Chap. 65.—An ACT for the issue of $50,000 of bonds for the establishment
and equipment of proper school buildings for the city of Newport News.

Approved January 17, 1900.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That in addition
to the present indebtedness of the city of Newport News, and the cer-
tificates of debt or bonds which the council of the said city is otherwise
authorized by law to issue, the common council of the said city may
cause to be issued certificates of debt or bonds (the form of which shall
be prescribed by the council) not exceeding in the aggregate the amount
of fifty thousand dollars, and bearing a rate of interest not exceeding
six per centum per annum, and payable, in the discretion of the council,
in not less than thirty nor more than forty years from their date.

Provided, however, the money arising from the sale of the said bonds
shall be used and applied by the said council in acquiring the fee-simple
title to the necessary real estate for and in building, constructing, and
equipping with suitable appliances school buildings in the said city for
the use of the public schools of the same. But such certificates of debt
or bonds shall not be issued, or be valid, unless and until the question
of issuing the same shall have been first submitted to the legal voters
of the said city for their approval, at an election to be ordered and pro-
vided for by the council, and three-fifths of said legal voters voting at
said election, who shall then own any free-hold estate in real estate in
the said city; and two-thirds of said legal voters voting at said election,
who shall then not own any free-hold estate in real estate in the said city,
shall have voted in favor of the issue of said certificates of debt or
bond. Said election shall be by viva-voce vote, and only those who are
legal voters of the said city under the laws of Virginia shall have the
right to vote. The words “ free-hold estate,” as used in this section-
shall be construed to embrace only a full ownership in fee-simple at
law or in equity, or an estate for life. The council shall cause to be
prepared at least sixty days prior to any election hereunder a list of the
legal voters in said city owning such free-hold estate, and shall cause
the same to be published in a newspaper, published in said city for at
least four weeks prior to any such election. The council shall. at least
ten days before any such election, convene in session, and at such session
revise and correct such list, if there be errors therein. Such list, when
so revised and corrected, shall be conclusive on any question as to who
constitutes the legal vote in said city owning a free-hold estate, and
entitled to vote at such election.

Said election shall not be held until notice of the time, place, and
objects thereof, shall have been first given by publication for at least
thirty davs in a newspaper, published in said city.

And the said council shall not create nor incur any other indebted-
ness which has not been provided for in the annual levy of said city,
or by some other act of the general assembly of Virginia.

This act shall be in force from its passage.