Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-07-21
Mr.. RANKIN'S BILLPASSED
THE HOUSE VOTES FOR COUNTv
RAILROAD TAXATION.
An Exciting Debate Ends in Vote of
100 Yeas, Al Nays and 81 Absentees-
The Poll Tax Exemption Bill Sent to
the Attorney General-Jenkins to be
MemoriaIized Monday

1O5 Yeas, Al Nays and 81 Absentees-
The Poll Tax Exemption Bill Sent to
the Attorney General-Jenkins to be
Memorialized Monday.
ATLANTA, July 20.-In the Senate TO-
day, Senator Lamar from his committee.
reported memorial services for Gov. Jenk-
ms on Monday next.
The special order of the day, the bill
amending section 1857 of the Code, by plac-
ing tenants upon the same basis with Ia
borers as to violation of contracts for
labor, was taken up,and Senator Tut. the
author of the bill, and Mr.. Livingston
favored it in fOrcible speeches.
Senators Dubignon and Peoples opposed
II, Whlle senators Tatem, Greer and
Walker desired to amend it.
On motion of Senator Baker il was re-
committed.
The Senate concurred in the House re-
solution to provide stenographer for the
investigation committee of the Agricul-
tural Department, as there is a prospect
OF large amount of testimony.
The rules were suspended, and new
bills were introduced as follows:
by Mr. Smith-Prescribing punishment
for attempted burglary.
BY Mr.. McDonald-C compelling parents
and guardians to send their children to
school when of proper age.
In executive session the Senate con-
trmed Howell G. Glenn for Solicitor of
the City Court vice Mr.. Bray, rejected.
The confirmation was unanimous. Mr..
Glenn is ex-City Recorder, a talented
young lawyer, brother of eX-SOlicitor Tom
Glenn, who married sister of Col. VIM.
Garrard, and his appointment gives great
satisfaction.
IN THE HOUSE.
In the House to-day the committee in
vestigating the Agricultural Department
were granted stenographer to take down
testimony.
Mr.. Calvin, Chairman of the committee.
reported that joint memorial services will
be held on Monday, the 23d inst, at II
o'clock, when Col. c. c. Jones will deliver
an address on the life and character of
Governor Jenkins, in response to the re-
quest of the committe.
The contested election case of Wilson
VS.. Proctor, from Camden, was set for
next Wednesday.
The debate on Mr.. Rankin's railroad
tax bill was resumed, and Mr.. Fite fin
ished his speech.
MIR. Falligant made strong argument,
covering all the points made in favor of
the bill, and claimed that the railroads
were not unwilling to be properly taxed.
but did object to be singled out for special
taxation. The closing of Mr.. Falligants
argument, wherein he set forth what rail-
roads have done to bind the State to-
gether from mountain to seaboard, was
especially eloquent and forcible in strong
points.
Mr.. Hulsey, of Fulton, followed in a
clear and compact argument for the bill.
1t was perhaps the strongest speech of
the debate, and the frequent applause
proved that the majority were with him
in his views.
Mr.. JordOn, of Hancock, called the pre-
vl0us question, but it was lost by vote
of 72 nays to 30 yeas.
Mr.. Sweat, of Clinch, spoke against the
bill, but presented no new argument, his
main point being that while the Central
railroad was exempt the East Tennessee,
Virginia and Georgia Railroad would be
taxed.
Mr.. Russell, of Clark. favored the bill and
made the point, sustained by the figures
presented, that counties without the help
OF railroads had nearly doubled their
taxable property, and the plea that rail-
roads should be exempted because they
develop the State was not sufficient to
warrant the defeat of the bill.
Mr.. James, OF Douglass, offered an
amendment allowing the property to be
given in for taxation under the existing
laws, but it was lost.
Mr.. Reese, of Wilkes, moved to vote on
the bill by sections. The House, however.
voted the motion down.
Under call of the previous question,
MIR. Rankin, of Gordon, the author of the
bill, was allowed 20 minutes to close the
debate. He cOntended that it was still
an open question whether the Georgia and
Central Railroads were exempt beyond
the time fixed III their original charters.
He disclaimed any desire to war upon
railroads, but simply desired to have them
bear their due share of county taxation.
Mr.. Rankin's time was extended bv
unanimous consent, and he closed amidst
general applause. The bill was then put
on its passage under a call of the yeas
and nays. There were 105 yeas to Al nays
and 27 absentees.
Fulton voted solid for the bill, and Chat
ham, Richmond and Bibb against it.
In the Senate the contest will be even
more exciting and the final vote nearer a
tie.
There was great rush for leaves of alb
scence to-day, and nothing will be done
in the House tomorrow but reading bills
a second time.
NOTES ABOUT THE CAPITOL.
A South Georgia member who has been
a conspicuous temperance advocate for
the past two years, created a sensation by
appearing on the floor of the House to-day
drunk.
The first bill of the session was
sent in to the Governor this after
noon, but as there is some doubt as to
its constitutionality, it will probably be
referred to the Attorney General for his
opinion. 1t is the bill exempting manned
COME lerate soldiers from the poll tax.
General TOombs called on Governor
Mcdaniel this morning.
Colonel William S. Shepherd was to-day
commissioned for the Sixth Battalion.
having passed his examination.
1t was Oppresslyely hot here to-day,
and but little air was stirring. Gardens,
lawns and crops are burning up. Rain is
now necessity to farmers.