The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-12-11
REVISING THE LAWS.
Suggestions for Amending the
Statutes.
THREE DAYS GRACE ON DRAFTS
Shortening the Time for Return on
summons--Pr to Convene
the Bar Association.

The approach of the time when the state
legislature will assemble revives interest
in the desirability of amending several
laws passed at the last session and the
preparation of new ones called for by the
necessities of the state. There are some of
fundamental character which will need
preliminary discussion as to policy, such
as that of providing for railroad commits
sion, others of general character such as
one prescribing the duties of justices of the
peace, and still others concerning CONNER
cial and legal practice.
Judge w. Lair Hill was asked Yesterday
whether, in compiling the code, he had
not discovered deficiencies which he would
consider it his duty to call the attention of
the legislature TO.
NO" he answered, ''my functions as
code commissioner do not extend to any
suggestions 10 the legislature on those
matters. l am required, by the act ap-
pointing me, to suggest such changes as
will harmonic the statutes with the con-
stitution and with each other; but not to
make or offer changes of the policy of the
laws"
1T is suggested, judge, that amendments
are very desirable in some of the laws af-
fecting mercantile transactions, among
them that which permits three days grace
on sight drafts
days of grace have been abolished in
many communities because they have been
seen to be complication of and incum-
brance upon business, without any cor
responding benehf. They are merely a
departure from the terms of contracts, SO
as to make the obligation of an acceptance
mean in law what it does not purpert on
its face to mean"
'Some merchants find fault with the
lawful means of enforcing payment"
'sOur collection laws are good enough,
except as to compulsory collection by at
tachment. In this respect the statutes OF
California and Oregon are better. Before
creditors can compel debtors to apply
their property to pay their debts
without a long delay, under our at
tachment laws, evidence almost sufficient
to convict the debtor of crime must be
produced. In my opinion it would be bet
ter for both parties, in the long run, if
proceedings by attachment were less
hedged about with difficulties
Senator Trusten p Dyer said there were
many amendments which suggested them
selves, but he thought the best way to deal
ton to meet and act in concert with the
members of the legislature. He specially
commends revision of the provisions
relating to attachments.
Among other improvements to court
practice Lawyer John Wiley suggests that
''the time for return on summons should
be shortened to ten days. The law of
forcible detainer should be amended SO
that cases could be set down for trial The
intention is to make the process speedy in
Its action, but there is no provision for
speedy trial. Such cases should take pre-
cedence. consider, too, that the mileage
for witnesses should be reduced at least
one-half
There should be court stenographer
for the superior courts, with salary pro-
yided by the county, who should hold
office during the pleasure of the Judge.
He should keep record of all trials as re-
quired, and be allowed reasonable fees for
prescriptions, to be paid by parties re-
quiring them. Litigants appealing are
now compelled to pay 500 and SIPS for re-
ports.
The Chamber of Commerce has appointed
a special committee to meet the King
county delegation on Monday, the 18th
inst, and confer upon matters requiring
urgent attention during the session. It
can only last sixty days, out of which
ten days will probably be spent in organi-
cation, preliminary work and the choice of
United States senator. There is not too
much time, and there are many subjects
requiring considerable deliberation, so that
systematic action is desirable in order to
insure passage of technical measures.