The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-03-14


seat of government he would vote, he
said, for one west of the Colorado, which
section had strong claims, but he believed
the policy of scattering these institutions
over the state was not the best and that it
was not too late to change and concen-
trate them as far as possible.
Mr.. Rentfro-Does this bill prevent the
commissioners from establishing the
asylum here?
Mr.. Brown-IG does not, but doubt if
it contemplates that. This is not, prop
erly speaking, southwest Texas, and the
bill says "west of the Colorado" You
will have to go some distance from here
to get to southwest Texas. If the object
is to locate it at Austin, why say "west of
the Colorado?" If these public institu-
tions are brought to one point land Aus
tin, as the capital, is the BEST they
should be located with a view to
economy and sensibiity to avoid having
investigating committees running all over
the state away from executive control.
He alluded to the various institutions
already scattered here and there, but all
bringing their influence to combine upon
legislation against the common interest
1t was time to stop this, and while it may
be unjust to southwest Texas to stop here,
better this than to let the policy proceed
till it will obtain such force over legisla-
ton it can't he checked. Concentrate
these interests SO we can control them
without so much expense.
Mr.. Ellison-Since the precedent has
been established of scattering these insti-
buttons why not give southwest Texas this
asylum as we contribute largely to the
expenses of government and have had
nothing in return.
Mr.. Brown-Because the precedent
was laid is no reason for following il if it
was wrong. We are legislating for future
generations, and should reach beyond
temporary occasions.
Mr.. Owsley offered amendment striking
out "west of the Colorado in southwest
Texas" and insert sat Austin"
Mr.. Rentfro-I don't desire to say
much, but 1 must call attention to what
southwest Texas has done-more, per-
haps, than any other section. Every
battle was bought on that soil, including
the battle of the Alamo, and, though con-
tributing largely to the wealth of the
state, that section has asked nothing for
3
existence. Appropriation after appro-
priation for years and years have
been made for this and that institution
(naming them), and we of the southwest
have voted for them because we believed
them to be for the best interest of the
state, but every time We ask for something
for the southwest we are met with the OBJ
lection of precedent and the argument
that what we want is not necessary.
He condended it was the best policy to
place these institutions where needed, and
cited facts to show it was the policy and
practice of other states. 1t was the true
policy of this state not to concentrate
them, but to place them according to the
demands of health and convenience of the
people. He referred to the fact that there
were hundreds of insane persons kept in
county jails, where they could not be cared
for, many of whom would have recovered
if they had proper attention, and instanced
several cases of this kind within his own
knowledge. The asylum reports showed,
too, that fully 20 per cent of the inmates
of these institutions came from the labor
ing farming classes, and were entitled to
the care of the state.
The bill was further discussed by
Messrs. Strong, Gresham, Wood, Nc
Gaughey, Owsley, Stevenson of Parker,
Jones of Pamela, Hathaway, Jenkins,
Brown of Johnson, Grassland, Mays, Ste
venson of Parker, clemens, Pope, White,
Moody and Martin.
Mr.. Gresham offered an amendment,
which was adopted, making the appro-
priation $15O,0OO, and made a strong
speech in favor of the hill, which, after
being adopted in committee of the whole
and reported favorably by the committee
and discussed by the house. as above,
finally passed by vote of 63 to 30. the
nays being Messrs. Allison, Brown of
Grayson, Carwile, Childers, Cobb, Cook,
Crayton, Grassland, Hancock, Hudson,
Jenkins, Jones, Kincaid, Landlord, Mar
tin, Mckinney, Nelson, Mills, Miner,
Moody, Murchison, Murrell, Owsley, Parker
of Tarraut, Rowland, Stevenson of
Parker, Tolbert, Whatley, Wood and Wood
ruff. House adjourned till 8 p. m.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The school bill was considered, being on
its second reading.
Mr.. Stevenson, of Parker, offered an
amendment extending maximum Soho
lastic age from 16 to Is years.
Substitute by Mr.. Owsley making it Il
years was defeated and the amendment was
adopted. =.
Amendment changing beginning of
school term from September to January
was rejected. .
Section IL of the bill relative to grading
teachers certif Gates was struck out as
impracticable.
Further consideration of the bill went
over.
Mr.. Robinson introduced house bill GIG
amending the charter of San Antonio.
Mr.. McGaughey introduced bill amend
ing the law as to attached witnesses.
UBy Mr.. Jagoe-Authorizing recording
of transcripts from Justice of peace
courts.
By Mr.. MISUNDERSTANDING articles
1886, 1857 and 425S of the Revised Stat
utes.
By Mr.. Swinford-Encourag boring
of ortaeian UelIa in nasture lands.