The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1888-02-23
MoNNoT's SCHOOL BOOK BILL
Passes the House---rhe Rising Young
Statesman Makes a Brilliant Speech.

Passes the House---The Rising Young
Statesman Makes Brilliant Speech.
COLUMBUS, Feb 16.-The interesting
feature TO-DAY was the debate on the
MOnnot school book bill, which resulted
Ill its passage in the House this after
noon. The author of the bill is the
youngest member of the body, being
only 23 years OF age, but he succeeded
Ill taking 1t by storm and completely
routed Lne TRENDS OF the school book
ring. HIS clear, eloquent and logical
exposition OF the wrongs that were be-
Ing perpetrdted upon the people, his ar
ray of statistics and documentary evil
dence completely captured the mem
DerS of the House and started wave
of enthusiasm that was absolutely ire
slstible. No one imagined the bill
would pass today When II was called
up at 3 O'clock, and many who voted
for it were not at that time by any
means certain that it would pass.
Mr.. MOnnOt Was given Jhe closest at
tenUlUn and when he had finished the
entire House was with him. Members
who were aware of the power and cor
ruptlng influences Of the school book
ring rose up against it.
A motion by Mr.. Poorman to post
pone was voted down with but two
votes for it. Amendments were de
feated and the bill put through in its
present shape, providing for State
commission, to be appointed by the
Governor, whose duty it shall be to
prepare a series of text books. The
contract for printing is to be let to the
lowest responsible bidder and the books
furnished to pupils at but five per cent.
above the actual cost.
The scene during the debate was a
decidedly interesting one, the feeling
being that the wrongs Of the people
should be avenged anu at once.
Several unmportant amendments
were introduced, the sentiment being
overwhelming III favor of the passage
Of the bill.
Mr., Smalley, after paying compli'
ment to Mr.. MOnnOt's argument as the
ableSt delivered on the floor of the
House during the present session, said
"We now have the school book ring on
the run and let us pass the bill at once.
Mr. Poorman OF course opposed the
bill. Nothing else could be expected
from him. He pleaded for time anO
said he had substitute to offer,
Mr.. Weems said: Every member OF
the school book ring as he sits III his
office today hopes for the defeat Of just
such measures as this by the House
getting in a tangle over minor details
as we are doing now. tell you've Cal
get grand commission to prepare these
books and ridicrle Mr. Poorman most
effectually." He said it was high time
the people were being relieved from
the school book ring and the members
of the Legislature should not sacrifice
| the interests of the people.
Mr.. Rawlins Of Clarke stated that
now was the time to pass this bill, thai
the school book ring was not aware
that his bill would come up today anC
therefore it should be passed at once.
Mr.. Williams of Columbiana said tht
school book ring was taken by surprise
they did not expect the bill to come VI
today nor in its present shape.
Mr.. Poorman stated that he was moi
afraid of the lobbyists OF the schOo
| book ring, and that it was coWardice
to fear pOStpOnement.
At the close of the debate the previ
GUS question was demanded and voted
down, few more members desiring tC
pay their respects to the school book
ring, which they did in strong Ian
guage. The bill was then put upon its
passage and carried by a vote of II tC
|, the only dissenting vote being that
of Colonel PoOrman.