The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15


AUSTIN, March 8, 1883.
The senate met at the usual hour,
Hon. A. w. Houston presiding, and
quorum present.
The chaplain, Rev. DIR. Smoot,
offered prayer.
On motion of Mr.. Chesley, the jour
nal was not read.
PETITIONS.
Mr.. Stratton, of Simon Messina,
asking legislative provision requiring
incorporated companies TO make eX-
hibits in certain cases.
Mr.. Perry. for committee ON roads
and bridges, reported favorably, bill
to authorize counties to purchase
bridges for public use.
Mr.. Collins introduced resolution
devoting evening sessions TO business
designated by senators, in order of
their names on the roll.
Senate committee bill, redistrict-
ing the state into thirty-nine
Judicial districts, was taken up.
Plentifully amended, cutting out
one or two districts, and passed TO
engrossment. The bill is not to 90
into effect until 1884.
Mr.. Terrell introduced bill to provide
for disposition of minerals upon
school, university and asylum lands
Also submitted favorable report for
judiciary committee No. 1, on senate
bill amending Austin city charter.
Mr.. Taylor called up senate, bill to iiX
compensation of tax collectors. 10
changes to fix commission on value of
assessment, instead of amount to be
collected, viz: On assessment of two
million dollars, five cents on every one
hundred dollars assessed; on sums
over two and less than five millions,
two and one-half cents on every one
hundred dollars assessed, and two
cents ON sums over five millions.
Two-thirds of these commissions 10
be paid by the state and one-third D -
the county, and five cents to be paid
by the state for assessing each poll.
The bill passed under suspension Of
the rules.
Mr.. Davis called up bill to authorize
city councils in towns and cities con-
stituting independent school districts
to appoint their school trustees.
They are now elective. The bill
passed. and Mr.. Gooch entered mo-
tion to reconsider.
Mr.. Pope called up bill amending
election laws to authorize county CONF
missioners courts in their discretion
to provide two sets of election officers
and ballot boxes on election day, one
for casting vote for state and county
officers and one for presidential cleo
tors and congressman. The bill
passed under suspension of rules.
Mr.. Chesley called up joint resolu-
-. ~
in congress to urge payment for
claims for destruction of property by
| United States troops when they wan
tonly burned and pillaged Brenham
| in 1866. There was a desultofy debate
over the resolution, objection being
made to the claim on account of its
antiquity and to the frequent at
| tempts at instructing Texas congress
men. but the measure passed TO en-
grossment.
Pending considerations of special
committees report recommending
preference to certain bills in order
named, senate adjourned.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The rule recommended was lost by
a tie vote.
Senate Joint resolution amending
constitution so as to provide for elec-
tion, with other state officers, of "A
superintendent of education, passed
by the necessary two-third vote.
Senate bill providing for prompt
election returns, provisions given
when engrossed, passed finally.
Senate bill reducing travelling ex-
penses of quartermaster Of state
troops to $500, from $500 annually,
passed.
Patton submitted, for committee
on state affairs. adverse report upon
such bill to provide for geological
survey of the state. and favorably on
senate bill requiring the attorney gem
eral to sue the Texas Central railroad
for school money withheld.
Senate bill to fix fine for pulling
railroad train bell rope without au-
thority, after adopting amendment.
passed.
Mr.. Chesleys bill relating TO the
regulation OF telegraph companies,
came up on third reading, but owing
to Mr.. Pope's bill on the same subject,
having already been acted upon, was
laid on the table subject to call.
Substitute house joint resolutions
No. A, 10, IL and IL, relating to public
| SCHOOl JdA, Cdluc UP III lIS OIuSi, but
was laid over till later in the after
| noon.
Substitute house joint resolutions
No. 6,8, and 27, relating to state taxes.
came up with committee amendment
increasing the ad valorem
tax from 331S cents to 30 cents. Pend
ing consideration of the resolution
call of the senate was made. Messrs.
Cooper, Johnston Of Shelby. and Pat
ton being absent, and the resolution
went over.
Substitute house resolutions Nos. 6.
IL, 10, 21 and 81, amending sections 4
and 8, article Z, of the constitution,
prescribing the terms upon which
public school lands shall be sold. de-
signaling the manner of investing the
proceeds thereof, and making the state
and counties responsible for the losses
consequent upon investment, etc.
On motion Of Mr.. Fleming the
above resolutions on the presidents
table were postponed and ordered
printed for use of the senate.
On motion of Mr. Davis the senate
adjourned till Friday.