The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-02-28

amended by Mr.. Whstley was adopted,
providing for hiring the oonvicts but six
months when wanted but short term,
but providing that two or more counties
contiguous may hire them for twelve
months, dividing the time between them.
The bill was discussed by. Messrs. Nc
CURE, Campbell of Cook; Jagoe, White,
Jones, Miller, Whatley, Hathaway, Rent
fro, Robinson, Nelson, Stevenson, Strong
and Parker of Tarrant, the last gentle
man making an amusing and withal forci-
bile argument in favor of the experiment
of convict labor.
House adjourned till p. m.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Mr.. Moses spoke in opposition to the
bill allowing state convicts to be worked on
county roads. The bill was further dis
cussed by Messrs. Parker of Tarrant;
Kincaid, Owsley and Stevenson, of Parker.
A motion to indefinitely postpone the
bill was defeated by vote of 80 to 58.
The hour for the presentation of the
picture of Gen. Stephen F. Austin, the
hero snd statesman known as the Father
of Texas, donated to the state by Messrs. W
Joel Bryan and Guy M. Bryan, jr., having
arrived, Hon. A. W. Terrell, as the orator
of the occasion, came in with Hon. Guy
M. Bryan and took his seat by the side of
Speaker Alexander. The immense hall
and galleries were crowded with spectators
including about 100 ladies, the members
and officers of the two houses and Gov
ernor Ross and other state officers.
The picture, which is full length por-
trait and was yelled with the Lone Star
flag of the state, was brought in by
Messrs. John M. Swisher, W. P. Harde-
man, s. a. Darden, John Duval, Monroe
Hill, John E. Lewis, Jack Atkinson and A.
Deffenbaugh, all Texas veterans.
Mr.. Duval is the sole survivor of the
Fannin massacre and Messrs. Swisher
Hill and Lewis participated in the battle
of San Jacinto.
Judge Terrell made an elaborate and
eloquent address full IF historical facts
and highly but justly eulogistio Of
the character and services of the deceased
patriot. The address ia published else.
where in this paper.
Hon. F. p. Alexander, as speaker of the
house, briefly but gracefully responded
accepting the gift on the part of the
state.
| Mr.. Alexander said: Gas an humble
member of the house of Representatives
over whose deliberations have the honor
to preside, accept this beautiful gift
from the worthy defendants of an honor
able hero, whose character has been Sc
beautifully protrayed, and 1 hope
assume no undue liberty in expressing II
behalf of the honored executive and sena
tors, whose presiding officer occupies {
place on this stand, and the people of thu
great state of Texas, in returning GU
heartfelt thanks for this noble gift.
$50 much has been said and so beauti
fully expressed by my distinguished
friend, feel it would be supererogatiol
for me to attempt to add anything to tn
tribute he has paid to the character anc
services of Stephen F. Austin, the hero
statesman and patriot, who has beef
calledy'The Father of Texas
SIN behalf of the people here repre-
scented l again thank these gentlemen
for this beautiful gift"
Judge Terrell was frequently applaude
and the speakers remarks were also re
ceived with favor.
When the flag, which yelled the hand
some portrait, was lifted by General Har
deman, it was greeted with rounds of az
plause, and, on motion of Senator Ola
borne, the senate retired,and on motion O
Representative Handy the house ad
journed till 10 o'clock this morning.