The Russellville Democrat., 1891-03-12

pass save the state some $l5 0gO to S20.00O per year. He denied that the constitu- ton forbade the decS ase of the num- Der of representatives. He reasoned that should the legislature create a sullieient number Of cOHnlies to make 1t 100 then it would be absolutely necessary to decrease the number of representatives to conform with the provisions of the constitution. He had no idea that the supreme court would order mandamus fl the bill should pass, compelling the elecuon Of more than one representative in the various counties.
 MT. venalle in the chair.
 MIR. HINsoN.
 MT. Hnson thought that the house had the right to decrease the represen- tation, but did not fhink it reasonable or right. He thought that it the count es increased in population, they should have increased rcpres entation, and so on in accordance with the number of inhabitants. He thought representa- ton the very spirit of freedom. Even the justices of the peace in townships were elected according to the number of people. Delegates to conventions and all public meetings were elected ac- cording to inhabitants or members, aud congrsssmen were elected according to population. He was against the bill.
 HON. G. WITT.
 Mir Witt, the author of the bill, closed the debate. He had consulted With the best lawyers in the state before intro dueing the measure. He believed that the Dill would add to the dignity and proficiency of the house as body, and would expedite business. No one would deny that as the house now stands there are too many members to rapidly transact business. Ire desired 10 ask Of the opponents of the pending bill whether the bill which passed the house last week, apportioning the members, was just.
 He did not think the pending bill un- fair, unconstitutional nor inexpedient, and therefore he hoped the house would pass it.
 At the conclusion of Mir. Wits speech the roll was called ands the i'll failed 10 pass. Ayes, 3l; nays 56.
 MT. Russell moved That the vote by which house bill 246 passed the house be reconsidered, and the motion be laid upon the table. This is the bill pre- sented by the apportionment committee, fixing the represen satlon in the house. The motion was lost.
 Mir. Witt, who gave notice on Wednes- day that he would move to reconsider the vote by wLieh the same bill passed, WAS recognized by the speaker. The roll was called and the motion was lost.
 Mir. Jones, of Pulaski, gave notice that on to-morrow he would move to reconsider the vote by which senate bill l50 failed to pass.
 By unanimous consent, the consider htion of the report of the committee on Elections ill the Pulaski county con tested case was postponed until Satur- lay.
 MIR. NJ M'BRAYER.
 On house bill 92 regulating the own ership If alien lands in this state, Mir. Me Brayer, the author. explained its pfoyislons in clear, concise manner and urged its enactment. Mir. Lamkin wanted to know what right the state had to declare void title to land owed by foreign citizens or syndicates. We were environed by these foreign brporations, and there was virtually no ay to proceed ar afnst them. Our do- lam had been worsted. The United tates had granted our richest lalds way, and it was not ia the power of his legislature to reclaim them. If the pill was constitutional, he would be lad to have II pa. sed, but If not, tLen members should proceed slowly.
 Mir. Manning did not believe that the ill had Leen properly considered. He bserted, however. that the law govern. ing citizens of this state was sufficient o protect their rights. In ord.r that he matter might be properly considered he moved a postponement till Monda. ,, which motion prevailed.
 Mir. Williams, of Washington, gave lotice that on Saturday he would move Q reconsider the vote by which senate bill No. 2i failed to pass
 The house then adjourned uatil 9:30 o-morrow morning.
 Morning session-NIarch G.
 During the morning hour, Senator riilman in the chair, President ClarL c asked and obtained un 4nimous consent 10 introduce senate bill 2l5, to amend defects and conflicts In The bill which khe governor discovered and suggested 10 the legislature.
 The bill was read the second time md made the special order for to -mor- t0w morning immediately after the eading of the journal
 UNFINISHED BUSINESS.
 The amendment to senate bill 26, the telegraph bill, at adjournment yester- day afternoon was rejected.
 The amendments making 1t obliga- ktory upon operators 10 del yer messages plompty in cities and incarporated d towns, and to parties being within one fourth of mile from the office in rural cummunities, vas adopted.
 The amendment to strike out the Sl00 1n the penalty clause and insert S25 was kdopted.
 On motion CT enator Harris the bill Fas ordered engrossed and to it's third Pading.
 Senator Crawford offered A resolution hthorizing the committee on public Finting to employ a clerk at S5 day,
 be paid for the-days in actual service ly. Adopted.
 Senator Casey sent up resolution schai ging all the clerks of the senate bmmitIees, 10 take effect March 7t xcept the one just provided for to as- ist the committee on public printing he resolution was well discussed.
 Senator II. Davidson moved to iu- Elde the assistant janitor aud ser geant- arms. The amendment was re- cted.
 I he secretary read the following Communication:
 Mir. Pre-, ideBt--I desire through y0n
 present to the senate my resignation
 clerk of the committee on circuit anC hferior courts, to take effect March z