The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-02-01

Senate bill No. passed the upper
house of the legislature yesterday by
a vote of 13 to 4.
This. as is well known, is the fire and
police bill which was introduced by
Senator Sutherland.
The bill did not pass without a strug-
gle. The opponents of the measure
tried in every way possible to secure
delay and failing in this attempted 10
talk the senate into trance. They
very nearly succeeded.
Senators Jones and Warner led the
fight against the bin ana although con-
fronted with the certainty Of defeat
they labored as hard as if victory
could be achieved. There will be no
bill pass the senate this session which
viii meet the opposition this one met
Both senators spoke at length upon
the bill. Jones was not choice in his
manner of talk either. Warner made
a very vigorous argument.
DILATORY TACTICS.
The opponents Of the measure began
a system of dilatory tactics at the
opening.
Warner moved to postpone the con-
sideration of senate bill No. 8, for one
week. The mayor and the majority
of the city council have petitioned for
delay in order that a bill now being
prepared might be introduced. Jones
seconded the motion.
Sutherland declared the petition was
not good grounds for delay. The city
council at an open meeting had declin-
ed to memoria.lize the senate on this
point
Booth asked for the reading Of the
petition which developed the fact that
it was signed by the mayor and eleven
members Ct the council, together with
other members of the city government.
Booth said if any new light could be
had he would favor delay. He would
like to see the new bill and was willing
the consideration of the measure should
go over; there was no reason why it
should be rushed through.
Evans thought this q novel proceed
ing. The bin has been under cOnsjd-
Grafton two weeks and now delay is
asked. on general principles the bill
should go to a finish.
Sutherland opposed delay. The new
Dllls IL II CdlI leu Oul. ilIG JIduS OI the
mayor, was impracticable. Placing one
man at the head of both the depart
ments was not possible. In the event
of a riot or fire he would have to tear
himself apart in order to do his duty.
Senator Glen Miller inclined to think
the average member believed new
bill could be drawn in fifteen minutes.
The mayor could not get the informa-
ton contained in his message until last
TUESDAY IF bfc enc
which can be crystalized into BILL the
senate should wait
Chidester opposed the motion. Now
is the proper time to discuss and vote.
Jones was not surprised that the ac-
tive advocates Of the bill Gid not want
delay. The petition, however, merits
consideration as it contemplates a re
ductlon OF expenses. Certainly no man
can look at the statement Of the mayor
without being impressed with the need
OF retrenchment 1t is a courtesy due
the city council that its PRAYER bs
heard, in view Of the courtesies which
have been extended in the shane of
free quarters without charge. The
truth is the advocates of the bill are
afraid Of public sentiment.
Allison objected TO the constant use
of incorporate language by the lead
ers Of the opposition to the bill. The
senate is not afraid of public opinion:
it courts it. Public opinion is divided
on this question. The criticisms offered
by the opponents OF the bin are i'll
timed in this respect. SO far as he was
concerned in the matter he feared no
public sentiment in Salt Lake CITY or
in Ogden He proposed to vote as he
deemed right and do the will Of his
constituents.
Booth argued for delc : by saying he
wanted light He noticed on the petf-
ton asking for the repeal Of the law
as it stands and protesting against the
passage of the proposed measure. the
names Of men in high standing. He
wanted a chance to see them and hear
their reasons for signing the same
The motion to POSTPONE was fban
lost, ayes 8, noes g The chair voted
in the negative.
THE BATTLE OPENS.
Senator Warner in advocating the
defeat Of the measure, said he he
heved in local self government tho
dearest principle in a republic He
believed the people have the right to
elect the officers which govern them.
This bill takes away that right. to a
certain extent. The chiefs are resnor-
sible to the board; the board to the
mayor and council and the latter to
the people, an intricate system and
one where the people are debarred
from acting in their sovereign right.
This city might be infested with in
competent and vicious officers, yet a
term of years must elapse ere any
changes can be wrought, if the men
In authority choose otherwise
The bill is ingeniously drawn. 1t
seems to be solely for the purpose Of
perpetuating the present incumbents
in Office. The bill is vicious in this
shat the people do not want it. It has
been charged that saloon men have
signed this petition when this is not
true. There is sentiment against
this bill. Members of the supreme