would tend to increase
the efficiency Of the future manhood
and womanhood of the State of Viz
ginia.
''lf there is parent or guardian In
the State Of Virginia who can give
good reasons why he cannot send his
children to school he should be re-
lieved of the requirements of the bill'
said Mr.. Williams, 'tbut: there are
many parents who do care for the
welfare of their children, and in such
cases it is up to the State to compel
them to assist in making as perfect
citizenship as possible. When child
is within reasonable distance of 4
school desk he should be required to
use that desk. The school boards
must consider all reasonable condi-
tions. Enforcement of the measure
will cost the State not penny. The
moral etfcct is the point The law is
not going to the home of worthy men
and drag them into court for failure
to send their children to school, when
there are good reasons why they can
not do So
Mr. Walton wanted to know how
Mr.. Williams could tell what the
school boards would do. fl
"We must feel that we can trust
mankind somewhere and some time
replied Mr.. Williams, and the House
broke into applause.
"We are moving along lines to Ger
manize our State" said Mr.. Gordon,
of Louisa. eve are getting to the
point so we cannot hire or discharge
our cook without the consent of some
one. When the Legislature adjourn:
the State will be much better Com
monwealth.. Parents know more an,
care more about their offspring thar
school teachers. We are having OF
much compulsion. Nothing can b
done by individual initiative, bu
everything must be done under tn
bonds of compulsion."
'eThe gentleman has indicated tha
he is strongly in favor of freedom.
.aid Mr.. Lesdy, of Page, "sspsciall
ths freedom of speech. Education j