The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-01-21
WASHINGTON LEGISLATURE.

The Washington legislature met
Monday at Olympia, and promptly pro-
ceeded to organize. w. H. Plummer,
of Spokane, was elected temporary
chairman Of the senate; Dudley Eshel-
man, of Spokane, secretary of the sem
ate. The election of minor employees
was proceeded with until number of
places were filled. The house was
called to order at noon by Assistant
Chief Clerk Alexander of the last ses-
sion. The election Of officers and en-
ployes followed, and G. E. Cline, Of
Whatcom, was chosen speaker, and
Judge Carusi, of Clallam, chief clerk.
A committee was appointed to test the
contested places, and the house adj
jOurned.
Lieutenat Governor Elect Daniels
will preside over the upper branch of
the legislature, beginning Immediately
after the Inauguration. Mr.. Daniels,
it is said, has been giving the senate
committees consideration ever since his
election, and it is probable that he will
be able to announce his appointments
soon after the Inauguration.
Wilson Republican, offered resolu-
ton reducing the salaries of employees
from last sessions schedule, but it was
tabled, on motion of Plummer, of Spo-
kane.
In committee of the wohle, for con-
sideration of senate bill No. /, Miller
of Walla Walla, moved to increase the
amount from $50, 900 to $50, 900. This
brought out arguments on economy,
Wilson Republican, imploring the
Populists to join with the Republicans
in their effort to meet the behest of
the people for economical administra-
ton. An effort was made to tack on
a section appropriating the necessary
sum from the tidelands fund, in order
that the members would be able to Sc
cure par on their warrants, instead of
standing the per cent discount of
other members of the state govern
ment. This, however, was omitted
from the bill, it being announced that
bill covering this feature would be
introduced subsequently. The bill was
reported back favorably.
Resolutions were offered urging that
the United States congress take action
on the Cuban question by establishing
protectorate over the island until a
Cuban government could be formed.
They were referred.
The house received communication
from Secretary Price conveying with it
notices of contested election cases of
Hardgrave VS.. Simms, in Cowlitz coun-
ty, and RAIDER VS.. Seymore, in Kitsap
county. The communication in con-
nection with the papers in each case
was referred to the special committee
appointed by Speaker Cline to consider
the different contests. In both cases
the Populist aspirant during the re-
cent campaign is contesting the seat of
his successful Republican competitor.
It is generally believed that both Popu-
lists will be seated Conservative
members, however, say that their
claims will not be considered unless
they are we'll founded.
The house committee on salaries of
officers and employees made its report.
and after lively discussion, in which
"retrenchment and reform" were freely
referretd to, it was adopted, without
amendment. The salaries affixed are
practically the same as two years ago,
with the exception of reading clerk be-
ing reduced from IS to 81 per day, and
the pages from $3.50 to 81 per day.