The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1895-04-25

HARRISBURG, Pa, April 24.-The mu.
nicipal affairs of Philadelphia are likely
to be investigated by senate commit
tee. This afternoon Senator Penrose
sprung his expected resolution in the
senate. providing for committee of
five, to be appointed by the president
pro tenn, to investigate the charges that
the councils of the Quaker City ar, in
fiuenced by powerful combinations to
obtain valuable franchises and privi-
leges without adequate compensat to
the city.
Senator Penrose made an earnest
speech in favor of tho resolution. He
said II was introduced with a desire to
investigate the workings of the new
city charter, under which Philadelphia
mas boon operating since 1885. II
abuses AMI corruptions existed under
Its operations they ought to be known
and exposed, and something should be
done to purify Philadelphia and relieve
1t OF the cloud which han ys over It. The
resolution WIS unanimously referred to
the committee on judiciary. The
presentation OF the resolution was
brought about by memorial from the
the Citizens Municipal Association. of
Philadelphia. asking for the appoint
ment OF special committee to invests
gate the executive and legislative de-
partments of Philadelphia. Senator
Osborne, OF Philadelphia, opposed the
Penrose resolution. He said the pro.
posed investigation was desired by
"Reformers" and that the only thinr
they did was to create divisions in the
Republican ranks.
Mr. Penrose replied that Senator
Osoorne's speech was nothing more
than harangue. Mr.. Osborne asked
II Mr.. Penrose meant that as an insult.
mr.. Penrose replied that while speeches
were eloquent they were nevertheless
harangues. Mr.. Osborne said with
much warmth, that II the resolution of
Mr.. Penrose was adopted he would not
hesitate much to resign his seat in the
senate as the proposed investigations
was an insult to the mayor OF Philadel.
phla and the judges OF the courts of that
city. The Offering of the resolution at
this time was wholly unexpected, and
created great sensation in official and
political circles here.
senator Penrose was an unsuccessful
aspirant for the Republican nomination
for mayor of Philadelphia, his turn
Gown at the eleventh hour in favor of
- w tei WAohS VIC lQCum@
bent, being matter Of history. Sen.
ator Penrose is regarded here as one Of
Senator Quay's represen tatives, and
after David Martin rebelled against the
leadership OF that gentleman and re-.
fused to support Senator Penroses can.
dldacy for the mayoralty IL was ru.
mored that the senator would at once
offer o resolution to investigate the
methods by which contracts and fran.
chises In Philadelphia have been dis.
tributed among certain favored persons
and corporations. This was looked for
In the latter part of February but the
matter had been allowed to hang fire SO
long that this had tho eff cot OF q bomb
she'll.
1t will be remem bered that, soon after
the defeat Of Mr.. Penrose, the Senator
arose In his place In the United States
Senate, and, without mentioning the
name OF Martin. severely arraigned that
gentleman as the paid represe NATIVE of
a corporation which had ordered the
defeat OF Mr.. Penrose. Senator Qusy is
coming here soon from Florida, and it Is
expected his early arrival hsd to do
with the Offering OF the resolution at
this time. John Wannamaker and
Thomas Donlon OF Philadelphia, were
conspicuous on the floor this afternoon,
and they were said to be working against
the resolution.
FaiI anfu