The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-09

congress for submission of an amendment
10 the Federal constitution for a direct
vote by the people, evoked loud applause.
Again, his remarks on an appropriation
Tor the Worlds fair seemed TO be in exact
accord with the sentiments OF the legisla-
ture. When Governor Laughton con-
GUIDED he received much congratulation
upon the thorough, exhaustive and inter-
esting manner in which he treated all the
SUBJECTS under review. The general ex-
preston tonight is that the message is
timely and statesmanike. Many of the
recommendations viii no doubt be acted
upon. All are entitled TO serious consider
alton.
1t will be noticed that the governor fa-
vors opening up anew the matter of the
disposal of the lands of the state uniyer-
sity. He pronounces for most liberal en-
oowment OF the institution, but be is anx-
lous to know the exact status of its affairs
and of the heritage given by the state.
One other matter of particular importance
that Is already being discussed by the
members is the recommendation to reduce
the state tax from to 21s mills. 1t ap-
pears that Washington's rate is now as low
or lower than any other Western state ex.
cept Montana, but the governor is of the
opinion that the needs of the state can be
fully met by even lower rate.
The Farmers Alliance has begun its rail-
road fight. Today Hutchinson of Lincoln
introduced bill to create a railroad and
transportation commission, and Ii will be
followed by another tomorrow 70 regulate
freights and fares. The commission bill is
based upon the bill drawn by William
j. Gavigan, of Seattle. 1t creates a rail-
road and transportation commission of
the state of Washington, to consist of three
members, who shall be elected by the peo-
pie for two years each. The commission
shall have power and it shall be their duty
to establish rates of charges for the trans
portation of passengers and freight by
railroad or other transportation companies;
to examine the books, records and papers
OF transportation companies; to hear and
determine complaints against railroad
companies, etc. a railroad corpora
ton or transportation company
which shall fail or refuse to
conform to such rates as
shall be established by such commission
ers, or shall charge rates in excess thereof,
shall be fined not exceeding $4,000 for
each offense. In all controversies, civil or
criminal, the rates of fares and freights es-
tablished by the commission shall be
deemed conclusively just and reasonable.
In every action for damages the plaintiff
may recover both actual and exemplary
damages. The salary of each commissioners
shall be 5000 per annum, the salary of the
secretary $1,000 and the salary of the bailiff
$1,000. The bill prescribes in detail the
manner of procedure of the commission in
the conduct of its business.
The bill which Hutchinson will intro
duce tomorrow places the grain rate at I
cent per ton per mile. and passenger fares
at cents per mile.
A very awkward complication arose in
the House this morning through the haste
OF that body in adjourning. Governor
Laughton was ready to read his message,
and the precipitate action of the House
nearly prevented it. In the afternoon,
however, the House re-assembled, and the
record was so Strengthened that 1t should
appear that a mere recess had been taken
till afternoon. The House likewise made
another break in beginning its business
before ii had announced itself ready to re-
ceive any messages or communications
bills should not have been permitted until
the message had been delivered. No dis
courtesy was meant to the governor, of
course, but to say the least the ethics of
legislative proceedings were violated.
Candy got In the first bill. It's purpose
is to relieve the much-burdened taxpayer
and extend the time of payment of taxes
nf1 Toyr 10
and to remit the penalties already in
CURED by delinquent taxpayers. If, how
ever, the taxes due January are not paid
before March !, they shall bear interest
from the date at which they are now de-
linquent. Sharpstein followed close on
Gandy's heels with similar bill, extend
ing the time of the payment of taxes until
April /. Sharpstein's bill RENTS to the
taxpayer both the 10 per cent. penalty and
the interest. A debate as to the constitu-
tionality of the bills followed introduction.
Plummer claimed that they were special
legislation, in that they extended the time
of the payment of taxes specially provided
by the constitution. But Sharpstein,
Candy, Snively, Ready and others dis
puted this position and declared that the
bills were not in the nature of special leg
islation, because they related to no partic-
ular person or locality, but affected the
whole state. The bills were referred to a
special committee.
Taking advantage of the disagreement
OF the commission for the location of the
state agricultural college and school of sci
ence, Berry today introduced a bill to
locate the institution at Waterville, Doug
las county. The House can make no moro
serious mistake than opening up again the
agricultural college matter. It was the
cause of long and t1resome fight last ses-
sion, and the matter ought to be left to
new commission if the old cannot recon-
cile its differences.
Dysart's bill to prescribe the duties OF
county attorneys merely adapts the old
law for prosecuting attorneys to the new
system.
IN THE SENATE.
Election OF Subordinate Onicers-The