The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-08-03
GOSSIP OF TIE LAWMAKERS.

The Legislature and the -Onvict Sys-
tem--Little Talk of Adjournment.
Representative Clifton is chairman of
the penitentiary committee of the House.
He says the members of the committee are
scattered over the state inspecting the
eighteen convict camps.
Mr.. Clifton says the legislature is deter
mined to break up the convict lease system
as it is at present conducted. 1t is the in-
tention to compel the lessees to work IA the
convicts in the penitentiary according to
the terms of their lease, and not allow
them to be scattered over the state as at
present Such action would compel a diff
ferent mode Of working the convicts alto
gether.
MIR. Clifton says politics are talked good
deal in the legislature, which is almost to a
man opposed 60 Cleveland on account Of his
anti-free silver views. Hill has only a few
friends ia the legislature, and the majority
favor a western man.
Mai. Ryals was sitting on bis porch when
seen by a MORNING NEWS reporter. enjoy
ing the fresh air with couple of staunch
friends, who had heard Of his arrival, and
came around to talk with him.
The question when will the legislature ad-
journ was asked.
"Aboat burnin' bresh time" replied the
major with chuckle. "Burnin' bresh
time, you know, is very indefnite period
in alliance phraseology. It's any time be-
tween now and Christmas"
"You see the cotton crop is not going to
be so short after all, and as the price IS so
low it doesn't matter much whether the
cotton is picked or not, and the farmers
had just as soon stay in Atlanta and draw
their o. day"
Maj. Ryals has considerable local legisla-
tion on hand. He has received favorable
lNrN<u ID
county treasurers to So 900 per an
mum, and the bill win in all probability be
passed. There has been no opposition
manifested so far. The bill applies to all
county treasurers in the state. All fees of
the Office over So, 900 are to be converted to
the public school fund of the COUNTIES A
new clause has been added providing that
the bill shall not go into effect during the
term Of Office Of the present incumbents
Maj. Ryals' life saving bill" will also 90
through. The bill to shut down on the
ticket scalpers is creating considerable dis
cussion. but will probably pass
Maj. Ryals said that some things which
have been published about his bill to
further punish liquor dealers violating the
laws for the regulation of the traffic by de-
prlving them Of their license, may mislead
the people as to his motives in presenting It,
He said that after the intention of the bill
had been made public, the Liquor Dealers
Association of Savannah. at a special
meeting, Endorsed it's intent and pur-
pose and appointed a special committee
to wait upon him and notify him of
the associations support. When the
bill came up for consideration in
the legislature the liquor dealers associa-
ton sent on their counsel to Atlanta to urge
its adoption. The position of the LIQUOR
dealers was that it was TO their interest in
every way to prevent illegal liquor selling.
MIR. Clifton of Savannah and Capt. Gil
bert of Columbus cast the only two votes
against the bill
Mai. Ryals says th9several road bills in
troduced are now in the hands of the com
mittee, and good bill may be evolved from
the number He does not favor the Bour-
quin road bill introduced by Nr. Clifton.
He thinks It would be a good one for most
counties of the state, but not for Chatham,
where health is paramount. The Bourquin
bill provides that convicts shall be used for
road work only, and for no other purpose
This would deprive Chatham county of the
services of the convicts for drain
age purposes, which Mai. RIVALS re-
CARDS as of more Importance 10 this
county than roads He will demonstrate TO
the legislature the advantage that has &C
crued to Chatham county through drain
age. He thinks the conVicts should be used
for road work, drainage and other purposes
of public use.
Maj. Ryels is greatly impressed with Pat
Calhoun and is delighted at the interest he
has taken in Savannah.
q. F. Prendergast accompanied Messrs
Clifton and Ryals on their return to Atlanta
asst night to appear before the committee in
opposition to the Whitfield bill, which
ZONES up this week.