Smyrna times., 1879-03-05
For the Smyrna Times.
Tho Legislature.
DOVER, DEL

Inc Legislature
DOVER, DEL, March 4, 1879
The past week of the session has been |
dull even for this dull Legislature. A good |
deal ofsmall business has been done in asmall |
way, but none of the important measures
now pending have been considered. The
new charter OF Dover was put through both
houses without much ceremony. The
Senates Special Committee on the 10 cent
tax of tho Secretary of the State on Tues
day reported in favor of abolishing the tax
and substituting in its place 5000 per
annum to the Secretary salary.
On Wednesday the House passed joint
resolution which has been since concurred
in by the Senate authorizing the State
Treasurer to accept from the Breakwater
e. Frankford r. R. $4,000 semi-annually
for the next two years, as interest upon the
Indebtedness to the State, but does not re-
lease any claims of the State upon the
per cent. interest which is to be finally paid
by the Company. 1t is said that the reso-
luton will be reconsdered by the Senate.
Mr.. Dean has secured one victory and
has got his hearts content, an investigating
committee to look into the affairs Of New
Castle County office holders. The petition
which he presented to the House asking
for the investigation was signed by 1900
| names.
A special committee of FIVE went up to
Delaware College yesterday to report the
workings of that institution, with view of
making a report to the Assembly, but they
did not have time to see much and will de-
| pend upon the report of the President,
| Doctor Purnell, for the information.
A bill was introduced in the House on
| Wednesday to make the term of the Sheriff
office of Kent and Sussex counties extend
from January l next ensuing after the
election, which would make the terms
of the present incumbents extend tC
January |, 1881.
i On Wednesday evening last, Adjutant
General Postles and Major MacCalistel
talked militia to the assembled legislators
but | suspect with little effect. Governor
Hall came down upon soldiers so hard il
his inaugural that there is little life in thu
new militia measure left.
Mr.. PennewIll introduced bill on Thurs
day in relation to tramps. The bill pro
vides severe penalties for the building o
fires upon the premises of any person b.
tramps or vagrants. The bill, if it become
a law, will be severe upon all classes O
tramps and vagrants. 1t applies to non
residents exclusively.
, The House has passed a resolution allow
f ing the Adjutant General $500 every yea
for keeping necessary military records i
his office, as q historical record. This wa
done at a request of the Adjutant Genera
e A bill providing for an annual report b
e the Farmers Bank and its branches i
, January Of each year to the Governor.
The bill to amend the charter of tn
i Delaware State Fire and Marine InsuranC
| IoFo -, he n
Friday by vote of to 3, but that vol
was reconsidered this morning to give NJ
, Bright q further hearing. The indication
g are that it will be defeated a second tin
u by even q more decisive vote than before.
l. The free licence liquor bill was introduce
o. by Mr.. Conaway on Wedr esday. 1t pr
<. vides restrictions upon the sale of spirituo
, liquors, and the penalties it suggests a
similar to those already in force. 1t COT
of pels persons holding licenses under this a
j. to keep the same displayed in their pla
m of business. If requested to produce Il
Q same by member of the police authori
~ and refusing to do so, the refusal shall
IN considered presumptive evidence that
le has none For any officer to neglect Il
he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemean
and shall be fined at the discretion Of t
court and forfeit his office. 1t impose:
- tax of $3.50 per annum on all persons W
To- receive license to sell liquor in quantit
III of one quart or less, and tax of S75 on
lis persons selling in greater quantities tn
i one quart. 1t provides further that
liquor sold by retail dealer shall be dru
ne on the premises, and violation Of this v
he be misdemeanor; and further, make:
le- unlawful for any person to come into
he State to sell liquor in wholesale quantit
:. unless duly taxed by this State; and a
that the Attorney General shall not hi
he power to enter a nolle pros, upon an ind
lat ment found under any Of the provisions
ed the act in question. 1t was referred to
-. committee on Revised Statutes and will
~ reported favorably upon it is thought at
he earliest opportunity.
de- The Committee on Ways and Means
# report a bill this week providing for fu
ing at Al per cent. of $800000 of the St
debt in bonds running until 1890.
ess There was no quorum of the House
the day yesterday and the Senate did not
,llv through with much business. To-day
80 consumed in introducing unimportant
~" and giving notice of the introduction
ter others. The Legislature will probably
der journe during the last week of the pres
Ter. month.
- The members on Thursday week gi,
IN ~ grand hop at the Capitol building, wi
all will be one of the most elegant affair
off the kind ever occurring at the Capital.
1