The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1888-04-19
Senate.

yesterday afternoon and last night.
Senate.
The senate was called to order at noon
by Lieutenant-GovernorW Wheeler.
Roll call showed the following members
absent:
Abercrombie, Pope, Stinson and Cal.
houn.
Prayer was then offered by Chaplain
Doctor Smoot.
The proclamation of the governor con.
vening the extra session was then read.
Lieutenant governor Wheeler then
spoke as follows
Gentlemen of the senate-It is with
great pleasure that meet you under such
suspicious circumstances. In almost
every instance extra sessions of the legis-
lature are caused by deficiency in appro-
printions financial depression, or a great
public calamity. am gratitied that 1 am
able to state that no such cause has
brought about this extra session. You
and the people you represent are to be
congratulated on the financial condition
of this great commonwealth.
While other states are perplexed by
financial embarrassment and their people
are being oppressed by onerous taxes,
our state, with very low rate of taxa
ton, has money enough in her treasury to
pay every just claim against her and leave
large surplus to be retained in the treas
ury to pay current expenses or to be dis
bursed by such appropriations as justice,
wisdom and patriotism may indicate.
While your work is prescribed by the
proclamation of the executive, it is almost
impossible to exaggerate its importance,
and to perform properly our duty will
take much careful thought and ardu.
Gus labor. But your past conduct
as Legislators is an earnest to the people
that your work will be faithfully, honestly
and periodically performed.
Some persons have intimated that much
money will be squandered at this extra
session. Such persons have certainly for
gotten that it was the wise and efficient
legislation of the Twentieth legislature at
its regular session, to which we are greatly
indebted for the states healthy financial
condition. The past conduct of this legis-
lature should satisfy all parties that,
while it will be safe to pay all debts which
are lust and due, 1t will not squan-
der the peoples money by paying unjust
claims or in making extravaganza or I'M
necessary appropriations. l believe that
the love of Texas and desire to serve
her and her people faithfully, will be the
prominent purpose which will control
every member in all of your deliberations,
and there need be no fear about the
results of your legislation.
In conclusion, permit me to ask that you
aid me in this, as you did at the regular
session. Without your aid l fear that 1
carnot perform the duties as may be
demanded. With your assistance l hope
to do my duty to each senator and aid
your body in the proper dispatch of your
business. The senate is now open for
business.
Hon. W. S. Baker, from Mcclellan
county, successor TO Hon. R. H. Harrison,
resigned, was then sworn in.
On motion of Senator Gregg, Senator
Abercrombie was excused indefinitely, on
account of ill health.
Senators Pope, Calhoun and Stinson
we're excused until Wednesday.
Hon. VIM. Neil Ramey, secretary of the
senate, having been appointed inspector
of the Rusk penitentiary, his resignation
as secretary was presented and accepted,
and the senate proceeded to elect his sue
cessor.
Senator Bell nominated Capt. @. M.
Boynton, the first assistant secretary for
three or four sessions past, and he was
unanimously elected without opposition.
The election of first assistant secretary
being in order, Senator Glasscock nomi-
mated Mr.. w. M. Hunter, of Austin; Sen
ator Houston nominated Mr.. o. G. Fisher,
of Donley county; Senator Garrison NOM
mated Mr.. W. E. Donley, of Austin; Sena-
tor Woods nominated Capt. j. d. Rober-
deau, of Austin; Senator Mcdonald nomi-
mated Mr.. E. M. Bacon, of Austin.
First ballot--Donley, IL; Fisher, 1;
Hunter, 6; Bacon, 2; Roberdeau, 6.
Second ballot-Donley, IL; Fisher, 2;
Hunter, 8; Bacon, A. Roberdeau, 6.
Third ballot-Donley, IA; Fisher, 1;
Hunter, =; Bacon, 4; Roberdeau, Z.
Mr.. Donley was declared elected.
The following committee was then ap-
pointed to notify the governor that the
senate had organized and was ready to re-
ceive any communication he desired to
present. Senators Wood, Woodward and
Bingers.
The following committee was then ap-
pointed to notify the house that the SEN
ate was ready for business: Senators
Fields, Simkins and Lane.
Senator Macmanus offered the follow
ing resolution:
Whereas, On April 4, 1887, being the
last day of the regular session of this
legislature, tain members of the house
of representatives thereof, assuming to
speak for and in behalf of that body, as
we'll as for and in behalf of minority OF
the senate, prepared an address to his ex-
cellency the governor setting forth their
disapproval of the pon-action of this body