The Bryan daily eagle. (Bryan, Tex.) 1895-1898, 1897-07-02

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tllllf ILL., the world In gem
%sS9Ss : :saa., S az a., . ~, ~: ",
Sr.FSi(esa nclentiy Wide field
IESiFs4-~ In their own vlcln-
N lty they invade leg
islatures, try with
eli their might 10 push bills through.
curtalling rights and privileges, and
interfere with public conyenienoes.
Very Frequently these bills are smoth-
cred at their first presenting. Many Of
them are too ridiculous even 10 be read
in public: others come In and are treat
ed as Jokes, while scores and probably
hundreds are too absurd 10 be consld-
cred even for a moment
During the present year there has
been an unusual amount OF crank legis-
lation and any quantity Of folly perpe-
trated Ia the name OF law-making.
A bill was presented 10 the legisla-
ture OF one Of the eastern states max
ing Il a criminal oifense for women 70
wear bloomers for bicycle riding. Some
years ago there was a great hue and
cry because women wore Mother Hub
bard dresses on the streets. They could
wear Mother Hubbard cloaks or Jack
cts. but not dresses. and there was a
great deal Of wonderment at the differ
ence.
A bill forbiddlng the wearing Of cor
sets was recently killed by the legis-
lature Of a western state. Among the
ahsurdly funny bills that have been
presented In committees was one 10
compel young people 10 marry or pay a
fine: also one taxing bachelors. An
other provided pension for old maids
the same 10 accumulate as a dowry
The object Of this was 10 make Il an
object for some man 10 marry the
young woman on account Of the little
cash she possessed.
A crank wantea a bin passed max
ing Il a criminal offense for a bald
headed man In the front row Of seatl
In a theater 10 wear a skull cap. and
attempts at legislation on theaier hat
are too recent TO need recalling. Law
makers have struggled with propose,
enactments forblddlng hazlng. and ye
students haze" whenever and wher
ever they will. Football has come II
for some attention In law-making cir
cles. Now Il has been % limit m
game. and again 10 compel the mem
bers 20 cut their hair. Some years az
A bin was placed In the hands OF
member Of congress. making Il an Of
Tense punishable by hne and imprisou
ment for a woman 10 wear her hal
shingled Another crank tried TO foi
bid the wearing Of bangs Shoes wit
very pointed toes came In for a simlla
attention. and high heels were n,
overlooked when this crazy work vi
IN progress.
: A number Of bills have been drafts
n which were evidently suggested by q
a. blue laws. To forbid aud 10 punil
alrtlng was the purpose Of one emu
ion. and another sought to restral
young men and maldens from driviT
= after nightiall. probably lest they a.
J. 'unbeknownst" 20 the Mrs. Grund!
/, and Mr.. Meddlesomes Of their sever
communities.
!. To authorize a committee to scle
certain number OF marriageat
= young women and provide Maria
IA portions Tor them from money rails
I. by taxing rich bachelors vas a favor
~ idea Of one happily married resident
=, a locality where there were a numb
~ OF rich bachelors and pretty girls "
a. could not. 20 an appearances. come
~ matrimonial terms.
h A bit OF legislation that would Ia
an been much commended II Il had q,
~ ceeded was a bill 10 prevent the ser
ing OF flowers TO convicted felons. I
number Of women OF unwholesome a
mawkish sentiments who make a pr
,lce Of sending bouquets to men y
have murdered their wives has Il
been an occasion OF disgust 10 sensl
people. Beginning with the purest q
tives. that OF offering spiritual con
iation to prisoners under sentence
death. the practice Of visiting g
demned criminals has become. thro,
misuse and mlfconeeption OF
IN proper intent and purpose Of q
u visits. a reproach 10 the persons '
u are most nearly concerned. and
y shame to the communities where 81
| foollshness IL INDUCED In. Laws !
7 hlhlting the visits OF other than
4 families or spiritual counselors wo
q save much NJ feeling and open 4,
' grace. The legislature o. the ~
state OF New York has made a rec
for itself by trying to pass a law
bidding the printing Of the picture
a person without having hrsi
talned the owners consent Thu
wv Just about a. senseiess as the Il
rostai bill. which was as bad a pl
Of postal legislation as Il was possl
TO propose.