New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-08-06
THE WESTERN CONVENTIONS
DELEGATES AT BISMARCK LISTEN TO Wis
ITING SENATOR'S.
AN EMBARRASSING QUESTION PUT TO SENATOR
REAGAN AT THE CLOSE OF SPEECH
BY THE TEXAN

| REAGAN AT THE CLOSE OF SPEECH
| BY THE TEXAN.
Bismarck, Dak Aug. 5.-Thc Saturday night
session of the Constitutional Convention was in
teresting especially TO railroads and other cor
porations, the evening being passed in discussion
of the proposition giving the Legislature power
to fix passenger and freight rates and TO regulate
the charges sleeping cars, express, telephone
and telegraph companies After spirited debate
over amendments giving the courts the power
to decide what rates should be charged the farmers
won and the Committee OF the Whole adopted the
original proposition. Before the convention finally
adopts the Article, another strong effort viii be
made TO amend it,
The only business transacted this afternoon was
the meeting of the Senate Commission on Irriga-
ton and Reclamation Of Arid Lands. The con-
vontion was addressed by Senator Stewart. Of
Nevada, the chairman of TIC committee, who
az the close of his remarks on irri-
cation, took occasion to get In his
best ticks" on the silver question. lie was fol-
lowed by Senator Reagan, of Texas who also adj
dressed the convention in favor of irrigation, and
was followed by Major Powell, of the United
States Geological Survey, who advised the con-
vention SO TO frame the constitution that no
companies, individuals or corporations could own
or control the water supply. lie said all owner
ship should be in land, and that no man should
have control of the water as separate from the
land These sentiments were loudly applauded.
Somewhat Of an unpleasant sensation was Oc-
casioned by Delegate johnson, of Nelson County,
who has won an unenviable reputation for making
had breaks" During the remarks OF senators
Reagan and Stewart OH the silver question, they
inadvertently rcferrc TO the war debt. johnson
arose at the close of Reagans speech ana pro-
ceeded to take Reagan to task by stating that IL
he read history right, the Senator from Texas
was in JEFF Ddvis's Cabinet when the war debt
was being made. At this point Delegate Purcell
arose to inquire whether or not johnson intended
10 insult Senator Reagan. Immediately following
this query, Mathews, of Grand Forks, moved TO
adjourn. which motion prevailed by unanimous
vote, and the convention adjourned while johnson
was still on his feet.
Sioux Falls, Oak, Aug 5.-South Dakota
Constitutional Convention met at o'clock to-day
for its last session. The only work done was the
auditing of the expenses of the convention ana the
signing of the Constitution. Seventy-twO OF the
sevcnty-five members present and affixed
their signatures 20 the document There was "a
reception and banquet tonight in honor of tho
delegates. The work of the convention meets with
universal approval.
Boise City, Idaho, Aug. 5.-The convention IS
about through business. To-day a strong reso-
luton was adopted asking President Harrison 10
take steps to prevent the free importation OF Mex
lean lead The convention decided upon the cleo
ton of State officers after the Constitution mas
been accepted by Congress. The proposition Tor
such an election, and the time for notlhcauoh,
caused warm discussion.