Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-08-20
ON SCHOOL
FINANCES IS ASKED
FOR BY SENATORS
Upper House Calls on Super
intendent Hart for
Facts.
ADVOCATES OF OPEN-DOOR
LEGISLATIVE POLICY ACTIVE
Proposal to Let Down Bars for
Local Measures Under
Consideration.
SHOULD COME FROM GOVERNOR
Senator Trinklc Says "Will Stay Tn
til Christmas" if Executive Recon-
mcnds Action on Schools.

Having failed in their frontal as
saults on those favoring the Limitation
of legislation by the General Assem-
bly,, to good roads legislation. the SEN
ate proponents of an open door policy
began flank attacks yesterday
No motion was made TO reconsider
the resolution by which the Senate
concurred in the House resolution, clos
ing the fioodgates OF Legislation. but
resolutions were introduced in regard
TO the school system, and an attempt
was made TO secure immediate consid-
Grafton of a resolution designed to
exempt soldiers and sailors from the
payment of poll taxes.
Advocates of AN open door policy
were heartened by the receipt of IA
House message advising the Senate
OF the adoption Of IL resolution per-
hitting the consideration of such local
bills as have been referred TO COM
mittccs.'
Asks Report from Superintendent
was opened by Senator Addison. who
introduced resolution instructing the
state Superintendent OF Public In
struction to advise the Senate as to
school system, and as to whether an
emergency exists in regard to such
finances.
The Lynchburg Senator declared that
the resolution was made pertinent by
reason Of an issue of fact raised on
the floor and SHARPLY defined in the
argument employed by the Senator
from frederick sburc." He denied that
the school issue had been injected at
his sole instance and said that the
matter had been aGitated in various
newspapers ''and. think, in The Times
DiSpa tch."
He also declared that various school
boards had adopted resolutions calling
attention to the emergency. and that
the State Superint cndcnt had called
attention to. the expected deficiency.
Says school Legislation Necessary.
He urged the necessity of school
eGiSlation and said:
"In these days when conditions are
disturbed and the finger of circum-
stance seems TO point TO Il revolution,
the masses are demanding their rights:
and public education is one Of these"
Senator Gravatt took the position
that one of the main troubles with the
school situation was a lack of appcc-
citation by parents. He called atten-
tion to the fact that only 6i per cent
OF the States educab!e children are en-
rolled.
Senator Buchanan at this stage in
troduced resolution providing that
the General Assembly consider all mat.
the state. He declared that the ditch
diggers OF the State were receiving
more pay than the teachers S;1 Senator nnd%
Waike-. in the chair. held The l5ueh-
Local Assessments inadequate.
Senator Leedy took the position that
inadequate local assessments were in
strumental in causing deficiency in
school funds, and Senator Gum said
IF an emergency does exist, why did
the State Superintendent no: rcpor. II
TO the Governor and not wait until this
late hour to say anything about it,
Senator Goolrick Sid that he had no
objection 10 the resolution. but that at
every session great emergencies were
reported in nearly all departments. The
resolution was then adopted.
Senator buchanan then introduced
joint resolution TO the effect that the
General Assembly will consider resolu-
tions doing away with the prerequisite
of poll tax for soldiers and sailors
He asked immediate consideration. but
a motion to this effect was defeated.
II 10 II.
Calls Up House Resolution.
Senator Holt then called up the
House resolution for consideration of
such local bills. IS may have been re-
ferrcd TO committees
Senator Conrad proposed an amend
ment to include all bills to provide
for funds 10 add 10 the salaries of
teachers of public schools.
Senator Trinkle said; There is no
Senator on the floor who is not in
favor OF the Improvement OF schools.
The real point is that We are here to
deal with the road question. and that
the people expect us to deal with il
and go hom" We feel therefore. that
should not come from this body. but
If the Governor presents il we viii
stay until Christmas. There are ALWAYS
emergencies for roads and schools"
Senator Trinklc moved tina, tho
House resolution he amended so as 10
include local bills that may be- ,s
We'll as those that have been re-
ferred.
Strodc Moves Amendment.
Senator strobe moved an amendmen,
TO include al legislation FOR the pub
lie school system OF the state"
Senator tioo!rick declared that the
question OF procedure had consumed
three days and in view "of the deI;b
crate effort of the Senator from Lynch
burg and the Senator from Smyth TO
place us in the attitude of being en-
cmies Of public schools feel imncIl.d
TO speak again. He referred to Nari-
Gus measures introduced to delay good
roads legislation and declared chat
Senator Buchanans resolution IN re-
gard 10 the soldiers poll taxes was
IAN insult TO the men to whom the
country owes a debt which cannot be !
discharged by the paltry sum or 80 !
Il year"
lie said that nc would fight all such |
measures whether made in sincerity or |
for political effect. lie declared that |
there were nfty emergencies before the |