The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1897-05-06

Probabilities That the Measure VIII
BE So Changed as to Make 1t Inef-
fective-The Defeat OF the Pool Sell
ing Bill-Prison Reform Measures.
Especial Correspondence.)
Harrisburg, May Notwithstanding
the frequent rec,sses and junkets of
the Legislature, an effort will be made
to force final adjournment about the
middle of June. 1t Is understood that
a resolution fixing June 1 as the date
of final adjournment will be introduced
this week in the house, and that the
senate will amend this resolution ex
tending the time until June TO- 1t is
probable that compromise date will
be agreed upon, as the disposition of
work suffers In proportion to the rise
of temperature. Heretofore the MEM
bers during the long spring days have
sought the shelter of the trees in Cap
itol park during prosy debates, but
the destruction of the capitol and the
removal to Grace church will make
1t necessary for the members to stick
to their posts, Notwithstanding the
heat and discomforts that they are sure
to suffer. The experience of other years
seems to have no effect in pushing the
work of the legislature during the win
ter months.
There has been a good deal of po-
litical backing and filling over the re-
form bills, to which the Republican
party is pledged. At the opening of the
session 1t was announced that these
bills would be hurried to final passage,
but three months had passed away
before any serious consideration was
given them. Those who are lined up
as opponents of Senator Quay charge
that he was responsible for the failure
to redeem the partys pledges. He
came to Harrisburg to confer with his
lieutenants in the senate and house,
and 1t was then given out, with more or
less show of authority, that certain
of these bills would be abandoned be-
cause 1t was impossible to induce the
Quay men in the legislature to vote
for them. Just when the anti-Quayites
were about to take advantage of the
situation and force the bills through
conference Of all the Quay leaders
was called to consider what was best
to be done under the circumstances,
and 1t has been decided to push the
bills to final passage as rapidly as pos
sible, and while concessions will be
necessary to meet the views of the
opponents of the radical reforms pro-
posed it is believed that the more i'm
portant measures will pass in prac-
tically their original form.
Opposing the Civil Service Bill.
There is much hostility among the
practical politicians towards the civil
service bill, and the prospect now Is
that this measure will be so changed
as to be civil service in. name only.
The political assessment bill will be
modified so as to not affect the giving
of contributions for legitimate cam
paign expenses, but will make arbi-
trary levying and collection of assess
ments a misdemeanor. AS to the poll
tax bill. there is no opposition. because
1t will relieve party organizations Of
the great burden of paying taxes dur
Ing important campaigns.
Since his return from the Grant mon
ument ceremonies at New York Gov
ernor Hastings has heartily endorsed
the proposition to furnish the National
Guard with a dress uniform. During
recent years the soldiers of Pennsyl
vania have won applause over and over
again on account of their fine discipline
and practical efficiency in all that con-
stitutes the good soldier There has
been a disposition to compel on all oc
casions the wearing of a service uni
form, and the result has been dissatis-
faction among the guardsmen. They
feel that they suffer by comparison
with troops of other states on dress
parade. During the Beaver administra-
ton the present governor was adju-
tant general, and he was instrumental
in having passed a bill appropriating
SIS, 900 for a dress uniform. Owing to
the failure of the revenue bill that year
It was necessary for Governor Beaver to
veto the bill, and nothing has since
been done officially in the way of sup
plying q uniform for ceremonial oc-
casions.
The Question of state Revenues.
The question of revenue for the state
is one that is giving the financiers in
the legislature much serious concern.
Up to this time the only bill that has
been agreed upon, and which is being
pushed along, is the Ellsin bill, taxing
direct inheritances over $1,000 at the
rate Of 2 per cent. 1t is estimated by
the friends of this measure that it will
bring into the treasury about 100000
aware county, contends that 1t will not
produce more than $500,000 He is the
author of several revenue bills, among
them one to tax beer, and insists that
the legislature will have to do some-
thing more In the way of raising reve-
nue. before adjournment. There is pro-
nounced opposition to any suggestion
that beer be taxed, and there are those
who say that the objection is the result
Of campaign deals with the liquor ele-
ment. Whether that be true or not
1t is very evident that no liquor legis-
lation of any Importance will get
through this session. Under present
conditions at the state treasury the de-
ficlency of revenue Is at least 81, 00O, 900,
and many worthy charities In the state
will have to be cut off without a shill-
ing unless more revenue is provided
for this purpose.
A resolution has passed the legis-
lature calling upon the governor to
designate May Is as a legal holiday,
and he has agreed to do so. This Is
the day on which the Washington
monument in Philadelphia will be un-
veiled with imposing c/emonies.
Mona alienation hos Haao ,i,.o..