The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-01-17
Scale in pIa0o Of Senator eIass0Ock on

Townsend called up his resolution pro-
viding for the senators subscribing for
newspapers, and made an excellent speech
advocating such subscription.
Senator Frank moved substitute that
$50 copies of the Senate journal be daily
supplied TO the senator's equally among
them for distribution over the state.
Senator Claiborne moved to amend by
making the number 1000 copies of the
Journal.
A general and thorough discussion fol-
lowed. Senator Townsend said he wanted
papers that he might keep posted on the
comments of the press and the opinions
of the people where the papers circulated,
as to the matters pending in the legisla-
ture; and that he then wished to send
such papers through his district for the
education of his people. This could not
be accomplished by the senators merely
having the Journals that no one read or
could fully understand
Senator Frank declared the papers
printed very poor accounts of the pro-
ceediDgs and he did not believe in them.
Senator Sims was troubled by the con-
stitntion.
Senator Field also thought that the con-
stitution stood in the way of subscribing
for papers, besides he thought their re-
ports were not as good as those furnished
by the Journals. In addition, he did not
believe in sending out newspapers, with
their standings of likes and dislikes for
different senators, predicated upon the
feelings of those sending reports to the
different papers.
Senator johnson thought the different
senators ought not to send out papers that
might contain criticisms, and doubtless
unj Just criticisms, of their fellow mem
bers. He had himself been skinned. He
announced himself as "brave" and not
fearing anything that might be said
against himself-he seemed only solicit
tous about his fellow members.
Senator Pope did not fear tho skinninG
process. He intended to do his duty and
let the papers talk as they would. He did
not care snap for the Journals, but
wanted the newspapers.
Senator Lane answered Senators Frank
and Field He declared the newspapers
did contain everything essential in the
Legislative proceedings and put together
in a much more readable style than found
in the Journals: also that one newspaper
contained the proceedings of both houses,
whereas the Journals of each house would
have to be Obtained to get the full legisla
tive report
Senator Mcdonald wanted but one copy
of the journal, and that for his own use,
to be filed away for reference; did not
want to send the Journals to his constitu-
ency-they were not understood; but he
did want newspapers for himself and his
constituents. He submitted an amend
ment to the original resolution making
the price of the papers 3 cents instead of
4. The amendment was adopted.
Senator Armistead favored subscribing
for newspapers, and thought if it were
done the papers would publish even fuller
reports than they are now doing.
Senator Upshaw moved to lay the
amendment to the substitute on the table
Carried by 25 to 4 on Il call of ayes and
nays.
On Senator Burney's motion, the num-
her of copies in the substitute was in
creased from $50 to 600,
Senator Mcdonald moved to lay the
substitute as thus amended on the table.
Hostages, 10; nays, 10.
The substitute was then adopted by u
vote OF 20 ayes to nays.
On motion to strike out the
third section of the substitute
that declared the journal should be
in lieu o. newspapers, the vote stood 10
for and 10 against striking it ont.
An amendment by Senator Pope was
accepted that it be discretionary with a
senator to take the Journals, and whatever
number may be refused shall be deducted
from the whole number provided for.
Senator Townsend's amendment that
the value of the Journals senator may
refuse may be applied to the purchase of
newspapers was lost.
The substitute was then passed.
Under call for bills the following were
received and referred. The senators were
evidently loaded with them:
BY Senator McDonald-To create the
Office of state reporter and to provide for
printing and publishing the reports of
the supreme court and OF the court of
appeals. Referred to judiciary No. l.
BY Senator McDonald-To provide for
revising, digesting and publishing the
laws, civil and criminal, of the state. Re-
ferred to judiciary MOL.
BY Senator Morris-To amend article
3lS, chapter 4, title 8, of Penal Code
passed by Twentieth Legislature. Referred
to judiciary No. l. Treats of penalty
for carrying concealed weapons limited
to a fine of not more than $500.
By Senator Morris-To amend article
COG, chapter 10, title Is, of the Penal Code;
TO define murder of the first degree. Re-
ferred to judiciary No..
BY Senator Johnson-A bill to be enti-
tied "An act to correct abuses and prevent
unjust Determinations and extortions in
the rates of freight and passenger tariff
on the different railroads of this
state; to prevent pooling; to es-
tablish reasonable maximum rates OF
charges for the transportation
of passengers and freights on said rail
roads; to prohibit railroad companies, cor
pordtions and lessees i'll this state from
charging other than just and reasonable
rates; and to provide adequate penalties
for the enforcement Of the same, and to
prescribe mode of procedure and rules
of evidence in relation thereto; and also
to create board of railway commission
ers, and to prescribe. their powers and
duties in relation to the same" Referred
to committee on Internal Improvements
By Senator Burney-To amend article
1871, chapter =, title 3 of Revised Civil
Statutes. Referred to judiciary No. 1.
BY Senator Pope-ru require railroad
com panies in the state to provide separate
coaches for passengers of different colors