The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-01-18

commit the OffenSe, When Sucn O11ense
is made penal by law. Also a bill
designating what persons are incom-
petent to testify in criminal cases. and
providing that in the trial OF criminal
cases, that defendant, by his own re-
quest, but not otherwise, shall be
deemed competent witness-but his
failure to make such request shall
not create presumption against him.
Also a bill prescribing who are
officers of the state, and defining their
rights, powers, duties and privileges.
Also a bill providing that the writ OF
mandamus may be issued against the
commissioner of the general land
office, the comptroller of public &C
counts, the state treasurer, and the
other officers of the executive depart
ment of the state government, TO
compel them, or either of them, to
perform any duty, or to do any act re-
/ quired of them by law. Further, that
writ of injunction may be issued
against any of the officers above
named, to restrain them, or either of
them, from doing any act in violation
of law that would result in irrepar-
able injury to the public or an in
dividual. Also a bill repeating the
act of March 26, 1881, prescribing the
requisites of indictments in certain
cases. Also bill repeating the state
and confederate veterans, act ap-
proved April 9th, 1881. All referred.
By. Mr.. Gibbs: A bill amendatorY
of article z of the constitution; pro-
viding for separate levy of the school
tax, not to exceed 20 cents on the 500;
also that that the owners of real estate
in each school district hereafter to be
formed by law, may vote an extra tax,
not to exceed 10 cents on the 500;
also that for the investment OF school
moneys in other securities than state
and United States bonds, the bonds of
the respective counties and the state
being given the preference with GER
tain other limitations, including sec
ond mortgage. Further, allowing
county commissioners to invest county
school moneys. Further, providing
for state school board, composed OF
a state officer, the superintendent of
public education to be elected by the
popular vote, and a member of the
board to be elected on joint ballot.
of the legislature, they to have full
control of the school land, invest
school funds, etc. The bill further
provides that when a constitutional
amendment is submitted to vote OF
the people, the board shall state the
subject matter of the proposed amend
ment.
Also bill to create a reformatory
farm and house of correction, to be
situated north of the thirty
second degree on account Of the
adversely of Ecrops that can be
cultivated, enabling the institution
to become self-suppOrting and proba-
bly, source of revenue to the state.
Also bill respecting private corpO-
rations, providing against the creation
of such as are immoral and hazardous
to the public interests, requiring the
certificate of the district judge that it
is not immoral and that of che attor-
ney general that it is within the pur-
view of the law. In the event that
the certificate of either the dis
trict judge or the attorney general is |
unfavorable, the governor shall pass
upon the application for incorporation |
before the secretary of the state will |
be permitted to file the charter.
Also bill making certain reserva- |
lions of land for public highways, and
providing for enclosing the same.
All referred.
BY Mr.. Kleberg: A bill providing a |
complete public school supervision of |
state superintendent and district and |
county superintendent. Further, |
authorizing the levy of a special tax |
of not more than fifty cents on the |
$100-each magistrates precinct hav-
ing the right of local taxation under |
the above restriction.
Also, bill amendatory of the Sun |
day law, making it punishable for any
merchant, trader, ETC., to sell between |
800 a. IN. and 400 p. M, and fixing the |
proper penalties.
BY Mr.. Buchanan: A bin to amend |
title 9, chapter 3 of the penal code,
making it misdemeanor for any per-
son to use towards another within |
the latter's hearing obscene, vulgar |
abusive or profane language calcu- |
lated to provoke breach of the peace, |
and fixing a fine for such offense. |
Also bill for the purpose of levying
an ad valOrem state tax not exceeding |
80 cents on the 500 value of property |
and poll tax of 81 for the benefit of |
the public free schools; and excluding |
the use of the general revenue for
school purposes.
Both bills referred.
BY Mr.. Houston; A bill on the |
same subject-requiring the levy of a
tax of 1915 cents on the 500 ad valo-
rem valuation and a poll tax of 81.
Also bill extending the time with
in which certain persons entitled to
sue for the recovery of real proper
ty may sue for the same;
and providing that all suits
for the recovery of land, or to make
any defense on the title thereto, shall
be commenced within twenty-five
years after the cause of action shall
have accrued. Both bills referred.
By Mr.. Traylor: A resolution auth
oriZing the commissioner of the gener-
al land Office to employ additional
clerks, and fixing their compensation.
Referred.
BY Mr.. Jones: A joint resolution
making an appropriation for the
settlement of the Robert Wilson claim.
Referred.
BY Mr.. Gooch: A bill prohibiting
the sale of lands belonging to the
state, or to any of its funds at less
than 80 per acre. Not, however, de-
creasing the minimum price fixed for
timber and pine lands. Referred.
The bill contains an emergency
clause.
Mr.. Houston was called to the chair,
and the governors message laid before
the senate.
BY Mr.. shannon: A bill amendatory
of the present law pertaining to the
of county judges and their
terms of Office. Referred.
Mr.. Matlock moved to have 5000
copies of the governors message
printed.
Mr.. Pfeuffer moved to amend by
having 1000 printed in the German
language. Amendment accepted,
Mr.. Gooch--I think it advisable to
have 5000 instead of 1000 printed in
German, as they will cost no more. 1
make the suggestion simply toget the
more worth for the same money.
Mr.. Pfeuffer-At first glance it does
not appear'as if 5000 copies could be
printed at the cost of 1000 copies; but,
course. if it can be done, shall not
object to 5000 copies.
Mr.. Gibbs-I believe this is to be
published by contract with the state.
Does that contract include printing in
Germany If not, l think motion to
refer it to the committee on printing,
with the request that they have it
done by the lowest bidder.
Mr.. Gooch-I think the contract
does not include printing in German.
MIR. Gibbs-I move to refer that part
with regard to having 1000 comics |