Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-02
LOTS OF NEW LAWS
introduced Yesterday by Members of
the Ohio Legislature.
SOME BALLOT LAW AMENDMENTS
To Prevent the Loss of So Many thousand
Votes Next Time.
THE REGULATION OF RAILROAD RATES

rsPkoIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DISPATCH,
COLUMBUS, O., Feb. 1.-The election last
fall demonstrated the necessity of several
changes in the Australian law. Over 80, 900
voters lost their franchise through the i'm
perfect marking of tickets. Perhaps of this
number one-half were straight tickets in
validated by reason of the mark being
placed in the wrong position. To guard
against these mistakes is the object of bill
by Mr.. Fisher, of Preble. The measure
contains several other important amend
ments to the law. In the first place, it re-
lieves hamlets and villages not divided into
wards, from the operation of the law, and
fixes the pay of clerks and judges at 50
day. 1t then provides against any margin
for the ticket and places circle at the
head of the ticket, in which the cross is to
be placed.
Two bills of great importance to the peo-
pie of the State and to the railroads were
introduced by Mr.. Griffin, of Lucas, in the
House. One of these requires stockholders
in railroads who institute action in case of
consolidation to apply to courts of the State
in which the company is incorporated. Mr.
Griffin says this is intended to protect the
courts of the State from the advantage
taken by foreign companies and stockhold-
ers who use Ohio courts at the expense of
the people for litigation which should be
conducted in other States
Reduced Freight Rates by Law.
The second bill reduces the maximum
freight rate to be charged in the State from
cents ton per mile to 8 cents. In 1890
the average freight rate charged in the
State was one-half cent per mile, so the
charge as generally applied cuts no figure.
1t is to prevent extortion on short hauls,
where tine railroad has no competition and
fixes such price as it chooses.
Representative Workman to-day intro
duced his bill changing the school system
as applied to townships The bill abol-
ishes sub-district boards, and creates town.
ship boards of education, to consist of one
member from each sub-district.
A measure recommended by the State
Board of Health became law, so tar as
the House is concerned, this evening. 1t
makes the creation of health boards in
cities or towns having more than 500 in
habitants compulsory, and gives the Coun-
ellis Of said villages and cities the right of
selecting persons, irrespective of their pro-
fession. as members of the board.
Mr.. Shaw launched bill in the Senate
which will create breeze among insurance
companies doing business in the State shall
issue paid-up policies to individuals after
two full annual premiums have been paid
thereon. 1t takes effect after January 1,
1898. The present law provides that such
companies shall issue paid-up insurance
after three full premiums have been paid.
Mr.. Shaw's bill reduces it to two full pay
ments, thereby securing to individuals
pro ratum of the amount of their policies in
case they are unable to make third pay
ment The net value of the policy shall not
be affected and remains in fore the same as
the original policy.
A Precaution Against Bribery.
Mr.. Wanzer, of Logan county, proposes
to look after any bribe-offerers in future
Senatorial contests. and has introduced a
bill amending section 5000 A, by providing
that whoever attempts, either by request or
to influence, for himself or for
another, the choice of any member or mem-
bers of the General Assembly, after the
date of their election to the same, for or
against any person or candidate mentioned
or proposed for election to the United
States Senate, shall be fined for each and
every ofense not less than 5000 nor more
than $500. A person convicted under this
section is disqualified from holding any
public Office of trust or profit under the au-
thority of this State for five years there
after, and if at the time holding such posi-
tion, he shall be removed from office or en-
ployment by order of court. The act takes
effect from and after its passage
Senator McConica introduced joint reso-
luton which will bring the question of
permanent encampment to focus. 1t pro-
vides for abolishing the State Encampment
at Newark, and further, to recompense the
oeAple of Licking countv for all erpansea
incurred in obtaining the land, ETC., for the
Another Congressional redistricting bill
was offered, which gives the Republicans Is
and the Democrats districts.