The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1874-01-31
From Springfield.
REVISION.


Inc Legislature seems to be bending its
main energies to the revision of the laws, I'm.
der the apparent persuasion that until that
work Is accomplished there can be no talk of
ADJOURNMENT.
Several attempts to have resolutions adopt.
ed fixing day of final adjournment have
signally failed. A movement to take recess
of week or two met as little success
IMPROVING THE ILLINOIS RIVER
The Governor sent communication to the
Senate suggesting a memorial to Congress rc
qucsting the general government to improve
the Illinois river, and open the same to the
Mississippi. He said the state owned the cana,
and the government should improve the river,
uniting the two enterprises. A communica.
ton from T, L. Rosser of Washington, which
was the basis of the Governors message, de.
scribed plan for towing canal boats, bv a
narrow gauge railway, on the tow.path, the
estimated cost of construction being 81, 231
per mile Mr.. Rosser elucidated his plan be
fore the Senate Committee.
COLLECTION OF WAGES.
The House has passed a somewhat impor.
tant bill on the subject of collecting wages.
1t provides that when any employer-indlvid.
ual or orporation-shall fail to pay a work
man his wages when due the workman can
sue and recover his wages with ten per cent.
damages and reasonable attorney fees.
JURORS.
a bill has passed both houses, and is now n
law, giving jurors $3.50 per day for time of
actual attendance and cts. a mile travelling
fees each way
PRINTING STEAL.
The oft repeated allegation that there had
been stealing in the printing contracts at
Springfield gained comparatively little ere
dence until few daysago when the investigat
ing committee called upon Mr.. Phillips, of
the J0urnal to testify. Mr.. Phillips was quite
wrathy, and said if the investigation went on
he would insist that the attorney general
should appear in his defense If there is
nothing wrong in his case, the query arises,
wkat defense does he need?
THE GRAB LAW.
The House Judiciary Committee reported
back the railroad repeal law of 1869, with re.
commentator that it do not pass Mr.. Brad.
well made minority report, stating that the
law Is unconstitutional, and should be re.
pealed. Mr.. Bradwel is from Chicago which
explains his report. The consideration of the
committee report was made the special order
for Thursday morning, when it was again
taken up, and after a short and sharp debate
adopted by vote of - to 43
PAwNBRoKERs.
The House on Wednesday passed q bill to
protect persons pledging property as collat-
eral security from the rapacity of pawnbrok.
ers. Its exact provisions are not stated
NEW RAILROAD ELL.
The house railroad committee this morn.
ing reported bill adopting the schedules Of
rates prepared by the railway commission
making them prtma .taciG evidence of what is
reasonable, and giving the commission the
power to alter them from time to time, as il
may see fit If it be necessary to adopt
these rates as provided in the bill, it is diff
cult to see why it will not also be necessary
to adopt changes or alterations,
UNEASY FARMERS.
III the senate Thursday forenoon was pre-.
scnted communication from The Farmers
Association of Jefferson county, transmitting
a report of the proceedings of a meeting held
recently at Mt Vernon, at which 1t was unani.
mously agreed that an immediate adjourn.
mcnt Of the general assembly is absolutely
necessary. The communication was respect.
ul in every particular, Notwithstanding which
It's reading was greeted with laughter. The
was referred to the committee
IN contingent expenses, but for what reason
vas not made apparent,