Chap. 780.—An ACT to allow the board of supervisors of the county of Isle of
Wight, in its discretion, to pay to J. R. Jordan the value of a pair of mules
drowned by the alleged default of the said county, in permitting one of its
bridges to be out of repair and dangerous.

Approved March 6, 1900.

Whereas a pair of mules belonging to J. R. Jordan, of the county of
Isle of Wight, while lawfully upon a bridge owned by and under the
control of the said county, and in charge of a driver of the said J. R.
Jordan, by reason of an alleged defect in the railing of the said bridge,
were precipitated in Pagan creek and drowned, as is alleged without any
default on the part of the said J. R. J ordan, or his driver having the
custody of the said mules; and

Whereas it is believed under the alleged circumstances the said county,
though not legally responsible, is morally bound for the value of the
said mules; therefore,

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That the
board of supervisors of the county of Isle of Wight be, and they are
hereby, empowered to inquire into the circumstances attending the
drowning of the said mules, and, in their discretion, should they, or the
majority of them, be of the opinion that the circumstances attending said
accident are of such a character that the said county by its default is
justly chargeable with the said accident, then and in that event the
said board of supervisors are authorized and empowered, out of the
county levy of the said county, to pay to the said J. R. Jordan the fair
market value of the said mules: provided, the amount paid shall not
exceed the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars.

2. ‘This act shall be in force from its passage.