Daily globe., 1879-01-24
matters concerning the contract between the
State prison contractors and the State

matters concerning the contract between the
State prison contractors and the State.
Adopted.
Senator Doran said he did not think it possi-
BILE for the committee to investigate as extern
sively and thoroughly was desirable and re-
port to the Senate by the 18th day of February
and moved to strike out the limitation as to
time.
Senator j. 3. Gilfllan hoped the motion
would not prevail. The 18th of February was
late day in the session, and if there was not
time to properly Investigate the Senate might
extend it, The Senate ought to have the re-
suit of tho inquiry at as early date as pos
sible.
Senator Doran said the Senate had made it.
self almost powerless by its own acts, and that
he feared there was now very little to report
except that the State had been very badly sold
by the trick resorted to last winter. It is a
good time to inquire into the contracts now,
after the State has sold itself to the contract
ors. He saw how this whole contract business
would come out last winter, and he stood al
most alone in his opposition to the arbitration
when Senators sold out the rights of the State,
which they did with their eyes open. Going to
investigate now! 1t is pretty time to investi-
gate now. Seymour, sabin Co. could not
have made better settlement for themselves
if they had been permitted to sit down with
pen and ink and dictate their own terms. The
State is now obliged to buy every old rattle
trap they have got in order to get rid OF them.
For his part he would be glad to have the State
get rid of them at almost any price and at al
most any time.
Senator J. B. Gil6llan-Does the Senator
wish to have the committee report at an ear
lier day?
Senator Doran-No; wish the committee to
inquire what the ring has done with the States
money. There is nothing to be gained from
the prison contractors, but we may learn some
thing by inquiry into some of those questiona-
BILE building expenditures.
Senator +. III. Wilson said he offered his
amendment not with any expectation Of setting
aside the award of the commissioners. Charges
had been made that the contract had been rati-
fed by interested parties, and there was diff
ference of opinion about these contracts. One
commissioner congratulates the State on hav-
ing made good contract and it is due to the
public to have the matter inquired into. The
public will not be satisfied without an investi-
cation, and may not be satisfied with one.
Senator J. B. Gilfllan hoped his Democratic
friends would agree among themselves. He
felt that they should go slow and not enter into
the merits of the case until the evidence was
in. Perhaps the State had been over-reached,
and if SO he desired to have the matter inquired
into, and he also desired to smoke out these
charges OF NAL feasance and nonfeasanCe. but he
wished to go slow until tho evidence was in
Since the charges have been made, he desired to
have the investigation as broad and thorough
as possible.
Senator Buck desired that the resolu-
tion be allowed to remain as it is.
If there is truth in the charges,
there is more at stake than a mere matter Of
dollars and cents. Men of character and high
standing have stood for months under infa.
tigate with thoroughness and declare their in
nocence if the charges are not sustained.
Senator Doran Withdrew his amendment and
substituted the following, which was adopted
Resolved, further, That said committee
investigate the manner of letting contracts and
the expenditure of money in the improvements
| at said prison.
On motion of Senator Castle, the Senate con.
Cured in the House resolution relating to the
proposed new State prison.
FIRST READING OF HOUSE BILLS.
Authorizing the commissioners of Swift
county to fund its debt. Passed under sus
| pended rules.
Authorizing the commissioners of Hennepir
| county to pay the bill of Joseph E. Lyon fol
| stenographic report of evidence given before
| the coroner's jury relating to the mill explo
sion.
| Restraing cattle and other animals from run
| ming at large in the town of Marshall, Dakots
county. Rules suspended and bill passed.
Amending the charter of the village of St
| James. Rules suspended and bill passed.
Authorizing the borough Of Henderson to is
sue bonds to build a city hall.
SENATE BILLS PASSED.
To amend the general statutes relating to re
| plies in civil actions.
To amend the general statutes relating to The
sale of land by executors, administrators anc
guardians.
Amending the general statutes of 1865 relat
| ing to coroners.
! Amending the general statutes Of 1866 ralat
ing to appeals from justices Of the peace.
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS.
! communication was received from the Gov
ernor announcing his approval of certain act
passed by both houses.
! Also, a communication accompanying tn.
report of the State board of immigration.
THE POSTAGE RESOLUTION.
| Senator Wilkins moved to reconsider the vot
whereby $40 was appropriated to each of The
| Senators for postage was voted down. Motion
carried and stamps voted.
| COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
/ The Senate went into committee of tn,
whole, Senator Castle in the chair, and con
| sidered the following bills:
To prevent the killing of deer in Houston
| county.
Authorizing the construction Of mill dam
| in Morrison county.
The committee rose and recommended tht
passage of the bills. Adjourned.
|