The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-04-18
A CRUSH OF CASES IN COURT.
FLORIDA's LAWMAKERS REFUSE
To GRANT RELIEF.

The Bill Providing for a mission
of Three Members indefinitely
POstponed-senatOr BrOOme's VAL
ued Policy Insurance Bill Defeated
in the senate-A Number of New
Bills Introduced in Both the SEN
ate and House.
Tallahassee. Fla. April 17-AlmOst the
entire morning session in the House was
occupied IN the discussion OF a bill for the
relief of the supreme court by the APP
pointment Of commission Of three and
the debate was characterized by the same
arguments heard here on a similar oc-
casion two years ago. The court is over
900 cases behind on its docket, and with
out assistance Of some sort Is likely to re-
main so indefinitely. The measure natu-
rally had the support Of all the lawyers
on the floor. while the farming element
was firm in its opposition to a bin which
would add $4,000 to the expenses Of the
state. Messrs. Clarke and Sullivan made
the strongest speeches in favor of the
measure, the former pointing out the
evils of the present system, and the inn
possibility OF removing them by any other
means.
The opposition was led by Mr.. Gilchrist
Of De Soto, who, in earnest language. op-
posed the expense.
DR.. Gaskins also opposed the bill in a
strong speech. and declared that the real
source of the trouble was the disposition
Of lawyers to pile up unnecessary testi-
mony in the court. He believed the evil
could best be obviated by placing before
the justices only such evidence as bore
directly upon the case
Mr.. Gilchrist moved indefinite postpone
ment of the bill, which. after some parlia-
mentary sparring, was agreed to.
Among the new bills introduced were the
following:
One to regulate the duties OF county
surveyors.
One to provide for the relief of school
teachers and require county treasurers
70 make monthly reports to the superin-
tendents of education and authorizing the
borrowing OF money to pay such teachers.
One relating TO Limitation of bank depos
Its and one TO protect negro teachers and
prohi biting white and negro children be-
ing taught in The same schools.
The committee on education made en-
adverse report on the bill providing for
free text books.
The bill amending the law relative to
the qualifications Of JURORS and their Sc
lection, and that for supplying deficiencies
IN Juries was passed and the House adj
1ourned for the day.
The morning session in the Senate was
devoted to discussion of the special ord r.
Of the day, Senator Broome's bill relat-
ing to fire insurance policies, prescribing
rules OF evidence and the measure Of
damage in case of loss.
The debate on this measure, better
known as the valued policy bill. drew z
large crowd and insurance agents were
much In evidence. MIR. Broome made a
long argument in support of the bill and
was followed by Messrs. Williamson.
tenor Of the speeches was that those VINO
paid premiums for insurance in a certain
sum should receive that sum in the event
of loss and that those who did not re-
ceive the full face value Of their policy
had paid for more than they got
Messrs. Hartridge, Adams Darby and
substance the ground that such measures
would put a premium upon dishonesty
and raise the cost OF insurance.
Mr.. Adams moved 10 amend the bill by
striking out all after the enacting clause
which provided food for more talk. but
the bill was doomed and the amendment
was finally adopted.
A number of senators received tele-
grams from home urging them to oppose
the bill
Among the bills introduced during the
morning session were the following:
A memorial for the improvement of
Ambrose Sound. which was put on third
reading.
One compelling debts for labor to be paid
In bankable currency.
One regarding notice Of the sale of prop
erty levied on.
One to regulate party primaries.
One granting lands to the Fernandina
and Western railroad.
The Senate reconVened at o'clock and
took up bills on second reading.
A report issued by the comptroller shows
the number of national banks in the state
TO be seventeen, with a capital stock of
81. 10000. and an assessed valuation of
$3.50, 402; and twenty state banks with a cap
ital stock of $627 $50, and an assessed val
uation of S23S71
The Fletcher Hartridge contest was be-
fore the committee to-day. Mr.. Fletcher
appearing in person and citing authorities
in defense of his position. The case comes
up in the Senate tomorrow, as does that
of ex-Sherin Broward.