The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1893-04-05

y
at 10 O'Clock with Senator Kearby
president pro tenn. in the chair.
After prayer by Chaplain Briggs as
follows the senate proceeded to bust
ness:
Our Father, may we approach Thee
this morning grateful for the gift of
new workday, and for the hours of
refreshing slumter that have prepar-
ed us for it's duties. May we enter
upon our work as men who desire dill
gently and reverently to do Thy will.
Feed the fires of our strength, enlarge
our vision of the truth, and teach US
how to live and labor in Drawn and
manly fashion. To that end we ac-
knowledge Thy power and supremacy
and humbly place ourselves in Thy
keeping. Guide and guard us now
and always. Amen.
Senator Bowser introduced con-
current resolution looking to The in
vestigation of the Australian system
of registration of land titles by five
commissioners appointed by the gov
ernor, who shall make their report
to be submitted to the next legisla-
ture. Referred.
Senator Agnew offered resolution
reciting that as there are a great many
mistakes in the names CT the notaries
sent in by the governor, the senate go
into executive session on the appoint
ment on Saturday at ii q. M, instead
OF today Tuesday, at IL q. M, as
previously ordered. Adopted.
The chair stated that the question
penang when the senate adjourned
was the motion to order the previous
question GU the house railroad bond
bill and the amendments. The mo-
ton was defeated.
Senator Dean Offered an amendment
SO as to limit the issue of bonds tor
railroads to be constructed to 80 per
cent of the whole value of the prop
erty and the franchises.
Senator Dean said he represented a
section of the state west OF the Pecos
river that has yet to be developed by
railroads. Many of these counties
were mountainous and the cost of con-
struction would be greater than in
other parts of the state. He quoted
from Walter Gresham of Galveston
that the bill would have no effect upon
the bonds of existing railroads, but
would stop railroad building in the
state. A few years ago the rate on
lumber to that section was II 12 cents
per foot, and groceries to Fort Davis
cost cent per pound. These figures
were quoted to show the Importance
of railroads to that section. Many of
the counties remain inaccessible as at
present, if this bill becomes law.
Every mile of railroad built added
that much to the taxable values of the
state.
Senator Imboden moved to table
the amendment. Carried.
Senator Lewis said he had under
stood that he had been excused this
morning on account of important bus
mess. He had been late at breakfast
and had not asked or authorized any
one to have him excused.
Senator Steele said he thought an
effort would be made to defeat the
bond bill by call of the senate, as
had been attempted on Monday and
he had moved to have the senator eX-
cused, though he had not been re.
quested by him to do so.
Senators Agnew and Imboden sal
such motions were common although
not requested by the absentee.
Senator Lewis wanted to know OF
Senator Steele who informed him that
he Lewis) was absent, but he got no
response.
The motion to excuse the senator
from Bexar was then reconsidered
and withdrawn.
Senator Imboden then moved
a call of the senate on the bill and 1t
was ordered, the call showing no one
absent.
Senator Imboden said Senator Nc
Comb was just in receipt of telegram
announcing the death of q member OF
his family and he moved that he be
excused from further attendance to-
day. Carried.
Senator Lewis offered to amend the
section providing that mo bond or
other evidences of debt hereafter is
sued by or under the authority of any
person, firm or corporation, court or
railroad company" whereby a lien Is
created on its property or franchises
shall be valid until registered, so that
the words "person, firm, corporation,
courtn shall be stricken out. Lost.
Senator oakum amended so that
this provision shall not apply to re-
ceiver's certificates not to exceed
100000 Adopted.
Senator Lewis amended SO as to
make it necessary for CON
viction for negotiating bonds
issued in violation of this
act, that it shall be done with
knowledge of such fraud" Adopted.
Senator Lewis offered an amend
ment so as to strike out the provision
that the venue of criminal cases aris-
ing under the act shall be fixed either
in Travis county or in the county in
which the principal office of the rail-
way company is located. He argued
that the general law fixing the venue
ought to govern in cases arising under
this bill. The amendment was lost,
ayes s, nays Is.
Senator Simpson offered an amend
ment to strike out part of the emer'
gency clause which reads as follows:
| HWhereas. securities issued in VIC.