The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-02-04
THE STATE CAPITOL.
HARRISBURG, Feb. |, 1876.


The work of the Senate during the past
week has been somewhat notable, Impor-
tant measures have been considered and the
action of that body in regard to somc of them
will doubtless awaken harsh criticism in
various quarters. The most important meas
ure considered, at least that one in which the
members of the Legislature have more than
passing interest, is the finance bill. Your
readers will remember that this bill went to
the Senate In shape assumed after the
House had thoroughly digested it. Though
fears were entertained that some of the pro-
visions inserted in the bill would not meet
with the approval of the Senate, the radical
action taken by that body was scarcely
anticipated, after striking out in preliminary
reading all the provisions of the bill except
ing the simple transfer of revenue from one
fund to the other, the Senate last night
capped the climax by defeating the entire
bill upon third reading. A change of votes
however on the part of Messrs. Strang and
Newmyer has placed them. in position to move
a reconsiderationlo lof the defeated bill if at any
future time they may see fit to do so. Unless
such reconsideration is effected means for
relieving the embarrassed condition of the
Treasury cannot be devised this session, as
the rules forbid the introduction of the SUBJ
ject again de novo Although no money will
be paid out by the State Treasurer until this
matter is adjusted the House received the
news of the Senate's action on the bill with
seeming indiflerences. Various are the
surmises as to what the action of the House
will be, should the matter be brought before
it again for its consideration. Some of the
Democratic members it is thought will have
backbone enough to stand up for the origi-
nal provisions of the bill while Others it is
deemed, cannot be depended on with the
same degree of certainty. Taken all in all
the result of the action Of a conference COM
mittee on this subject should such committee
be appointed cannot be foretold.
The supplement to the conspiracy act de-
fining what action of workingmen and Others
assembled for the purpose of resisting en-
ployers, shall come within the meaning OF
the act of 1872 has reached a final passage
in the Senate after running the gauntlet
of amendment. In the shape in which il
passed, it provides that no action of com
bined workingmen toward others, shall be
construed to be within the meaning of the
phrase Gin anyway hinder" unless ac-
companied with menaces of threats of VIC
lence. Although not exactly as desired by
them the bill in its present shape is accepta-
bic to the workingmen.
The bill reducing the rate of boomage tc
be charged by boom companies in genera
and the Susquehanna boom company in par.
| ticuIar upon its passage to second reading
to-day in the Senate elected lengthy and
very spirited discussion which may be but
forerunner of others to come A very strong
effort will be made this session to secure the
proposed repeal.
a most salutary measure providing for the
erection of watering troughs ON highway.
throughout the Commonwealth, for the ust
of horses and cattle en- passdnt has been reaC
a third time in the Senate. A similar bill
in the house is well advanced and one or th
other will no doubt become a law
After once defeating the chronic bill 70
the purchase of purdon's Digest for tn
members the House again to-day took u
its consideration and consuming consderabl
time upon its discussion gave it final quie
tus for this session. The act increasing tn
pay of Arbitrator3 to two dollars per da
was treated in similar manner. mirdbi
dictu the skunk scalp bill, of ancient renow
although all the tactics within the categor
Of parliamentary practice were cmploye
against it, has actually as far as the Hous
is concerned become a law and the gentle
man from Butler Mr.. Campbell by hi
speech upon it has won for himself undyin
fame.