Evening star., 1928-03-10
POTOMAC ELECTION
BILL DUE TODAY
Richmond SpecuIates on e.
feet on Pending Annexa-
ton Proceedings.
by a StaH Correspondent Of The star.

by StaH Correspondent OF The star.
RICHMOND. Va. March TO-. Specu-
lation arose here today over the possible
effect on the pending annexation litiva-
ton between Arlington County and
Alexandria of an oStenSibly minor bill
affecting the Incorporated town of Po-
tomac, scheduled for enactment this
afternoon.
The bill, which provides for u special
election on the question of repeating
the town charter and merging the COM
munity with the county of Arlington
was amended SO as to specify that the
measure should in no way AFFECT the
annexation proceedings now pending.
The amendment, proposed by Dele
gate Burrell of Alexandria. was accept
ed by Senator Frank L. Ball of Arling-
ton County, who introduced the bill
Yesterday. Senator Ball declared the
measure had no connection whatever
with the annexation trial. He Is a
member Of counsel defending the county
against AleXandrias proposed aggres-
sion.
Senate Sets Record.
The Senate passed the bill in 18
minutes, said to be record Tor speedy
legislation. The bill was hurriedly ap-
uroved by two committees the conStl-
tutional readings were dispensed with
on motion of its sponsor, and the body
then voted unanimously in favor OF Its
passage.
The bill was expected to pass the
House In the rush of iaSt-minute leg!S-
iation today.
THE measure follows closely a bill
introduced in 1922. 1t provides that on
petition to the court of so per cent OF
the qualified voters. an election shall
be had on June 19 next, at which the
town voters shall decide whether they
wish to continue as a corporate city, or
return to Arlington County.
1t is said there long has been a
strong sentiment in the town against
incorporation. largely due to the fact
that taxes in the town are $3.50 on
each SiO0 worth of real estate, while
lust outside the town limits. in Arling-
ton County. the rate is $l.l0 lower.
or $220.
Reversal Brings Complaints.
The recent action of the town council
IN reversing itself on the question of
the town should join with
or Arlington County in the
annexation proceedings also is known
to have created dissatisfaction. The
council AT first authorized its corpora
ton counsel, Walter u. Varney. 10 assist
Arlington County counsel in resisting
the efforts of Alexandria to extend its
into the county. but later
the order and voted to side
with Alexandria AS a result of this
change of attitude VaIDev refused to
represent the town in the trial on
either. side.
1t has been charged that the action
of the council in voting 10 join with
was not representative of
the opinion OF a ajority of the citizens
in the town. II this assertion Is true,
The citizens. through the bill now pro-
posed. could, in effect. repudiate the
action OF the council and register their
wish to remain In Arlington County.
1t is pointed out. however, that such
action would take place too late to have
any bearing on the trial.
The town of Potomac is one of the
most important communities in the
territory which Alexandria is seeking
10 annex. 1t Is in Jefferson district
nearly all of which would be taken into
Alexandria in the event OF a decision
against Arlington County in the pend
Ing suit.