The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-03-13
CARb BILL PASSES HOUSE
The Measure Excites a Lively Debate
on the Final Vote.
SUPERIOR COURT OF APPEALS
Matter Considered in the Scnatc-Bilis to
Provide Imprisonment Of Persons Sen.
fenced to Pay Costs in Criminal
Cases Lack Requisite Majority.
Special to the Scranton Tribune.

Special to the Scranton Tribune.
Harrisburg, March 12.-The Smith
bill making it misdemeanor for any
teacher to wear religious garb or in
sigma in the public schools passed the
final stage today in the house. The
unanimity with which the measure
passed was a surprise to its most san
guine friends. only 26 votes being re-
corded against it to 15l for It, The
most intense interest was manifested in
the proceedings, and for the first time
this session the gallery and floor of the
house was crowded with spectators.
Conspicuous among the visitors Were
President Huth, of the Patriotic Order
Sons of America, and members of the
legislative committees of the Junior Or
der of United American Mechanics and
other patriotic societies.
At the last moment certain alleged
friends of the measure tried to kill 1t
by endeavoring to have it sent back to
committee. During the debate on the
bill Il conference was held in Speaker
Walton's room between the speaker and
certain other members Of the house.
Mr.. Smith, of Philadelphia by whom 1t
was introduced, was called into the con-
ference and asked to agree to have the
bill recommitted. He refused, and
when a motion to this effect was offered
subsequently by Mr.. Moore, of Brad
ford, the Philadelphia member called
the attention of the friends of the bill
to the fact that this was move to kill
1t, and warned them against voting for
such d motion. The motion was de-
feated by ll9 to Gl. Dick Quay is here
today and the story is that his mission
is to oppose the measure. 1t is said
Senator Quay does not want it to be-
come law and that it was at the in
stance of young Quay that the confer
ence was held in the speakers room.
The most novel scene ever witnessed
In the house was during the debate
on the bill After Mr.. Long, of York,
had spoken against it as unwise, unjust
and un-American, Mr.. Spangler, of
Cumberland, was recognized. He de-
MED that the bill was un-American. He
said it was written on an American
typewriter, was introduced by thor
oughbred American and that it was
American from top to bottom. Mr..
Spangler followed with his speech,
which appears in the Legislative
INtCOlu DIS having Detll utllN tIcu last
Wednesday, when the bill was under
consideration on second reading. Upon
approaching his peroration he took
from his desk small American flag
which he waved above his head. This
caught the house instantly, and had not
Speaker Walton directed Spangler to
put it away, it would have provoked
cheers. Mr.. Walton explained to the
member from Cumberland that a dem
onstration such as he had made was
unnecessary and would not be per-
mitted. Mr. Spangler attempted to
protest, but the speaker called him to
time by vigorous rap of his gavel on
his desk and he was ordered to cOntine
himself to the question before the
house. Mr.. Spangler put away his lit
tie flag with much reluctance and con-
cluded his remarks.
Mr.. Seyfert's Speech.
Mr. Seyfert, of Lancaster made a long
speech in opposition to the BILL which he
claimed was taking the nation back two
centuries to the witchcraft period. 1t
was disgrace to the civilization Of the
age and notorious, wanton and pOis-
on-ladened bill. He hoped the legis-
iature would follow that of New Jersey
and kill the bill. Mr.. Seyfert said there
was not a member of the house who
votes for the bill but that will not be
ashamed of his vote before ten years
rolls around. He declared he had been
threatened by members of the patriotic
orders because of his opposition to it,
and gave notice that he would not be
1,ll5nunl hy rnTnipp "A tEp 1ppiSla -
ture withs demogogic measures which
were harmful to the public schools.
He then read the oath of the American
Protective Association. This brought
Mr.. Focht, of Union to his feet with a
protest that Mr.. Seyfert's remarks
should be confined to the bill and not
to outside matters.
Mr.. Martin, of Lawrence, spoke In
favor of the bill. He denied the right
of any church to go into the public
schools and teach the doctrines of its
faith by object lessons such as the
habiliments of nuns. Mr.. Martin
thought sectarianism should be kept
out of the schools.
Mr.. OMalley, of Lackawanna, took
Mr. Spangler to task for his statement
'that that man Harrity" had met three
priests to consult with them about the
plank In the platform of the last Dem
ocratic state convention directed
against the patriotic orders.
81 did not say such thing" w
O'Malley-The speaker did say so.
Spangler-I said that had read that
ne had.
OMalley-I am a member Of the
Ca Ito ~, nd I hat
never knew priest to take hand in
politics. think the gentleman should
be compelled to give the names OF
priests to whom he refers. 1t is only
fair to the house that this be done.
Mr.. Spangler made no reply to this
Mr.. Bolles, of Philadelphia, spoke
against the penalty clause. He argued
that there was a strong sentiment In
the state for the first section of the bill
I'd 1t should be placed upon the statute
boks, but 1t was not wise, conserva
vive or fair for Pennsylvania to add tC
1t such penal clause as this. 1t was
as unnecessary as unwise, as the bill
without it would accomplish its pur
. pose. He said he could not vote for the
bill with this penalty clause attached.
Mr.. Ritter of Philadelphia, warned
the house to take a conservative par
in this, the first step ever taken in the
direction to which the bill looked. H'
also declined to vote for 1t unless thu
penal clause was stricken out.
On the final passage of the bill tn,
vote shows that as many Democrat!
voted for It as against.
senate Committee Favors Farr Bill.
The senate education committee ha'
reported favorably the Farr compulso
ry education bill.