The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1879-07-10
sixteenth Legislature Called Sea-
alOn.
AUSTIN July . 1879.

AUSTIN July ? 1879.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS.
Bill providing for the manner in
winch lands sold for taxes may be
redeemed was resumed. The bull was
presented by Mr. P LEY of Wilson, and
provides that parties wishing to re-
deem lands within the time prescribed
by law may do SO in the absence OF
the purchaser by paying the money to
the tax collector, who shall then make
deed 70 the original owner. The CON-
mittee recommend that the original
owner make affidavit that the
purchaser cannot be found. W
The bill. Is amended by the COM
mittee, was supported by Messrs. S .ew.
art of Delta and Wurzbach and opposed
by Messrs. Bryan, Frost and L0e.
Mr.. Wurzoach claimed that the law
authorizing land to be bought by the
State had been repealed and If this bill
became Law 1t would throw such OBJ
stacles in the way of securing title by
purchase that no land would be bought
by any one. a s
Mr.. Bryan called attention to the
fact that thezlaT as it exists now is
practical confiscatinr. as applied
to the nonresident. He sends
money in many instances and after
wards finds that it has never been ap-
piled to the purposes for which 1t was
sent. Somebody pocket, the money
and the nonresident loses his land.
The commuters amendment was
lost aud the bill passed. .a.
MIR. Jones of Hunt introduced bill,
to provide for quo icGrraEtO proceed
lngs.
Mr.. Stewart of Houston introduced
bill, providing that tax colle ctors be
paid for the expense of advertising
lands bought by the State, and mak :
ing appropriation for this purpose.
Mr.. Pickett from the Committee on
Judicial Districts reported favorsbly
on the bill chang ging the time for hold
ing courts 10 the twenty third Judicial
district.
Mr.. Smith of Titus from the Com
nirt ,e on Internal Improvements re-
ported unfavorably on the bill to cut q
C nal across the great bend of Oyster
Creek.
Mr.. Wurzbach from the Committee
on Taxation reported favorably on the
bill fixing a tax on drummers, but
in favor of $50 ms cad of $25 as in the
bill submitted. Oaly few days ago
Mr.. Wurzbach said m j rity Of the
committee thougI it ought TO be more
than it now is-$200.
The House did not concur In the
Senate amendments to the bill allow
ing twenty-one days for contractors to
call for conVicts to be transported to
the penltentisrY.
The bill allowing coupon bonds to
be substituted with registered bonds
was taken up and passed.
The Senate bill providing for q )at-
ing land certificates in case of con-
fllctlng prior locations was substituted
for House bill on the same subject,
and, under suspension OF the rules,
was passed.
Mr.. Linton introduced a resolution
calling for joint committee Of three
from each house to inquire INTO the
alleged cruelties to convicts In Wood
county.
10 lieu Of Mr.. L ntou's resolution, it
was agreed by the House that as com
mittee would not have time t. act and
report, the inquiries of the Gov
ernor, instituted through the assistant
superintendent of the penitenrisry, is
all that can be done now.
The general appropriation bill, al
ready considered by the Senate, was
made t1e special order 1of 10 A. NJ.
Thursday.
A resolution to reduce the number
of pages and another to hire an addi-
tionsT clerk were loit.
The hill reconcilIng article 45l, Re-
vised Civil Statutes, with other laws,
was passed.
Bill allowing cities and towns, by a
vote of taxpayers. TO assume control of
schools, was taken up. 1. was amend
ed 80 as to require vote of two-thirds
of the taxpayers to carry its adoption.
Under the old law taxpayers not vot-
ing were counted as voting no. With
such changes the bill was passed.
Adjourned to 4 P. NJ. .- ...