Evening star., 1942-01-15
Election Date
To Fill Fairs
Seat Studied
Assembly Receives
Several Bills on
Northern Virginia
BY ALEXANDER r. PRESTON.
Star Staff Correspondent.

0tAf 6tAIl Correspondent.
RICHMOND, Va, Jan. 15.-The
date of a special election to name
. successor to Col. R. r. Farr. Dele
gate-elect from Fairfax County who
died yesterday In Washington, was
being studied today by Speaker OF
the House Stanley.
The new Speaker had been in
Quoted into ONCE hardly an hour
before the news of Col Farr's death
was announced. He said he may
be in q position to announce the
date of q special election today but
indicated that he would prefer Ito
consult with some Fairfax County
citizens" before decision Is
reached.
While some persons speculated
whether or not q special election
would be of much beneflt to the
county ut this late date, reports
were circulating among capitol cir
cles that former Delegate Francis
Pickens Miller. who was narrowly
defeated by Col. Farr last Novem-
Der. would be q candidate for the
ONCE.
Newcomers Value Doubted.
Some observers pointed out that
q newcomer could hardly have the
time to acquaint himself with legis-
lative procedure, even though an
election is held before the end OF
the present SESSION, whereas Mr.
Miller would be qualified by ex-
perience to take up the reins I'M
mediately.
Arguments also were heard that
a Fairfax Delegate is not essential
at this session because legislators
from adjoining jurisdictions and the
Fairfax County Senator, William
d. Medley, have indicated a will
ineness to introduce local leglsla-
ton.
Their offer was made when 1t be-
came known Col Farr could not
attend the session because OF his
illness.
The Assemblys second session to-
day found legislation affecting the
Northern Virginia area already on
the calendar.
Charles R. Fenwick. member OF
the House from Arlington. disclosed
he will introduce his country doc
tor" bill. which provides State FUNDS
for medical scholarships for young
men who agree to serve as healtn
officers, at today's session.
Co-sponsors Another Bill.
Delegate C. G. Quesenbury OF
Augusta. chairman of subcom-
mittee of the Advisory Legislative
Council, introduced seven bills yes
/ terdav dealing with child welfare.
In one of these, provision was made
for the sealing of court records In
adoption proceedings. Mr.. Fenwick.
who was contemplating similar
legislation as a result of conversa-
ton with c. B. Laycock, clerk Of the
Arlington Circuit Court, placed his
name on the Quesenbury bill and WILL
help in its enactment.
Another bill introduced in the
House yesterday drew the i'm
mediate study of Mr.. Fenwick and
Senator Medley. also Of Arlington.
It was one Of the eight national
defense measures sponsored by Dele
gate John B. Spiers, chairman OF the
Advisory Legislative Council, and
would reduce the maximum speed
limit in Virginia from 55 to IS miles
an hour in an effort to conserve
rubber, fuel and motor vehicle wear.
Seek Effect Of Authority.
The bill authorizes the Governor
to restore the original speed limits
throughout the State after issuing
a proclamation declaring an end to
the emergency.
The Arlington legislators are
studying the measure to determine
what effect, If any, the bill may have
on their home county's authority
to regulate speeds.
Mr.. Fenwick and Senator Medley
obtained passage of special legisla-
ton at the 1910 session giving Ar
lington alone authority to regulate
speeds within its borders. A de-
crease in traffic fatalities had been
noted since and about 10 months
has passed without fatality in Ar
lington.
Mr.. Fenwick and Senator Medley
agreed that Arlington should abide
by prescribed regulations for other
sections of the State, but they are
studying doubtful language in the
bill which might have the effect Of
failing to restore Arlington's regula-
tory power at the end Of the emer-
gency.
While House of Delegates COM
mittee assignments are not expected
to be made by Speaker Stanley until
today, the Senate completed its Or
ganization yesterday. Senator Med
ley retained the committee assign
ments he held last year. but had
advanced in seniority because Of
his length of service on each group.
His assignments are to the Courts
and Justice Committee, County. City
and Town Organization Committee.
General Laws Committee and Nom
nations Committee.