, 1891-01-04
PULLED THROUGH.
The D~isfgured Semi Monthly Bill
Passes the Senate Committee.
1t Was the Subject of a Fierce
Fight and Close Vote.
The Attorney General Bill Again
Knocked Out.

in the discussion OF the bill providing for
the semi-monthly payment of coal miners
in lawful money. The main champions
of the bill we're Keenan,. McGill and Rus
sell, while the opponents on the floor were
Mondell, Mccormick, Schnitger and
Woodruff. Despite all efforts of the
friends of the bill two clauses were
stricken out Of it. One stated that no
set off would be allowed against the
miners wages in favor of his employer
except for money advanced. and the other
that contracts seeking to avoid the bro
visions of the act would be void. Senator
Keenan, delivered a ringing speech. He
pictured tie condition of the miners and
showed the good that would follow the
passage of the bill. lie presented big
petitions in favor of 1t and read some
figures to show how prices had fallen since
the truck system had been abolished.
The very day after this went into effect
-four which had cost 81. 70 dropped to
1895; eggs, per case, from &c. so to 81
sugar sold twelve instead of nine pounds
for 81; soap sixteen instead OF ten bars
tor 81.
Mr.. Schnitger said the senate had passed
a bill creating the Office of mine inspector
which entailed considerable expense on
the state. He thought this sufficiently
answered the prayers of the miners tor
relief.
Mr.. Keenan, showed chat this bill
would not cost the state a cent and that
the mine inspector law had been in opera.
ton six years.
Mr.. Russell called attention to the tax
about to be placed on the coal output.
Mr.. McGill SAID that when the election
came around the miners votes we're
wanted, but what are they given in re-
turn? Nothing. Two important provi-
sions had already been stricken out Of the
bill and the bsrest justice now demanded
that it should pass. 1t was also stated
that neither the coal companies nor mer-
chants were opposed to the bill. Messrs.
Woodruff, Robins, Schnitger, Mondell,
Chamberlain. Mccormick and Tisdale
voted against a favorable recommendation
of the bill and Messrs. Keenan,, Kabis
Marx, Edwards, McGill. Williams and
Chatterton for it.
A motion to indefinitely postpone re-
ceived six votes and was lost. Mr.. Nc
ellis motion to suspend the rules for the
purpose of passing the bill was also lost.
The bill will come up on second reading
tomorrow.
The governor vetoed Mr.. Chatte rton's
chattel mortgage bill on the ground that
it opened the door to fraud and tho senate
unanimously sustained him.
SENATE PILES ON FIRST READING.
By Mr.. Marx: Repeating and re-
enacting section 1881, Revised Statutes,
relating TO the exemption of wages.
By MI. Russell: Abollshing the Office
Of state geologist.
HOUSE BILLS ON FIRST READING.
Concerning ~abstractors of title. Pro-
vlding for the condemnation and sale Of
uSSicoo othto pIOpcIl1. ITONllluR WuaL
shall be a lawful days work upon all
state and municipal works. Fixing the
terms of the supreme court and regulating
the procedure and practice therein. Con-
corning alienation of homesteads. Pro-
viding for the office of county clerk.
Providing for stay of execution in judg-
ments entered in the district courts. Pro-
yiding that defendants may give bonds in
replevin cases. Regulating the sale of
Illuminating oils and providing TOR a state
inspector.
L PASSED.
Under suspension of the rules the fol-
lowing bills were passed: The house
revenue bill. which re enacts he existing
revenue laws; allowing railroads to cross
public school lands; providing for the
acceptance of the constitution by cor
porations; submitting to a vote Of the
people a proposition to establish a home
for iriendless women and children.
KNOCKED OUT.
The marvellous bill sent out from the
house providing for the tees which county
and precinct officers shall collect and turn
into the county treasury was indefinitely
postponed.
The House.
The everlasting attorney general bill