, 1889-11-07
IN JOINT CAUCUS.
A Good Deal of Talk Which Resulted
In NOtbinf.


In Nothint.
Roth houses met in joht caucns in the
state house this morning 10 discuss the
legislative situation. About 100 mem
bers crowded the hall of representatives
when Hughes of King rjpI ed tor order
at 1880 and called for Nominations tor
temporary chairman. / \. Thompson
of Pierce, who served ir the first ter
ritorial legislature, declued the nom
ination. Likewise Platt AZ j A. Preston
OF Walla Walla. j. II. % of Lewis
was named as IA man wtb 'ould not re-
fuse nomination, and WIS ected. When
they came to count noses tx Long was
not present. a.
elected and took the chair amid ap.
plause. He thanked tie convention.
Representative w. ii. hughes of King
was chosen secretary.
Senator kinnesr of Kins TO bring the
subject OF the legislature power before
tho meeting, offered the following
resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That Goyernos Moore and
Ferry, and the judges yf the supreme
court who are present, be invited to ad.
dress this meeting ont PRESENT status
of the legislature and it powers and
duties at this time.
Senators Allen of KIM, and Fair
weather of Lincoln, and Representative
Brown OF Spokane, were appointed to
conduct the governors and judges into
the assembly. After waiting half an
hour, Chairman Allen reported that
ex,. al u
and the supreme judges awaited the
legislators in the anto-roon. He said IL
was there preference TO give their opin-
ions in secret session.
Geoghegan moved tb at Tire preference OF
the judges and governors he acceded TO
Heron made an effort % except re
porters, and provoked greut laughter a,
the idea of having secret session with
reporters In it.
Geoghegan's motion prevailed, but
the reporters considered that they had
as much right in the meeting as anyone
and did not move. No effort was made
to remove them. Geoshegan after
ward explained that he intended hi:
motion to include reporters.
Heron then offered resolution call
ing on both bodies to meet and organize
and take recess from day to day until
the issuance of the president $ proclama
ton.
While it was pending Allen announced
that the judges and governors had con
suited and had decided to deliver nc
opinions to the meeting.
While a debate on the proprety o.
voting on the resolution was beinl
held, the judges and governors filed
into the hall. Judge Hoyt tool
advantage of lull, and said the judge:
had concluded that it would be out o
place for them to give judicial opinion
on n legislative subject on which IL
future they may be called upon to de-
liver judicial opinion.
Applause greeted Governor-elect Ferry
as he arose. 81 have concluded" he said
"to follow the course Of the suprem,
judges, and to deliver noopinion. A,
you know, ! am only aprivate either
and can not make suggestions or Civ
advice. have no right to do so; /
would simply be matter of opinion
and in view of the action Of the suprem,
court, and In vieY of complications t,
arise | deem it best to say nothing"
al feel like Governor Ferry-that tn
legislature is law unto ITSELF" sai'
Governor Moore. "The territorial gov
ernor has nothing to do with the stat
legislature. 1t is not The practice of m,
department to render opinions ON sub
jects Of this kind"
Governor Moore then read q Telegram
received from President Harrison con
cerning the proclamation, and concludes
as follows; This simply indicates tn
view the administration takes of thi
matter. You have the enabling act be
fore you and are as competent to expires
an opinion as myself"
to his feet to call ap his resolution, bu
the joint session adjourned without con
sidering It,