The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1889-01-23
our HARR,sHuso LETTER.



From our special Correspondent.
HsRglssURG. Jan. 10. 1889
There ii always a calm after a storm the
reaction Is sometimes more effective than the
jar itself this would seem 10 be true Of the
Legislature. The recent general strange freak
in the organization of both the House and
Senate has had a reaction. ard it IS now said
by those high in authority THAI 1.-THE scene
were to be re-enacted it would result quite
differently.
There are those who say Senator Quay
found it harder work than he bad any idea
Of to bring about the change, especially in the
Senate However. the ~jngglery of the reye-
nue. bill, and the bad legislation enacted last
session Is said TO have disguised the Senator,
and reform seemed necessary in his opinion
and to bring it about. a change Of some of the
officers in both branches was necessary. In
connection withthe question. 4 Can Quay Be
a reformer?a the reply comes. " Can a leop-
ard change its spotsg' with significance.
There seems 20 be q fight in earnest be
tween Senator Quay n that prince Of boss
es, Chris. Magee, OF Pittsburgh, inasmuch as
the Chief Clerk Of both the Senate and the
House are both from the city Of the latter,
but not OF his selection or friends. The 81
lenee OF the willy politician from Pittsburgh
is in keeping with bis methods. Those who
are closest to him say he viii be heard from
in the near future. As somed daily remarked
at the time be is young, handsome and
has a goods memory" Time only can tell
what the result will be, but that some grave
errors were committed, now seems patent
These reflections come to the sober minded
legislator, as he sits in his seat and looks
about him and sets the changes made since
! last session.
There is an exceptional number Of good
serving their first term. The Judiciary Gen
eral Committee is composed of number of
the best young lawyers in the State, and
they are doing sone good work.
Both Houses are now under fair Roadway,
with plenty of work to do; a large number
of bills have been read in place and referred
TO the proper committees, and they are hold
ing daily meetings. and quite a number Of
bills have been reported and are now being
printed.
On Monday the electors of the State met
and formally cast the vote of Pennsylvania
for Harrison and Morton. and appointed the
Hon. Porter 5. Newmeyer, of Connellsville,
messenger TO carry the returns to Washing
ton. pr. J. X. Miller, Of Berlin, elector
from your Congressional district was pres
ent.
The House met Monday evening. but did
very little business of importance, Thesen-
ate did not meet until Tuesday evening. On
"Wednesday evening r joint caucus Of the
Senate and House was held in the hall of
the House, when il was resolved to pass
the Constitutional Prohibitory Amendment
resolution. There was some little discussion
as TO the proper wording Of the resolution,
but with a large majority of the Republican
member it was deemed unnecessary to eau
Gus apon il, but 10 pass ii and redeem the
party pledges. The fixing Of June 18th next
as the time for holding the special election
was opposed by some, who doubted the wis
dom Of holding a special election, but most
of the members are in favor Of the same.
There is much speculation as 20 whether the
State will vote in favor Of the amendment or
not, and If the Same IS carried, whether the
Governor will not cali a special session ofthe
Legislature for the purpose Of enactng prop
er legislation to carry the amendment into
effect. On motion, at Friday mornings ses-
sion a special order was made to pass the res
olution finally on mex Tuesday at Z o clock
m. when it will be sent TO the Senate for
passage and concurrence.
The resolution bolishin poll tax has also
been presented, and viii pass. 1t will likely
be voted upon At the same time The old
fence law Of A. D. 1909 it seems. must 20.
There have been a number Of bills offered to
repeal the old horse high, bull strong and
hog tight, fence, made Of rails or logs. There
are some Of the former which favor enacting
a new fence law, but a majority seem to
think no law is needed.
There are two contested cases before the
Committees, one in the Senaie-that Of o.
born vs., Devlin, and one in the House
Finley vs.. Nichols, both from the city Of
Philadelphia, and both Of which wiz cost
the State a large sum, and will likely rasult
in both members drawing their salary.
The boundary line act pissed last session
will likely be amended. as there are several
bills pending before the Judiciary General
Committee looking to that end.
The scalp act may be amended by putting
foxes in, but it is doubtful. as it meets with
much opposition. It is favored by Represen-
tafive Pagh, Of your county.
PHILIP.