The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-02-03

The WATSON Bill and Two 9th ers Passed
New Measures.

SENATE PRoCEEDINas.
The WATSON Bill and Two 9th ers Passed
New Measures.
OLYMPIA, Feb. 2.-[Special. 1.-The Was
son bill was passed by the senate this
morning over the veto of Acting Gov.
Taught ton by vote that indicates that
the senate as well as the house is almost
unanimously in favor Of railroad iegisla-
ton.
Senator Claypool, the chief opponent OF
the bill, said he was here to support good
legislation regardless of vetoes, but that
there is not that member of this legislation
so wise and so skillful that he could sit
down and prepare such horizontal
legislation that will DO justice to
the people of the state of Washington
on this subject. He was not in
favor of passing the bill until the senate
had an opportunity to examine into its
cOnst;tutionality. He thought other and
better measures might be presented before
the close of the session, for instance, the
bill introduced yesterday by Sergeant of
Pierce, which, however. he had not had an
opportunity to examine.
Senator Kinnear thought that the time
was coming when all questions regulating
railroads would be settled by a commits
sion. but that time was not yet, and he
was of the opinion that even though the
Wasson bill was not as broad and as COM
prehensive as 1t might be, 1T would not be
unreasonable TO grant the people east Of
the mountains the relief necessary for
their business. and while this bill does
not reach everywhere il reaches far
enough, he thought, to meet the require
ments of the times. There was no ques-
ton in his mind as to the Constitutional
ity of passing the bill over the veto. The
construction of each preceding legislature
was that they had that right. He con-
sidered that this was the best bill on the
subject, and in fact the only one we have
had. and that if another and better bill
comes up this one can be repealed.
Senator Eshelman, Of Yakima, said:
None OF us are fully satisfied that this bill is
Just what we want, but Ii has been fully and
thoroughly discussed. It passed both houses
and received the signatures of the presiding
officers. The people of Eastern Washington
feel that 1t 10 what they want, and shall sup
port it
McCroskey of Whitman. tho author Of
the bill, reviewed the merits Of the meas
ure, refuted adverse comments, and urged
upon the members that its passage did
not preclude tho enactment Of any other
or better measure.
Frink of King said it was incompre-
hensible to him, how the acting governor
could decide that the bill was unconstitu-
tional, and for this senate not to pass the
bill would indicate that il was opposed to
railroad legislation and the interests Of
the people.
Sergeant of Pierce thought the objec.
tions of the acting governor were we'll
founded. "While the bill may possibly
not be unconstitutional it certainly is dis
eliminating" he said. "If the railroads
are discriminating and We cannot get a
bill broad enough, and comprehensive
enough. that will be fair and equitable to
every industry in the state, we had better
not pass any,"
Senator Brown, Of Kitsap, said:
When the anti-Pinkerton bill was before the
senate, l had some doubts as TO il, but voted
for 1: because believed it was the best that
could be had, and it Is for precisely the same
reason that favor the present bill.
Senator Belknap, of Spokane, stated
that while he was generally considered
conservative as railroad legislator,
he believed the Wasson bill was
a step in the right direction. It would not
interfere with further legislation.
Senator Miller. of Walla Walla, said
the people of his district were not entirely
satisfied with the bill, and would like ons
making even greater reduction. 1t is
matter outside of politics, and one in
which Democrats and Republicans alike
seek relief.
Senator Dyer said:
dislike to differ with the governor a. to tho
cousttutionalty of this bill, but / must insist
that this is not class legislation. am told
that tho farmers east of the mountains have
their granaries full of wheat, and yet they are
suffering. They need relief from the present
freight rates We are here 10 represent the peo-
pie, and IL there is any question as the consti-
tutional.ty OF the law, let the courts pass upon
IL afterward. / deem the bill 70 he right and
reasonable, and shall vote for IL.
Senator Claypool made a last appeal in
support of the veto, and endeavored to
convince the supporters of the bill that il
was simply question of locality, and that
after the people of Eastern Washington
had been satisfied further railroad legisla-
ton in the interests Of other parts of the
state would be out of Il e question.
Smith of Whitman resented the iusinua.
ton with an outburst OF oratory. brief but
breezy, never before equaled in the senate
chamber.
McCroskey reminded the members that
fl8 " as mere W isEi5idtc tIic W HOie state
OF Washington. and so was every other
senator, and urged them. in con-
scentlous performance OF their duties, to
vote for the bill. Upon roll call there
were 80 ayes and 4 nays, Senators Claw
pool, Cooper. Sergeant and Van Houten
voting in the negative, and the presidents
declared the bill passed, notwithstanding
the veto.
Upon the call for reports from standing
committees the judiciary committee mads
q report:
Recommending the passage Of aenate bill M
p, regulating special proceedings OF a civil na-
tlre, and of senate bill No. &c. amending the
code Ia relation - notarics public. and recon-
mending indennits postpouenent Of senate biu
No. e, proy!ding for towpshtp organI za,ion IN
the various counties OF the state: and OF seuats
bill No. 10. emitting the Judgment debtor Or
and profits OF any real estate or buildings Of
which he Is owner during the time allowed By
law for the redemption of real estate iro.a ex-
ecgtiye sale.
Senate bill No. 80. providing for the ap-
pointment OF a pubic administrator. was
laid on the table, and senate bill 40. -
xas passed. TIE latter bill regulates tbs
registration of voters and compeis citizens
to make afiidayi,s that they are citizens
OF the United States. and provides PEN
atty of from one TO five years for perjury.
There were 32 yeas and nay.
.a.tl