Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-05-10
THE STATE.
THE DEATH PENALTY BILL
Passes the House-Watsons Loca,
Option Bill Fails.
Legislative Notes.

Legislative Notes.
Mr. Abbott's bill providing for the death
penalty in certain cases OF murder occupied
the attention OF the house on the 2nd inst.
Mr.. Waite tried 10 have the bill amended
so that death could be inflicted by either
hanging, electricity or decaptation, but il
was lost. Mr.. Aeshire had seen two exc
BUTTONS, and would never consent 10 have
others die the same way. Mr.. Abbott, in
PRODUCER OF the bill, spoke at length in
favor OF his measure, arguing that the
death penalty would deter in many cases
where Imprisonment does not
Mr.. Judd rldiculed the idea that a death
penalty would prove deterrent. The
trouble 10 day was not for lack of sufficient
penalty, but on account OF our jury system,
so arranged that "A case was never allowed
10 go 10 trial unless twelve imbeciles had
been secured to weigh the evidence. MIR.
Judd did not believe that middle aged or
old men were afraid of death, anyway, and
If the orthodox belief that men went
straight 10 glory If they repented their
sins was correct death was far preferable
10 Imprisonment. Mr.. j. l.. Preston also
spoke briefly against he bill
Mr.. Murtagh asserted that the large mum
Der of murders in Wayne county was due
more TO the ineniciency ofthe police depart
ment than any other cause.
An amendment offered by Mr.. Dee TO
make the bill apply to men only was lost.
Mr. Watson spoke for the bill.
Mr. Goodrich made long and eloquent
speech in favor of the bill, based on his
belief that imprisonment was not severe
enough penalty 10 deter, and that the
severer penalty Of death was called for
The bill was then passed by a vote of Sc
ayes TO % nays
The bill 'to revise and consolidate the
laws relative 10 TIE state prison, the state
house of correction and branch of the state
prison in the upper peninsula, and 10 the
state house OF correction and retormatorY
at ionia, and the government and discipline
thereof, and TO repeal all acts Inconsistent
Herewith, was defeated in the senate.
The house has passed bill Offering re-
ward of 10 cents each for each wolf scalp
Wolves are very numerous in the upper
peninsula and kill deer in great numbers.
Chairman Eaton of the committee on
military affairs has reported TO the house
favorable on the bill providing for the es-
adjustment of "a soldiers relief commits
sion in en- county. II will afford relief TO
Union soldiers, sailors and marines who by
reason OF their families do not wish TO
enter the home. The commission shall
consist of three men appointed by the
Judge OF probate in each county, two of
which shall be honOrably discharged Union
soldiers. Money shall be raised by tax
each year, to be known as the soldiers re
lief fund The bill was prepared by the
legislative committee Of the G.. A. x.
Watson's local option bill was discussed
in the house the other day, but when the
unt talr no f4i al 70 .4rrb
The Detroit boulevard and park consoli-
dation bills have pas ed the senate.
The two houses of the legislature tender
ed reception 10 II. w. Palmer, United
States minister to Spain, on the occasion of
his recent visit to the capital.
A concurrent resolution for final adjourn
ment June has been introduced.
The house railroad committee has made
an adverse report on the bill to prevent
ticket brokers from doing business in this
state.
The governor announces that he cannot
undertake TO distribute to individuals the
$1,000 appropriated by the Legislature for
transportation of Michigan soldiers, still in
the state, who took part in the battle of
tIettySDufg, 10 Jnat DaItleneld Wneu the
Michigan monuments are dedicated. The
distribution must be made through veteran
and regimental organizations where they
exist and where they do not through other
channels. Those who have means of their
own are not expected TO apply.
The bill limiting the price of 1000 mile
railroad tickets to so has passed the
senate.
The bill appropriating 7l20,210 for the
school for the deaf and dumb has passed
the house.
The senate has passed the bill fixing 500
as the price for 1000 mile railway tickets
in the lower peninsula and s25 in the upper
peninsula.
The house has passed a bill making the
salary Of representatives 81 900 for the full
term OF two years.
Both houses have pissed a bill authoriz-
ing the appointment of notaries public at
any time, and doing away with the ne
cessity of their confirmation by the senate.