Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1889-12-21
Legislative Gossip.

Wow Oh IHhluS pOS5o6SIOt VI 'Ai0 49,
lands, created some excitement among
the members. The constitution clearly
provides for such law, and as 1t is
matter of vital Importance to the peo-
pie there is no good reason for delaying
the matter. The resolution was voted
down and a motion carried that special
house committee be appointed for the
purpose. The chair appointed the fol
lowing members on the committee:
Moultray, OF Whateom; Judso1, OF
Pierce; Pickeroll, of Whitman; Clark, of
Spokane, and Purdy, OF Klickitat.
Three from the east Of the mountains
and two from the coast. The commit
tee is determined to present law that
will protect the interests Of the state.
A bill was prepared by the joint code
committee and introduced, giving to W.
Laird Hill the work of preparing an an
notated code in accordance with his
proposition. An amendment was made
requiring the printing to be done in the
state; for this change Mr.. Hill asks 81
500 additional, making the cost SlS,500.
The ability and experience Of Mr.. Hill
insures a code worthy OF the state, and
the price asked by him is as reasonable
as could be expected.
Representative Cook introduced bill
the sale of Intoxicating liq-
uors. 1t gives local option by counties.
There is q division IN the agricultural
over the location OF the ag-
ricultural college. Some favor two col
leges while others think one is sufficient
J, II. Letter, of Colfax, sergeant at
arms OF the house, was called to account
for remarking to a carpenter to whom he
gave a job Of making some repairs, that
he would expect his 10 per ceut on it.
The remark was made after the job was
let and in the presence OF several by
which plainly shows that he
said it in Jest; committee appointed to
investigate the matter SO reported, and
Mr.. Letter was exonerated.
The committee on revenue and taxa
ton, Of the senate, is studying the fnan-
cial problem Of the state. They find a
territorial indebtedness of $238,472, to
this the expenses of the Legislature must
be added, and also the appropriations
made. 1t will be several years before
the state can get down to the normal ex-
pense Of running as extra expense must
be incurred in the organization of the
state. The committee will suggest the
bonding Of the state for 100000 Of
100000, at per cent. interest which
will put the treasury in a good condi,
ton financially.
The question of taxing the N. P. rail
way will receive attention. The terri
tory could not tax this property being ;
national grant, and the question nov
will be whether the state can exercise he
prerogatiye in the matter. There is lit
tie doubt but that the legislature vii
pass law to tax the road bed, rolling
stock, etc, and let the courts decide til,
legality of the assessment; at least moth
ing short Of this will satisfy the people
The taxation Of this property will givt
the state from $4,000 to 100000 NOR,
revenue.
Representative Nash introduced BIZ
to create the Office of state examiner o
accounts. 1t is made his duty to order
and enforce a uniform system Of book
keeping for state and county treasures
and auditors; to ascertain the character
and standing of all present and proposed
bOndsmen Of state and county officers
and to make an annual inspection of the
offices and books of such officers; also to
inspect all moneyed corporations and
verify the validity OF their mortgages,
for which he is to receive a salary of
$4,000 and $500 for expenses.
Senator Fariss introduced a memorial
to Congress asking for an appropriation
of $4,000 to remove Instructions from
the Palouse river, which was passed.
Thompson introduced bill legalizing
the incorporation of towns and villages
under the territorial law. Every incor-
porated town realizes the Importance Of
such a law.
The enemies or Lieutenant Governor
Laughton introduced "A bill in the senate
to abolish the Office of lieutenant gov
ernor and put the present incumbent
out Of Office, but was defeated by large
vote. There is a unanimous sentiment
to abolish the Office after the expiration
Of the term for which Governor Laugh
ton was elected, and such viii likely be
done.
Representative Painter introduced
bill to establish the state fair of the state
Of Washington. The bill appoints ?. G.
Sullivan, Of Tacoma; NJ A. Baker, of
Dayton, and D. G. Crowley, of WalIa
Walla, committee to select location.
The committee named is in favor Of