The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-01-13
Harrisburg CorresnOndence.
HAnR1sRuRa Ian.

HARRIsBURa, Jan. 9th, 1874.
The Legislature was duly organized on
Tuesday, the following officers being Sc
lected. For the Senate, Butler B. Strang,
Speaker; Russell Errett Chief Clerk, and
Messrs. McAfee and Cochran Assistant
Clerks. For the House, Speaker, Henry
II: McOormick, Of Allegheny Chief Clerk,
William @. ShurloclS, Of Beaver Resident
Clerk, John A. SmuH Assistant Clerk,
Hugh Morrison, of Butler.
On Wednesday the Governors MESSAGE
was presented, read and properly referred.
Some skirmishing was had in both houses
regarding the force of the New Constitu
tion, previous to the counting of the vote
and announcement Of the results by the
Governor. 1t was finally decided that it's
provisions were retroactive and that all
business done must be subject to its pro-
visions. A joint resolution was also offered
asserting that in the opinion of the Legis-
lature, the first election for members of the
Legislature under the New Constitution
would have to take place in 1874, and the
first session of such Assembly, must be in
January 1875.
On Thursday both houses met in joint
session to count the vote on the New Con-
stitution, and report the same, and the
Governor has since given notice that the
New Constitution is now the law of the
land.
Both houses of the Legislature SO far ap-
pear to be working earnestly to bring the
provisions OF the new organic law into op.
Grafton. New rules for the government of
both Senate and House have been adopted,
and several committees usual under the
former Constitution are now dispensed
with.
To those accustomed to be present
at Legislature sessions, nothing is more
specially noticeable than the absence of the
lobby members. Heretofore these "legis
lative bores" have usually been very nu-
merous and persistent, but now their voca-
tion appears to be gone. This will not
only be an advantage to the people, but o
great relief to the honest and upright men,
bers of the Legislature, while those who
sought their positions for what they could
"make," will mourn their absence.
At noon to-day, Gov. Hartranft appeared
in the Senate Chamber, and took the oath
of office demanded by the New Constitu-
tion.
Some of the Democratic members are ev-
identity ashamed to acknowledge that the
Hon. ~ Sam Josephs, is Democrat, (but
the Lord knows the Republicans don't
want HIM, and tried to rule him out
the democratic caucus. But Joseph didn
scare worth cent, and is now apparently
in full fellowship. The member from Col
umbia, 70. B. Brockway) aspires to be
democratic leader in the House, and ow-
ing to his assurance and gift of CAB, coupled
with the fact that Buckalew is known to
stand behind him, has chance for some
such recognition, although there are many
older and wiser men on his side of the
house. So far the only bill of any import
ance that has been reported, is an act by
Senator Mcclure, regulating elections in
Philadelphia, which act is made necessary
by the change in the Constitution.
The Senate have now adjourned until
Tuesday evening and the House by joint
resolution will not again meet until We'd
nesday morning. QUID NUNC.