Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1897-04-19
Harrisburg. Pa. Anril II. l

| Halt-Full Report of Last Weeks
| Doiugs of the Legislature.
Harrisburg, Pa, April II. 1897
There is one thing very evident al
this period of the session, that this
legislature is not going to allow snake
bills" of any character to worm them
selves through, if the members know it.
! Two week ago an insurance bill was de-
feated badly on final passage in the
| house. Last week it was brought up
again for reconsideration and was pass
ed by vote almost as large as was
against it the week before Some strange
| persuasive influence had been brought
to bear from some source. Speeches
were made by few members in favor of
the bill when Representative Clarency,
of Philadelphia, made most vigorous
| protest. He said the bill was one of the
most dangerous that has been introduce
ed in the house in twenty years. When
it was under consideration on third read
ing it was stated that the measure was
sanctioned by the attorney general and
| insurance commissioner. which was false,
neither of these officials had anything to
do with it, The bill as was to have
passed, allows trust companies to en-
gage in insurance business by resolution
of their board of directors and without
the consent of the state authorities. 1t
will readily be seen what an avenue
could here be opened for insurance on
the wholesale, without interference from
state authorities.
In relation to the capitol building, it
looks now as if measure would soon he
passed and work started A special
order of the bill has been made which is
the same as mentioned last week and it
is expected to go through this week.
There has been several road bills pre-
sented to this Legislature, the most pro-
minent and most widely published of
which is the Hamilton bill. This one
seems to find the most favor but will
meet with much opposition before it
gets through. The state legislative
committee of the League of the Ameri-
canWheelmen is supporting this measure
and p. s. Potter, president of the league,
is here lobbying for it. On the other
hand members from the rural districts
are bitterly opposed to road legislation
which will increase the taxes of their
constitution.
The appropriation bills will be held
Oack until near the end of the session,
then brought out and hurried through
on special order. Governor Hastings is
opposed to a tax on beer to help pay for
the new capitol and it is thought he will
veto it should it pass the legislature.
Ihe inheritance tax bill is the only rev
enue bill he will sign. This bill is
expected to yield revenue of $500, 600
year. All estates of So, 900 and less are
exempt by the act.
The FREQ kindergartens in pubic
schools bill will likely pass. An oleo-
margarine bill which looks fair may
pass. 1t permits the sale of ''oleo" in
this state provided it is properly la6-
eled as ''oleomargarne" in large letters
Manufacturers shall pay a license fee
of 81 600: wholesale dealers, $500; retail
dealers, 800; hotel. restaurant and
boarding house keepers, who use oleo-
margarine, S25. The fee goes to meet
the expenses of the department of agri-
culture.
Senator Quay came up from Wash
ington, for few days last week, to
look after his now famous reform legis-
Iation. Several of his measures were so
roughly handled in the house that the
senator though it best to call a halt for
fear that the others might meet with a
similar fate. He had a lengthy inter
view with the governor and agrees that
the new capitol can be erected for $500,
900. He asks his friends to support this
measure.
Senator Quay thinks there is no popu-
lar demand for reapportionment this
term. He is in favor of the Inheritance
TAX. The date of adjournment was also
discussed with the senator and he is of
the opinion that the legislation promised
the people should all be deliberately
considered and passed before date of
adjournment was talked of, and, as Il
result, the session may continue as late
as the middle of June. 1t is also be-
lieved while here the terms of agree
ment were made and the candidates for
auditor general and state treasurer Sc
ected. 1t is even limited that Il candi
date to succeed Governor Hastings has
been slated.
A bill abolishing the fees of the at
torney general and secretary of the com
monwealth was introduced by Mr.. Young,
of Tioga. Should it become law it
would make Il big cut in the revenues of
these officials. The secretary of the
commonwealth receives on an average
of SIS, 900 a year in addition to his salary
of $4,000. The attorney general is allow
ed to accept $1,000 a year in addition to