The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1885-01-14

ceeded 10 complete the organization,
bv eieciIng Thomas Cochran chief
clerk, Ed, Smily Journal Clerk, and
Lewis Rogers Reading Clerk, they
then took recess until 3 O'Clock
after reconveuing the Governor >
Message was read. they then adjourn
ed to Wednesday. When the subos-
dinate officers were appointed and
husines, of an Introductory Iature
such as is necessary To all beginnings
of the Biennial Sessions of the
Body. Severed bill We're read in place
by the several senators from PhIIa.
The senate adjourned to next " ednes-
day Jan'y 14lh.
In the House order was called at
u clock m. Rev Keeling opened
with prayer, all the members were
present at the roll call, the oath was
administered by Judge Mcpherson,
after these proceedings the House
entered into the election of speaker.
james l. Graham of Allngheny d
Jao, Z Faunce of Phila, were nomi-
uated. Graham was elected by a
vote of l49 to 80 Geo. Pearson of
Mercer was elected chief clerk. Speak
er elect Graham upon taking his
seat made a long but forcible address.
Alter taking his oath of office he ad-
nlinisiered the oath TO chief clerk
Pearson. The subordinate Offices were
filed by the slate committee 6 of
whom were appointed as sub com
mlttee to receiye nominations. The
great contest was for Resident Clerk
ship, the discordant elements had
gathered with threateninss for gem
eral break amorg the Philadelphia
members which if not speedily and
successfully settled would no doubt
have led to more serious results
when the Z. s. Senator was to be
elected The request If the Philadel--
phians prevailed and harmony was
once more restored. When the
House convened on Wednesday the
subordinate positions were flied by
the committee Many dissppoint-
ments followed the report of the
committee. There are about 60 OF
these positions and ten applicants for
each position After Offering few
resolutions the House also adjourned
for one week in order that the speak
er can appoint his committees.
Most OF the members have gone
home and our city has again returea
TO its usual quiet.
The Governors message is the
great topic of discussion among the
people of this city. Many approve
the suggestions and recommendations
while the greater part think it the
heighth OF impetuosity to be dictated
to by an inconsistent
officer is high authority. The Cover
nor will not have a smooth time o.
it while the Legislature Is in session
There are many things in the message
that are not to be condemned.
The abolition of the mercan-
tile appraiser is wisdom. In
general the duties of no county off
Ger are so little understood or so
poorly performed as those of the
Merchantile Appraiser. When it is
remembered that the return of this
officer is taken by the county auditors
AS the foundation of their report,
which report, In turn serves the
accounting officers of tbs common
wealth as the basis of their settle
ment against the County Treasurer,
a negligent performance of the du-
ties of a Mercantile appraisers, will he
at once recognized as most prolific
source of petty annoyance To all par
ties concerned in the settlement Of
accounts fthis character. Many APP
praisers are unfit for the duties,
some are careless. fhe recommenda-
ton allows the assessor TO perform
these duties with his other duties
which can surely be no fault, 9TH
er measures have been presented
which have from time been recon-
mended In other messages.
Senator Amos H. Mylin who is
honored with the speakership of the
present Senate is from Lancaster Co.
Heis the second speaker of the Sem
ate this county has given the State,
the other being John SIrohm, who
served in 1872 Mr.. Mylin is a ma
tive of Lancaster Co, haveiug been
born in West Lampeter township on
Sep. 20 1887. After receiving a
common school education in his ma
tive township he attended college at
Andover, Mass. He persued the
study OF law in the university of
Pa, and was graduated from the law
department in 1864. He was ad-
mitted to the Bar OF bancas er Co.
in the same year, but devoted very
little OF his time to his chosed pro-
iession. Shortly after admission to
the bar, bis father died. and Mr.
Mylin become possessed of the fam
lily farm, to which be devoted his
whole attention, when not engaged
with his legislative duties at Har-
risburg. In 1872 he WAS elected as
member of the House of Rep
resentatives, and was reelected and
served in the House until 1876 when
he was transferred to the State Sen
ate. He was re elected as a mem-
Der of this body in 1880 and 1884.
James L. Graham the Speaker
elect of the House, was born in
Pittsburgh Pa, in 1909 He ac-
quired a good education at the old
academy in Allegheny City. He is
person of dignified appearance,
beloved By his associates, and Is
eminently successful in all he under
takes. He filled many Offices OF
public trust in his life time. being u
member Of School Beard, Director
OF the Poor, member of City Coun-
ell, Sheriff. member Of Legislature