Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1958-03-05
.FiIibuster Ba|ks
.RuraIDe|egates
In Virginia Row
Mann Holds Floor,
Wins Settlement
On Representation
BY MARY LOU WERNER
Star stan Writer

BY MARY LOU WERNER
Star stan Writer
RICHMOND, Mar. 5. A
Observation-Disclosures filibuster
by Delegate Harrison Mann Of
Arlington succeeded in winning
a major compromise early to-
day on the Daniel ,reapportion-
ment resolution.
Col. E. Grifith Dodson, clerk
Of the House, said it was the
first f1libuster he could recall
in the % years he has been at
the General Assembly.
Both sides were claiming q
victory, but a careful reading
Of the approved resolution ap-
peared to give the better Of it
to urban legislators.
Land Area Factor Asked
AS originally drawn, the reso-
luton sponsored by Delegate
Jack Daniel of Charlotte could
have called for a constitutional
amendment to the effect that
land area. as well as population
should be considered in reap
portioning representation in the
General Assembly. It's purpose
was to limit urban representa-
ton.
The version finally approved
unanimously by SO weary House
members who were still in their
seats when the vote was taken
at S am. states that primary
consideration should be given
to population, but due regard
shall be given to the area, COM
pactnesS, number and CONT
nuity Of political subdivisions
within the various House and
Senate districts.
Meeting Of Minds"
Delegate Roy Smith Of
Petersburg, author of the
amendment. said he considered
it a meeting of minds" rather
than a compromise; but to the
urban delegates it was an out
right deal in their favor to say
that population should be given
primary consideration.
There is a gentleman's agree
ment not to accept any amend
ments that might be added in
the Senate, which means the
resolution still may not get
through the Assembly. If it
does, it must be approved again
at the next session and then
submitted to the voters before
becoming part Of the constitu-
ton.
At present, the constitution
says nothing on what factors
should be considered in reap
portioning House and Senate
seats. Population, however,
has been the major factor in
the past.
Strategy Planned
Urban delegates, outnum-
bered 2 to l in the House, stood
no chance of defeating the
original resolution had it been
voted on as soon as it was
reached on the calendar.
They had mapped out the
f1libuster strategy in advance,
and selected Delegate Mann as
the first speaker.
Mr.. Mann began speaking at
1880 pm. and was still going
strong at 4 am. when Delegate
John Warren Cooke, acting as
speaker asked for a recess.
| Some House members retired
to the balcony with pillows and
blankets, others stretched out
on benches, and heads rested
on desk tops as the Arlington
legislator expounded on prin-
ciples of fair representation.
He was spelled now and then
by other members of the fill
buster team who asked "perti-
nent questions" while Mr.. Mann
rested his vocal chords. He
had to remain standing, all
the while, or lose the floor.
Some of the pertinent ques-
TONS opened up new avenues
Of discussion. Delegate Joseph
Williams of Henrico asked If
it might not be possible for a
small swamp to be represented
by a bear if the Daniel resolu-
ton passed and, if so. on what
committee should the bear