The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1883-03-08
Other Interesting Matter by Speci als
Eighteenth Legislature,

Eikutceuth hektrlttufc
SENATE.
AUSTIN, March Especial. IA bill was
introduced by Mr.. Stratton, authorizing the
creation and construction of ship channels,
canals, wharves and bulkheads.
The resolution ratiiying the penitentiary
lease was laid before the sehate.
Mr.. Martin held that, in his opinion, it
could not be ratified or revoked by a con-
current resolution, aud argued that even II
it could be, the law did not authorize chang
ing its terms or conditions; that the lease.
under the law authorizing such, must be
ratified as u whole or revoked as whole,
and that II could not be modified. The law
required that the governor make the con-
tract. but We to-day ara making lease for
the lessees to accept or reject. Wo are
seeking to do the very thing that we blame
the board for doing. We blame them for
making a lease without giving due notice,
and yet We are doing that very thing.
Mr.. Johnson, of Shelby, contended that
as the governor had already acted on the
contract that concurrent, resolution, was
the proper manner by which to approve or
reject, AS to changing Its terms, he con-
tended that II both parties were willing, it
was perfectly competent for the senate to
make and change as IL thought best.
Mr.. Matlock contended that as modified,
the lease was the best possible for the state.
lie opposed resumption i0r the reason that
the friends OF the measure and opponents
| OF the lease proposed to greatly increase the
number Of outside convicts, and send them
out over the state contrary to
promises made the people In
the democratic platform. He held that its
terms could be changed, as the right to APP
prove or reject, asa whole, carried with II
the right 20 modify. He insisted that this
legislature should settle the matter, claim
ing that resumption would not do IL, as the
prisons would still be on the hands of the
state, and TO run them would necessitate
the levy of an additional tax Of 100000.
Mr. Evans made an argument in favor ol
! the lease, contending that to resume would
lead TO additional taxation, and finally tas
tan a debt upon the state.
! Mr.. Gibbs made an able argument con
tending that the state could place the con
| victs within the walls rs easily as the les
sees, and rpn them gs proiitably. Hs
fstl..s.V4 a-s6iiAsy Loaill0.alI .ag wou,G ~
necessary, and that no deficiencies would
have to be provided for.
| Mr.. Harris moved the previous question
on Mr.. Davis amendment. Seconded, and
the main question ordered.
| The question recurring on the amend.
ment providing that at any time tho state
! may resume and annul the contract, 10 was
lost-yeas. II; nays. 10.
Mr.. Gooch offered to amend by providin <
that the lessees be required to accept OF
each modification and tho whole contract
as modified.
Mr.. Davis offered to amend the amend.
ment by striking out thirty days and in-
serling ten days in which the lessees may ac-
cept or reject the contract.
Mr.. Johnson, Of Shelby, moved the pre-.
yious question on the amendment and rcso-
luton. Seconded, und the main question
ordered
Mr., Davis amendment was lost and Mr..
Gooch's adopted.
The resolution then passed by the follow.
ing vote.
Yeas-Buchanan Cooper, Evans, Elem.
ing, Getzendaner, Houston, johnson, of
Collin, Johnson OF Shelby, Jones, Kle.
berg, Matlock, Patton, Peacock, Perry,
Pfeulier, Pope-lG.
Nays-Chesley Collins, Davis, Farrar,
Fowler, Gibbs, Gooch, Harris, King, Mar.
tin, Randolph. Shannon, Stratton, Terrell,
Traylor-i5.
Mr.. Harris called up house bill to reor-
ganize the 9th, 18th and S5th judicial dis
tricts, and changing OF the time of holding
the courts in the 9TH, 1ith, 9th, Dth and
3ith districts, and the counties OF kaufman,
San Augustine, Sabine and Nacogdoches.
On motion OF Mr.. Harris, Coleman coun.
ty wastransierred from the 18th to the 18th
district.
The bill then passed.
Mr.. Gibbs called up the bill ceding 10 the
United States jurisdiction over certain
property In Dallas. Passed.
Mr.. Patton introduced resolution di.
recting the attorney. general to institute
suit against the Houston & Texas Central
railway for money due the common schools
from the Washington county railroad.
Mr.. Pieufier called up tho bill permitting
the withdrawal OF territory from cities and
towns on u majority vote Of citizens OF such
territory. Passed.
Mr.. Terrell called up the bill authorizing
the city Of Austin to Issue bonds for sewer
purposes. Passed.
Adjourned I'LL , o'clock.
| AFTERNOON SESSION.
| Mr.. Johnson, OF Collin, called up his bill
providing Tor depositing the cash In the
state treasury In excess of the treasurers
bond, with adverse report OF the committee
lie stated that II the bill did not suit tht
senate he hoped they would amend Il. liz
insisted that at least the bond of the treas
urer be- materially increased.
The report was adopted, and the bill lost
Mr. Fowler called up the bill fixing the
penalty ut death, at the discretion OF th,
Jury, for robbery.
After considerable discussion, the bill
passed.
Mr.. Collins called up the Joint resolution
requesting members OF congress TO urge an
establishment of quarantine laws in connec
ton with tho Mexican government. En-
crossed.
Mr.. Fleming introduced q bill 10 valida,,
the sale OF certain lots In Coleman City.
Mr.. Terrell presented memorial OF oiti
zens of Austin, asking an amendment /,
the charter.
The bill TO adjust and settle the claim O
contractors Of the temporary capitol wa
AIKEN up.
Mr.. Gibbs offered to amend by inserting
$4,000 instead Of $4,000. Lost, and III
bill eBgrossed.
The bill recognizing the state into III
dicisl districts was made the special orde
} for tomorrow.
The committee on resolutions looking |
adjournment reported that, owing 20 IN
amount OF businers 10 be considered, The
did not deem II prudent TO fix . day ID
! adjournment.
| The bill increasing and fixing the fees ,