Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1923-03-03
Limit Introduction of
Bills-3-Cent Gas Tax
In Fore Front
MEETS MONDAY
Byrd Not to Call Road
Committee Together
Until Bond Issue is IN
troduced
(BY l.. f. COOPER)
lSnecial tn The GaZette)

Richmond, Va, March 3.-With
the lines as tightly drawn as
ever in the fight for and against
the bond issue for roads in Nir-
ginia the members of both houses
are busily engaged in organizing
their forces for resumption OF
the battle when the special ses-
sion of the general assembly re-
convenes on Monday.
A delay of day or two IN
the direct consideration of the
highway matters, even the ques-
ton of the three cent gasoline
tax, already introduced in the
house may be caused by the
jocksying for position and the
time being taken up for organi-
zation in both branches in spite
of the powerful bloc which is be-
hind the movement calling for
three cent tax instead of bond
issue for roads chances for its
passage now are considered slim.
The chief reason for this pessi-
mism on the part of many was
due TO the fact that many mem
bers although they might favor
a two cent tax are somewhat at
raid of tax as high as three
cents. But a two cent tax would
not be sufficient to raise the
money needed it is pointed out.
On yesterday the hackers OF the
bond issue bill would give no as
surance as to when their measure
would be introduced. There was
general talk to the effect that
both sides were playing for posi-
ton. The bond issue men want
ing the three cent gasoline tax
bill taken up and defeated be-
lieving their measure would there
by the strengthened while the
gasoline tax supporters believe
that if the bond bill is given a
swift death the three cent tax
proposal will gain the votes Of
many legislators who believe that
the Highway Department must re-
ceive additional funds from some
source, at present the whip hand
in the situation is held by Sem
ator Byrd by virtue of his posi-
ton at the head of the Senate
Roads committee but the bond is
sue supporters possess, at least,
one point of advantage and that
is that they do not have to in
troduce their bill un1l they deem
the situation propitious for tbs
passage.
Richmond. Va. March 3-sull
time for committee action on
many bills which have already
been introduced will have been
allowed by the time both houses
reconvene on Monday. The short
sessions held yesterday were due
to the fact that the measures in
troduced and referred to the
proper committees had not been
reported on.
Senator Byrd stated yesterday
that he had not called meeting
of the senate committee on roads.
and the general impression is that
he is not likely to do so until
after the introduction of the $12,-
100000 bond issue.
The three-cent gasoline tax
measure which is in the fore
front of Legislative discussion at
present, is sponsored by Senators
Epes. Byrd, Wickham, Early. Bev
erley, Andrews, Russell, Wood
son, Goode, Crockett, Cooke, Fer
guson and Garrett.
The bill provides for the tax
ing of all motor fuel and for
the collection of the tax from
dealers. The netailer is made re-
sponsible for the payment of the
tax, which must be paid before
the twentieth of each month, but
the bill provides that the levy
may be paid by the wholesaler OF
distributor.
Although seeking to tax all
gasoline, the measure provides
that refund may be secured up
on proper affidavit, when the mo-
tor fuel was bought for use in
boats or ships, aircraft, station
ary engines, tractors, or for
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