The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-08

TIA I......,.s. ..-..... @,OOV
AS the hour for another special
order, house bill 32o-the railroad bill
(Mr. Chenoweth's)- arrived, Mr.. FOs-
ter, of Limestone, moved that the
committee rise and report.
Mr.. Upton argued that the appro-
priation bill was more important for
immediate consideration and should
be passed at once, while they were ut
work on it, so as to get it through
without fail, before the old appro-
priatiOns expire.
The propriety of the motion gave
rise to some discussion, participated
in by Messrs. Foster of Limestone,
Foster of Grayson, Chenoweth, Stag
ner, Acker. Hill, Swan, Scott, Jones,
Labatt, Durant, CTavenS, Patton,
Lakewood and Douglass.
Mr.. Acker spoke in favor of con-
tinuing consideration of the apprO-
priatiOn bill.
Mr.. Chenoweth explained that the
committee at first asked that the rail-
road bill be made the special order
for Wednesday,; and then in Difference
to the appropriation bill consented
that the former be made the order for
Friday ut this hour. 1t certainly had
the precedence now of the apprOpria-
ton bill. We were all interested
alike in the appropriation bill, but
there was no trouble or doubt about
its passage.
Mr.. Stagner argued that courtesy
demanded that the house should con-
slider the special order of the hour.
He apprehended that the railroads
would put up their tariff.
Mr.. Acker replied that he yielded
to none in matter of courtesy. He
had asked the postpOnement of the
railroad bill in the, first instance as it
contained problem which required
consideration and thought, and it was
still problem in his mind, after hav-
ing given it the most patient atten-
ton during the few hour
he could spare from other duties,
and with all the light
afforded by the testimony brought
out by the committee whether the
bill contained any cOmmendable feat
ures. He was not adverse to proper
legislation. AS he did not wish TO be
misunderstood. he now said that he
thought it more important to perfect
tat legislationlwhich was indispensa-
BILE in carrying on the government.
When that is done, he was willing to
sit here and legislate as to the rail-
roads and other important business
in which the people were interested.
He was ready to give his reasons for
every vote he casts, but preferred to
give attention to necessary legislation
first. and indulge in matters of spec
ulation afterwards.
Mr.. Foster, of Limestone, argued
that there would be nothing to hold
the legislature together after the
appropriation bill passed. No men,
Der would dare to adjourn
Mr.. Labatt.-I for one would.
Mr.. Foster.-I would not take the
responsibility. There is no intricate
question involved in the appro-
p ration bill. The people have de-
manded legislation as to railroads,
and there were other important mat
ters-the land bills, the lease of the
penitentiaries, etc.
Mr.. Foster, of Grayson, argued
that the legislature could not afford
to adjourn till all these important
matters are disposed of. The appro-
priation requires no time for dis
cussion, the others require greater
consideration. 1t might be a week
before we would get back to the
appropriation bill. He was not afraid
of the house adjourning before that
bill passed. For one he would give
his voice and vote not to adjourn till
all these important matters are dis
rosed of satisfactorily.
Mr.. Hill said he was ready to meet
the issue now, especially as it had
been conceded to the committee that
the bill should be made the order fol
to-day and from day to day till dis
posed Of.
Mr.. Swan argued that if we ad
journed without passing the appro
priati0n bill now, the delay might en-.
tail the necessity of an extra session
Mr.. Scott said he didn't wish tt
make a speech, however prompted tx
do so by the inspiring presence of Sc
many beautiful ladies, but to NOV,
| the previous question.
Chair-The question is out of order
Mr.. Jones said his opinion had un
dergone a radical change as to whai
should be the course of the house OF
the matter of adjournment. Man,
were opposed to railroad legislation o
any kind, and hoped to defeat it b,
dilatory motions. Some, he admit
ted, are opposing this who are realll
in favor of railroad legislation. Al
for himself. he favored just rest<
ton OF the powers of the railroa9
having in view the interests Of tI>