The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1895-03-15

ST. PAUL, March 5.-The legislative
rooms in the capitol looked very dreary
and lonely during the morning. In the
senate chamber Senator Howard was
the only representative Of that body
visible up to nearly noon, while the
committee rooms were entirely deserted.
The house had scarcely a quorum present
and visitors We're gladly welcome on the
floor. Speaker Van SAINT himself was
absent, business at his home in Winona
being his excuse. His place in the
chair was taken by Mr.. Johns.
After few committee reports were
read and adopted the calendar was
taken up and the following bills were
acted upon:
S. F. lS-Reiating to the incorporation
of villages. Passed.
II. f. 1910 legalize the estate sales by
executors. Passed,
II. f. 341-Appropriating money to de-
fray expenses in carrying out the provi-
sions of chap. Isl, general laws of 1891.
Passed.
II. +. 4-Relating to town insurance
companies. Passed.
II. +. 1910 regulate the employment
of children. Passed.
III. +. 135-Relating to the descent and
distribution of the estates of adopted chill
dren. Passed
II. T. 131-To encourage the use of GER
tain wagons, etc. Passed.
II. +. 334-To amend sec. 80, chap. 134,
general statutes of 1878, relating to the
adoption Of children. Passed.
III. +. 331-Relating to the terms of the
district court. Lost.
III. +. 332-To fix time of holding terms
of the district court in the county of
Roseau, Fourteenth judicial district.
Passed
III. f. 2S5-Relating to roads. Passed.
Opposed to Creating Offices.
In it's afternoon session the house, in
committee of the whole, with Mr..
Staples in the chair, first took up the
Warner bill to appoint state mineral
land agent. Mr.. Robbins supported a
motion to indefinitely postpone the bill,
arguing that the auditor was at present
qualified to do the work and that he
could and would do it. Eli Warner
thought that as shortage already ex-
listed it was time to create a special Off
Ger to look after it. All he sought,
however, was to amend the law so that
the auditor could have authority, for
Mr. Warner believed that he did
not have power. The bill was recon-
mitted to a special committee of Messrs
Warner, Robbins and Mallette to report
within three days.
Hanging Remains in Style.
On the Zier capital punishment bill a
most exciting debate arose. Henry
Johns made an imprisoned appeal to
justice and civilization, but found few
of his colleagues to agree with him.
Mr.. Littleton made an argument
against the bill on the ground that the
punishment Of death is a protection to
life that it would be very dangerous to
remove. Other members opposed the
measure and but three speeches were
made in it's favor. When vote was
taken it was recommended for indefi-
mite postponement by an almost unani-
NOUS vote.
Mr.. Littleton's bill to provide for a
revision of the general statutes, and ap-
propriating money for the expense at
taching to the work, was favorably
recommended.
Another State Office.
Mr.. Feig's "bug BILL" to establish
the Office of state entomologist, and ap-
propriating $1,000 year, if necessary,
to conduct the work of destroying de-
structive insects, went to the calendar
with favorable recommendation.
Three bills of minor Importance were
also recommended to pass.
By unanimous vote the house passed
resolution inviting Hon. Henry Wat
terson to meet and address the mem
bers. The resolution was offered by P.
II. Kelly.