The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-03-01
LETTER FROM HARRISBURG.
hsVENIFe TELEGRAPH SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE. ]
E. HARRISBURG, February 28.
THE FREE RAILROAD BILL.

Mr.. Landon, of Bradford synopsis of it
has already appeared in THE EVENING TELE-
GRAPH. The bill is very closely drawn, and is
designed to prevent companies organized
under its provisions from perpetrating frauds
on the stockholders. The bill is violently
opposed by Messrs. Bigham, Lowry, and others,
on the ground that if it should pass it will not
meet with the appreciation of the friends of
free railroad law. The individual liability
clause appears to be a stumbling block in
their way. Messrs. Connell, Ridgway, Me-
Candless, and D0navan contend that this
clause is essential to protect the interests
property holders, and the mechanics and
laborers who may be employed in the con-
structiOn of roads built under its provisions
The discussion was marked with much warmth
and some bad feeling. r.. H.t...
A NEW MILITARY BILL.
Mr. Freeborn read in place this afternoon a
bill to reorganize and provide for the better
discipline of the Militia of the State of Penn
sylvania. II applies only to the first Military
District and imposes a fine of four dollars per
annum on each person of suitable age who
does not join military organization, the fine
to be applied to the support of the new system
All soldiers, under the provisions of this
bill, are exempted from jury duty. The bill
has been carefully revised by Colonel Provost
and other military gentlemen of distinction,
and in its main features is the same as the
New York law, which it is said works so admi-
raby. The whole militia system of the State
will thus be made self-supporting. 1t is time
that the soldiers had paid some attention to
this matter, as the Legislature will adjourn in
the course Of the next four weeks.
RUNNING STEAM CARS IN THE CITY. .'.
Mr.. Hood, from the special committee on the
subject, reported bill this afternoon to pre-
vent, from and after the first day of November,
1867, the Philadelphia and Trenton Railroad
Company from running locomotives south of
Lehigh avenue in the city of Philadelphia.
The committee had several sittings in Phila-
delphia during the past month, and the evi-
dence was very strong against the use of steam
by railroad companies in the thickly populated
portions of the city. ....-.-. .-.........
The Committee have not yet reported in
reference to the Philadelphia, Wilmington,
and Baltimore, and Philadelphia German
town. and Norristown Railroad Companies,
1t is presumed that those companies will so
arrange matters as to meet the approval of the
citizens of Philadelphia without requiring
legislative action to compel them to cease
running their locomotives through the city.
PNEUMATIC TUBE COMPANY.
A party of Philadelphia gentleman, consist
ing of Thomas J. Barger, William V. McGrath,
Thomas Moore, Caleb Pierce, Theodore M.
Apple Robert P. King, Mahlon H. Dickinson,
George W. Middleton, and Charles ;. Close,
have applied to the Legislature for charter
for Pneumatic Tube Company. They want
the right to lay out and construct pneumatic
tube in the city of Philadelphia, along or under
such routes and streets as may BE- hereafter
selected from time to time, and to be empow-
cred to purchase all necessary equipments,
al, Y,,rfy,ac aars nd oil anna
dages for the conveyance of passengers, for
warding of packages messages, baggage, etc.,
an or throuqh the said tube. The capital stock
of the Company is to consist of twenty thou
sand shares, at one hundred dollars each. The
Company promises to work some wonderful
revolution in this conveyance of passengers
and packages both above and under ground.
FARMERS ON THE STREET.
An effort has been made in the Senate to get
an act passed prohibiting farmers from stand
ing on the curb, within six squares on either
side of the market-house, in Second street,
above Callowhill. The bill was opposed by
Senators Donovan and McCandless, who
stated that, if passed, it would seri-
ously iniure the many storekeepers along
Second street. extending from South to Poplar
This crusade against the farmers is made by
those interested in the market-houses, and
there is every prospect that the present bill
will pass before the adjournment of the Legis-
lature. This makes the sixth year that bill
of like character has been presented. Sena-
tors Connell, Ridgway, Boyer, and Worthing-
ton are in favor of it.
THE TOLL GATES.
It is in contemplation to introduce a bill in
the Senate to abolish all toll gates within the
city and county of Philadelphia. The move
ment will be popular with your citizens par
ticularly with those residing in the rural dis
tricts.
THE PHILADELPHIA CRIMINAL COURTS.
The bill making some important changes in
the conduct of the Criminal Courts in Phila-
delphia has passed both Houses, and only
awaits the signature Of the Governor to become
law. The bill was printed entire in The
EVENING TELEGRAPH's Harrisburg letter of
Thursday last. 1t cOmpels the different Alder
men (among other things) to make their re-
turns in all cases for high crimes to the District
Attorney, within fOrty-eight hours after hear
ing has been had.
SUNDAY TRAVEL.
This evening has been set apart for the dis
cussion of the bill allowing the people of Phila-
delpha to decide for or against Sunday pas
senger railway travel 1t is expected that Mr.
jerks (Dem.) of Clarion, will make strong
speech against the bill.
AN IMPORTANT ACT IN REGARD TO WEIGHTS.
Mr. Haines, from the Committee on Agricul
ture and Manufactures, has reported an act III
regard TO weights and measures, which will b'
read with interest. 1t provides
That rom and after the passage of this act th.
pouhubi pushei OF rye shall be hfty-six pOunus