Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1889-02-14
From the State Capital.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo-,
Eab 9th 1850

Etb. Utii, 1909.
Td. ReUistey-I did not send you
anything last week for the reason that
everything has been in such a state Of
cnmm0tOn in the House for The past
two weeks. The first trouble was over
the clerical rce that had been en-
ployed, len came the question Of re-
vision. When the joint and concurrent
resolution, setting forth plan of frevis-
ion, was adopted, the vote was unani-
nous. Every Republican and Demo-
crat in the House voted for the adop-
ton of the resolution. Two factions
among the Democratic members sprang
up. Two or three men, whose names
could give, together with their follow
ing, were doing everything they could
to defeat the Joe Russell following.
Bitter feeling hal arisen over the con-
test for the speakership. Russell was
nominated over the lobbyists, and they
have not been any too friendly with us
since. OF course the Republicans and
Union Labor men took advantage of
the situation and only assisted in max
ing matters worse. While one faction
would cOnstrue the resolution FROM one
standpoint, the other faction would
view it from a differert standpoint.
Matters went on until we could see
that nothing could he accomplished in
that way. The House finally agreed
to submit to a report from the revising
Committt e. That committee reported at
once and presented plan of revision,
but the Republicans fled the track"
and took enough Democrats with them
to defeat the adoption of the report.
There we were again. What was to be
done? Quite q number Of Us had been
asking for the Democrats to hold a eau
Gus so we could settle ul on some good
plan aud then carry the measure
through in spite Of the obstructlonists.
But we were overruled. ~ majority
claimed that a caucus would only make
matters worse. Personal jealo usies
then arose. Every one wanted to have
things carried on his way. Speaker
Russell finally told the chairman of
our Democratic caucus if he did not call
a meeting at once that he (RusselD
would, in order that some understand
ing might be reached. When the lobby
faction saw we were determined to act
on the matter at once, Harry Shaw Of
fered a compromise report which was
adopted, a3d then all trouble was at
an end.
The Republicans fought US bitterly
on Shaw's report. They wanted to de-
fer the matter as long as possible SO the
Democratic party would be held re-
sponsible for the delay and heavy cost.
The only mistake made was that the
Democrats did not hold a caucus two
weeks ago and get down to work in
spite Of the parties who have been
throwing distractions in the way of
legislation. Now that the Democrats
have harmorized and are putting
things through with a rush. the Re-
publicans and Union Labor men, who
have given 81 much trouble by throw
ing distractions in the way, seem to be
at a loss. They bring up something
new every day and try to cause dissen-
sion, but we gently sit down on them
and go on with our work. If my Iron
county Republican friends could only
be here for few days and see the ac-
tlons of their Republican brethren, /
know they would turn away is disgust
and sever their connection from that
party.
Several bills have already been en-
crossed and will be put upon final pas
sage next week.
The committees all have their hands
full Of bills and are working day and
night making The ir reports.
There has been bill introduced to
abolish the contract system of convict
labor, The Committee on Labor want
to report the bill, while the Committee
on Penitentiary claim that they should
make the report. After sharp debate
to-day. however the House referred
the bill to the Penitentiary Committee.
The committee on Internal Improve
ments will report favorably next week
upon the bill to reduce passenger rates
to two cents per mile on trunk lines
and to three cents on branch lines. The
railroad lobbyists have been here work J