The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-02-01
rcontinued From Second rage.l
thirteenth Days Proceedings
SENATE.



Prayer was offered by the chaplain
Rev. DR.. Smoot.
On motion of Mr.. Stratton, reading
the journal was dispensed with.
No petitions were presented.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Engrossed bills-Mr. Martin, chair
man, reported the correct engross
ment of senate bills Nos. 2. 8, 81 and "a
Judiciary No. MIR. Gooch, chair
man, reported unfavOrably on senate
bill No. 121, relating to the hiring anC
employing of minors, and senate bill
No. 81, relating to the fees of CRANE
jurors.
Favorably upon senate bill provid
ing for fees to attached witnesses in
criminal cases, with amendment that
witnesses attached for purpose of ties
tifying to general character of defend
ant shall not be entitled to fees.
Recommending that senate bill No
81. prescribing the sufiiciency oil
bail bonds, lie upon the table
another bill on the same subject hav
ing been reported on favorably.
Private land claims.-Mr. Randolph
chairman; unfavorable report ON the
DttillOl Nv. ~ W WV
claim of Arson Jones, there having
been no one present at the committee
meeting to represent the claim.
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS.
BY Mr.. Houston: A bill to diminish
the civil and criminal jurisdiction OF
the county courts of the counties OF
Live Oak, Atoscosa and san Patrlclo.
Also, a bill To amend section
and repeal section 3, chapter ~, OF
the general laws of the regular
session of the eighteenth Legislature,
pertaining to the appointment of
county and district attorneys in GER
tain counties.
by Mr.. Johnson. of Collin: y bill
amending article 4700, revised statutes,
designating the time when ASSESS
ments of property for purposes of
taxation shall be made. Referred.
by Mr.. Kleberg: Joint resolution
requesting the Texas delegation in
congress to endeavor To secure two
engineering officers to superintend
GOV ernment work on the coast. Re
ferred.
BY Mr.. Martin: a bill amending
section ., article Z, constitution, So rs
10 authorize the investment of pro-
ceeds from county school lands in the
bonds of counties of the state.
Also, bill amending article 1874,
penal code, 80 rs to add to the present
penalty for perjury Il fine of not less
than 500 nor more than 5000. Re
ferred.
by Mr.. Davis: A bill providing
for the disposition of lands belonging
to the public free school fund. Re
ferred.
On motion of Mr.. Fleming, 100 cop
les of the resolution were ordered
printed.
by Mr.. Stratton: A bill providing
penalty for the violation of any of
the orders or rules or regulations of
the quarantine act.
Also, a bill making it felony to
swear falsely, when sworn under the
provisions of the quarantine act; and
also, TO punish disobedience to orders
and regulations of the governor and
health officers or quarantine subor-
dinate authorities.
Also, a bill to facilitate the collec-
tion of taxes by allowing suits on the
part of the state, counties, or cities.
Also, Il bill to amend article 1913,
revised statutes, so as to enable coun-
ty commissioners courts throughout
the state. to fix the civil and criminal
terms of the various county courts
coming in alternate months. Re
ferred.
SPECIAL ORDER.
Senate Joint resolution providing
that the lands set apart TO the public
free school fund shall be sold under
such regulations, at such times, and
on such terms as may be prescribed
by law. The comptroller shall invest
the proceeds of such sales, and those
hereafter made, rs may be directed by
the hoard of education in the bonds of
this state, if the same can be obtained,
otherwise in United States bonds and
such other securities rs thelegislature
may designate by law.
Also, that the governor be requested
to submit to the vote of the electors
of the state the foregoing proposed
amendment to the constitution, ut an
election to be ordered on the first
Tuesday in September, 1883, in accord
ance with the provisions of article II
of the state constitution.
Pending-Mr. Jennings amend
Inent, to strike out incurred prior to
the adoption of this amendment"
Mr.. Fleming withdrew the amend
lnent, and moved TO amend by striking
out twenty-five cents and inserting
thirty cents.
Mr.. Dayis-There are so many
amendments and such diversity of
views as to their eXpediency, that |
think it would be best To recommit
the resolution with all amendments.
by reference, l think the committee
would be able to so change the resolu-
ton as 10 harmonic the views of the
senate. therefore move q recommit-
ment of the resolution, together with
pending amendments thereto.
Mr.. Houston The resolution has
been printed and reported favorably
10y the committee, and has been before
the senate for about ten days. L think
all the senators here understand the
amendment offered by the senator
from Eastland. The resolution is
tit to be derived to the senate by fur
ther action on the part of the COM
mittee.
Motion to recommit lost.
The Chair-The question is upon
the amendment offered by the senator
from Eastland.
Mr.. Terrell called for the reading of
the amendment.
Mr.. Fleming-If the senate will
adopt the amendment, placing the
limitation at thirty cents instead of
twenty-five cents, / think we can,
perhaps, get along with it.
Mr.. Terrell am not SURE that the
exception is sufficiently broad to COW
er possible constitutional changes.
There is an idea generally prevailing
which may take the form of consti-
tutional amendment before we adj
journ, with reference to the DISPOSE
ton of the school fund, and / think
that in view of that fact, that we can
not get our state bonds to invest
in and the further fact that provision
Inay be made for the investment
OF the fund in comfy bonds, we may
place it beyon d our power to have the
exception broad enough to embrace
such contingencies.
Mr.. Fleming-There is no hmita-
ton placed; the counties may levy a
tax for courthouseS; the limitation is
simply as to revenue.
BY Mr.. Patton, substitute: That
the people of any county in the state
may, by The vote of two-thirds of the
qualified electors of said county,
authorize the levy of an additional
tax for county purposes.
Mr.. Pope-What is the question be-
fore the senate?
The Chair- The y,an1srrr -, aSf;o, ;c