The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1881-04-01
HARRISBURG LETTER.
HARRmBuRe, March goth, 1881.

HARRrsBuRe, March goth, 1881.
The row which was stirred up in the
House last Monday evening when the
Charlie Wolfe after the old
timed fashion succeeded in working up
the boys, was indicative of more trouble
to follow, later on. The repeal of the
Recorders act was the prime cause of
this disturbance, the unruly element of
the House opposing the proposed legis-
lation and thus compelling the friends of
the bill to filibuster in its favor, again
when the bill was legitimately reached
on the calendar for first reading the rul-
ing spirit of the present lowgrade House
cropped out in characteristic style. The
grave business of legislation which coll
templates the correction of one of the
most arrant abuses extant in the nng
cursed city of Philadelphia had to give
place to the introduction and considera-
ton of the following nonsensical resolu
ton, which l quote in full as a specimen
of the kind of high toned measures intro
duced: The consideration of the Record
er's repeal bill being in order, Mr.. Haz-
let offered the following:
WHEREAS, the Philadelphia Times in
the issue of Monday gave notice that to
day the boss Legislative circus would ex-
hibit at the Capitol; and
WHEREAS, 1t is plainly apparent that
the Times aforesaid did not properly
publish the programme as made out fol
the circus managers aforesaid; be
it
RESOLVED, therefore, That hereafter
before any programme is enacted upor
the floor of the House by the circus afore
said that the order Of exercises be sus-
pended until the arrival of the clowr
from the Philadelphia Times whose ap
pearance on the tan shall be heraldet
by a howl from the "Great American
Wolf" the king of all circus animals.
Thus they gloried in their own shame
But there are moments when sober
common sense prevails and then some
good is done. The House passed through
one of these brief periods on Wednes
day when the State Capitol bill came up
for consideration. 1t was briefly and
sensibly disposed of. The vote by which
it was defeated was yeas 131 nays
AZ.
But the bonnie 6ouche of the weeks
session was the opinion of the Attorney
General on the salary question. He has
decided that the members can only be
paid $1,000 no matter how long the
session continues. This opinion fell like
a bomb shell into the midst of the law.
makers and as unexpectedly as thunder
clap from cloudless sky. The way this
occurred was rather peculiar and the
motive for it is much canvassed. II
seems that member from Lackawanna
county Mr. La Touche suddenly became
uneasy in regard to his pay and without
much consultation with Others addressed
communication to the Auditor General
and State Treasurer asking their con-
struction of the law fixing the salary of
members. This communication was
sent to the Attorney General-Mr Pal
mer--and shortly after his printed opin.
ion was laid upon the desks of the mem
bers embodying the decision as above
given. No single event has occurred
this session which has occasioned sc
much discussion. Many take the posi-
ton that the motive of this opinion was
to compel an early adjournment of the
Legislature and thus to defeat certain
anti corporation bills now pending The
matter was long and earnestly discussed
in both Senate and House, in the latter
body much feeling was exhibited and 9
Committee of Investigation was appoin
ted with power to send for persons and
papers with the intent of inquiring into
the causes which brought about the de-
cision. Those who know Attorney Gen.
eral Palmer do not believe that he had
any sinister motive in promulgating this
opinion and in fact it is not the first time
the matter has been broached. Attorney
| General Lear held about the same opin-
ion, and many good lawyers do not hesi
tate to say that the decision is good law.
What will be its result? First the Leg.
islature will have to adjourn on the 14th
of April, or stay here after that on their
own expense, which but very few of them
would be willing to do. Although those
now particularly angry declare that they
will stay here now and pass the supposed
obnoxious measures if it takes until sum
mer, but even if they were so inclined
they could not get majority of the Leg
islature to stay with them Taking it all
in all the members are in an ugly fix,
many of them have been depending on
this extra pay and will consequently be
embarrassed if they do not receive it,and
it is no wonder that some of the hotel
keepers here are beginning to feel lit
tie anxious. More on this subject
anon.
Next Thursday evening has been fixed
as the time for holding special session
to consider the bill proposing an amend
ment to the Constitution prohibiting the
manufacture and sale of intoxicating
liquors. There are many anxious but
hopeful Temperance people around here
who am afraid are destined to be dis
appointed.
This, Tuesday, afternoon being the
time fixed for the consideration Of ..the
bills repeating the Recorders office of
Philadelphia both bills were taken up
and passed on second reading by viva
voce vote. From all indications there
will shortly be one less Office in Philadel-
mia.