The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-01-25
Eighteenth Legislature.
seventh Days Proceedings.
SENAIE
ArrSTrN Ian I6 1879

Prayer by Rev. *. h. Smoot: Al
mighty God, we bless Thee for the
kind Providence which has brought
us together this morning; and we pray
Thee that we may have the fear of
God before our Dyes. We thank Thee,
our Father, that we have seen this day,
and we pray that Thy blessing may be
upon this body. May Thy benediction
be upon the heads of those who shall
go out OF office this day, and may the
rich blessing of God be upon those
who shall take upon them the fearful
responsibilities and duties AZ public
servants before the people. May they
feel that the powers that be are ordain-
ed of God. Bless them and guide them,
aud finally save them. for Christ sake.
Amen.
Reading of the Journal was dis
pensed with, on motion of MIR. Tray
Tor.
REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEES.
Public Printing-Mr. Evans, chair
man, recommended passage of senate
bill No. So.
Engrossment-Mr Martin, chair
man, reported the correct engrossment
of senate bills Nos. 4 and z.
Stock and Stockraising-Mr. Collins,
chairman, reported back favorably
senate bill No. 10, regarding the es-
traying of animals, with the following
amendment: If the owner of any ami
NAL estrayed shall nave had his mark
and brand recorded in the county
where such animal is taken up, and
such animal shall be in the mark and
brand of the owner ut the time it was
falrareHatr than tho f1lxInp
up and estraying such animals shall
not be entitled to receive any compen-
sation for expenses incurred in eStray-
ing the same.
A message was received from the
house notifying the senate of the pas
sage of house bill making an appro-
priation for the mileage and per diem
pay of members for the eighteenth
legislature.
A message was also received from
the governor in relation to vacancies
in the board of university regents,
recommending the confirmation and
appointment of others.
The present members are:
First class-Dr. 4. ID. Wooten, the
second place having been rendered va
cant by the resignation OF Hon. Smith
Ragsdale.
Second class-Hon. Ashbel Smith.
Second place vacant 10y resignation Of
j. l.. Camp.
Third ciass-Hons T. NJ. HARDWOOD
and l.. J. Simpkins.
Fourth class-Hons. NJ. l.. Craw-
ford and JAS. II. Jones.
Allof the members except the pres
ident of the board, Hon. Ashbel
Smith, have been appointed since the
adjournment of the legislature at its
last regular session.
Confirmation of the following ap-
pointments is requested:
DIR. L. ID. Wooten, first class.
Hon. 4. NJ. HARDWOOD, third class.
Hon. l.. L. Simkins, third class.
Hon. NJ. l.. Crawford, fourth class.
Hon. James III. Jones, fourth class.
The term of DR.. Wooten terminates
at the present session of the legisla-
ture, and il the other gentlemen above
named shall be confirmed, there will
still remain two vacancies to be filled;
one in the first class and one in the
second class.
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS.
BY Mr.. Stratton: A bill diminish
ing the jurisdiction of the county
court Of Matagorda county and
conforming the jurisdiction of the
district court of said county to such
change.
Also, bill requiring the collection
and payment of all special taxes lev
led by the several counties of the
state to be made in money. Referred.
BY Mr.. Matlock: A bill to give eff
feet to section ,, article of the con-
stitution, prescribing the manner of
surveying and locating county seats,
and to provide for the location OF
county Seats in organized counties
where no county seat has been estab-
lished by law. Referred.
BY Mr.. Buchanan: a bill giving
orders of sale foreclosing liens upon
real estate, the force and effect of
writes of restitution. Referred.
BY Mr.. Peacock: A bill providing
that any person who, after having
given lien upon personal or movable
property, attempts to carry the same
out of the state, or dispose of or trans
fer the same or any part thereof, shall
be FURNISHED by confinement in the
penitentiary not less than two nor
more than five years. Referred.
BY Mr.. Fowler: A bill amending
article 1866 revised civil statutes, SO
rs to permit defendant to file affidavit
of offset on the day Of trial. Re
ferred.
BY Mr.. Evans: A bill making it an
offense to sell or exchange intoxicat-
ing liquors in counties or precincts
where the sale of same has been pro-
hibited by vote of the people, and
fixing the penalty at not less than
$500 nor more than $500. and confine-
ment in the county Jail for not less
than five nor more than sixty days
and making it alike an offense for
physicians to prescribe liquor unless
In cases of real sickness. Also, another
bill upon the same subject. Referred
BY Mr.. Jones, by request: \ bill
To regulate the powers, duties and
compensation of county attorneys in
counties where there is no resident
district or criminal district attorney
Referred.
BY Mr.. Gibbs, by request: a bill
amending the law relating to the as
tablishment of n revised civil code.
BY Mr.. Kleberg: A bill providing
that any person before the grand jury
is empanneled, may challenge, fol
cause, the array of jurors, or any per
son present as a juror; and the dis
trict or county attorney may hav,
four peremptory challenges; but in n,
other way shall objections to the quail
ifications and legality of the CRANE
jury be heard. Any person confine,
In Jail in the county shall, upon re
quest, be brought into court to max
such challenge.
Mr.. Matlock-I move to reconside
the vote by which the amendment Il
senate bill No. 0 was adopted. Tn
bill relating to the right Of defend
ants to testify in their own behalf il
criminal cases.
The Chair-The bill was lost on vot
to put il upon engrossment, and Their
was notice of motion to reconsider en-
tered yesterday, and properly come
up first.
Mr.. Patton-Jf in order move I
have the gentleman from Harriso
excused from attendance to-day.
Mr.. Johnston-The gentleman wa
excused yesterday until Wednesday.
The postmaster was, on motion {
Mr.. Stratton, excused on account {
sickness.
The Chair-I have house bill maxim
appropriation for mileage and per dieI
pay of officers and employees of th
legislature, and will refer it to II
committee on finance.
Mr.. Shannon thought it should b