The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-03-17
Harrisburg Correspondence.
HARRIsBURG, March 14th,

HARRISBURG, March l4th, 1874
This week the temperance people have
given some intimations that they do not
intend to allow the liquor advocates to
have things all their own way. On Wed
hesday evening the committee on vice and
immortality, held meeting in the hall of the
House, TO hear arguments in favor of the
repeal of the Local Option laws. Several
prominent lawyers had been hired to pre-
sent the matter in the most favorable light
for the liquor interests. But the temper
ance advocates were also present at that
meeting, and the ladies turned out in
strong force. The effect of their presence
on the speakers was very evident, as it APP
peared to take them entirely by surprise.
One of the speakers showed his annoyance
by complaining that the evident intention
of the temperance people, was TO awe the
speakers by the unusual attendance of so
many ladies. The speakers, however, did
as well as could be expected in so bad
cause, but were apparently dissatisfied with
their own success. No speeches were made
by the advocates of Local Option, but
when the other party had concluded their
arguments, Rev. ID. A. Laferty arose and
requested all who were opposed to the re-
peal of the Local Option law to join in
singing "Praise God from whom all bless
ings flow." The nearly unanimous response
of the crowd present to this request, show
that the speeches had not had dispiriting
effect on temperance people, and gave a
scene long to be remembered.
The House on Wednesday, showed dis
position to economize by voting to reduce
the salary of members of the Board of
Public Charities, from $4,000 to $4,000, but
then you know, the members of the Legis-
lature, are not serving on that board.
The Committee to which was referred
the advertising bills for the New Constitu-
tion, made report which appears to be
acceptable and there is a chance now that
bills will soon be paid. Under this bill
which passed first reading, no weekly pa
per can get over 5000, and no daily over
$1,000.
Both Houses adjourned on Wednesday
afternoon, ON the announcement of the
death of Senator Sumner.
The committee appointed to ascertain
what changes will be necessary to accom-
mOdate the enlarged Senate and House,
report that change of desks will make
sufficient increase of room in the Senate
Chamber, and that change of desks and
a one story extension to the Hall of Rep
resentatiyes, which will resemble pOrtico,
will be all that will be required to comfort.
ably scat the 201 members. The estimated
cost is not to exceed $40, 500.
The House has made some changes in
the Judicial apportionment, but not al
many as was thought would be made if the
work of changing was once commenced.
The Legislative apportionment bill hai
been before the Senate this week, and ilal
been vigorously opposed by the Democrats
who declare their rights are grossly viola
ted by the present arrangement. There i
considerable truth in their charges, l mus
admit, but then politicians will work 70
the interests of their own party, aud prob
ably If the Democrats had the majority
they would pass bill fully as unjust. Th
bill has passed second reading by a stric
party vote, but may yet be improved b
amendments.
The House appears TO have tired of hold
ing Saturday and Monday sessions with
slim House. and adjourned yesterday unit
Tuesday morning. 80 far the work don
this winter by the Legislature is disal
pointment to the people, both as regard
quantity and quality, and many member
DO not hesitate to express their chagrin 9
the progress made.
QUID NUHo.