Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-02-18
SENATE.

At the opening of the session yesterday,
it was announced that Secretary johnson,
who has so faithfully and ably discharged
the duties of his Office every day during
the session, was i'll and could not be at his
post. He was excused.
The arduous duties imposed upon sena-
tors have commenced 10 tell upon them,
and they long for brief season of rest,and
especially to partake of a good square
meal cooked in their own kitchens at home.
This feeling prompted several Of them to
make a vigorous effort to adjourn over till
Tuesday, but the motion was voted down
by those who knew they could not get
home if there was an adjournment.
Senator Peterson's joint resolution ask
ing congress for relief for settlers on GER
tain lands in Brown and other counties in
the western part Of the state claimed by
railroad companies, which he wanted
passed under suspension of rules, brought
Senator Wilson to his feet with an obiec-
ton as he wanted to examine its proVis-
ions. Mr.. Peterson explained the nature
of the resolution and stated that in Brown
county there were some twenty-fv fami-
lies who had the earnings of a lifetime in
vested in their farms on these lands and
that their titles ought to be settled. He
was willing to have the resolution go to
committee Of the whole where it. could be
discussed without delay.
Mr.. Wilson insisted that there were
legal questions in the resolution that
should be passed upon by the judiciary
committee.
Senator Rice suggested that it be re-
ferred to Senators Peterson and Wilson.
Senator Wilson objected, and disclosed the
fact that he was attorney in some of the
suits arising from the status of the lands
referred to.
Senator Billson said that it appeared to
him that Mr. Peterson was adopting the
tactics resorted to by Mr.. Wilson some
years ago, when he had a number of suits
on hand of like character. He thought
Mr.. Wilson's resolution was all right, and
that he was entitled to have it passed
without unreasonable delay. Theresolution
was referred to the judiciary committee.
The finance committee reported back
large number of bills appropriating money
out of the internal improvement fund to
aid in the construction of bridges in vari-
Gus counties, with amendments reducing
the amounts called for, with the desire
that the amount at present or prospect
lively in that fund should go as far as pos
sible.
Senator Wilson'S bill to provide for the
taxation of certain lands held, or which
have been held, by railroad companies in
this state, and for the taxation of certain
interests, rights and estates in such lands,
was recommended to pass without opposi-
ton.
Senator Peck created considerable mer
riment by offering an amendment to the
bill authorizing the administering of oaths
at political caucuses. His amendment ex-
copied the Democratic party from the pro-
visions of the bill at all times, and also ex-
cepted the Republican party from them
any year when a United States senator is
TO be elected.
Senator O'Brien made sprightly ad
dress OF the bill authorizing school boards
to elect county superintendent of schools.
He opposed the bill on the ground that
the power TO elect their officers should not
be taken from the people, and recalled the
fact that superintendent were now inf
nitely better qualified than they were when
county commissioners appointed their
pets and toadies to that Office.
The committee on normal schools will
go to Winona on Monday, and make their
visit to the school on Tuesday next.