The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1897-04-14
HARRISBURG LETTER.

and disposed of much more business |
than the Senate, rather unusual thing,
for the latter being only one-quarter as
numerical generally gets ever about four
times as much business in a day as the
House. Tuesday and Wednesday being
'third reading and final passage days
in the lower branch, in the neighbothood
of fifty bills were passed and sent TO the
Senate for concurrence. Most of these
had reference to matters pertaining to the
localities from which they emanated,
though generalin in their character.
Perhaps the most important of all the
bills that passed the House last week was
the antitrust bill introduced by Repre-
sentative Crothers of Philadelphia. 1t is
very drastic in its provisions and covers
the ground in toto. Itis as severe on the
fellow who would seek to form a com
bination on a iack-knife trade as on
those who would attempt to control all
the industries of the State at once. Many
conservative people think it is too much
so, yet are deferred from voting against
any bill having such title for fear of be-
ing classeS among those who favor mo-
nopolies. Only four votes we're recorded
against it in the House. What its fate
will be in the Senate remains to be seen.
The Governor has signed the bill max
ing constables er-oficio firewardens for
the extinguishment of forest fires, and it
is now law. Under its provisions it is
made the duty of constables to summon
help to extinguish any fire out in tho
woods or forest, promptly, and it is made
the duty of all citizens to respond to the
call of the constable in this work. One
dollar per day is allowed for this work.
1t is hoped by this method to very great
ly lessen the forest fires in all sections,
for by promptly heading of an incipient
fire often much damage is averted.
Heretofore it was no mans business
more than another's TO look after these
matters, and on the score that what is
"evelybody's business is nobody's bust
ness" the Forestry Commission hopes
by this law to place some responsibility
on certain officials in the hope of dinin-
ishing in a large degree the annual de-
struction of our forests by the firery ele-
ment.
The movement for the building of a
new capitol has taken definite shape at
last, and doubtless before this letter
reaches the readers of the REPUBLICAN a
law to that effect will have received the
Governors signature, and active work
begun. The House made special order
for the second and third reading of the
Administrations bill for tonight and to.
morrow, and on Wednesday Governor
Hastings will advertise for architectural
designs for the buildings, the first, on
Capitol building, not to cost more than
$55O,OO0, and to be in readiness for the
meeting of the legislature in 1899. At first
there were grave doubts in the minds o.
some that the amount named would bt
inadequate for the work to be done, but
the Governor evidently knows what he
is talking about and when once his plans
are laid before the people they will fine
he is correct. He wanled the amoun
put at such a figure that there could no
be the slightest suspicion of jobbery
about the new building and in this tn,
people will surely be at his back. He hai
careful estimates from the best architect
and most experienced builders to bt
found in the country and they have dem
onstrated beyond doubt that it can b
done, and the prediction is ventured tina
the people will see the wisdom of tn
Governors ideas when the work is com
pleted.
Governor Hastings did graceful thin
in the re-appointment of DR.. N. {
Schaeffer to the exalted position of Su
perintendent of Public Instruction las
week. This action on the part of tn
Governor will be heartily applauded b
the educational fraternity of the Stat,
which has come TO regard the genial d.
as one of the foremost among the leadin
educators, not only of this State, but
the Union as well. Educational wor
has made great advancement in Pennsy
vania in the past four years, and it is Il
little satisfaction to know that in the ne1
four the same energy and rare abilit
will rule in that Department.
1t has been hiuted that final adjourn
ment of the legislature will come abol
the 2OLh of June. That is exactly OF
month longer than is necessary. Shoul
the House make the same average pn
6iS99 "N9 ~ ulu uuilHB inc past week II
middle of May would see every bill po
sessing an atom of merit properly actt
upon. Out of the eight or ten hundr,
already reported from committee pc
haps less than fifty are of any real use
would bring any real benefit to the pc
pie. Such, though, is the history of
legislatures, and in this particular L
present body is no worse than most
its predecessors.
Senator Quay was the distinguish
visitor at the State Capital last week, al
his presence here was the signal viii
brought many an anxious pilgrim to t
town from all parts of the Commo
wealth. But they got little comfort,
his visit had reference more partic
larly TO some of the reform legislation
which he stands sponsor, and which
political enemies are anxious to have I
people believe he il only putting up
h America. in ortbnse who have this mott
necessary for You 90 send wl,-fb he sincerity W
FOURTEEN 2-cent stamps, or 3 ~-,aeeit,SSot 81
which will enfitle Won 10 q hulf-years sUnAltN VI u
20 THE HOUSEHOLD COMPANION. I'm addition q
90 the above prizes Will give 10 everyone sending
a list Of fourteen or more words handsome 81.
yer souvenir spoon. Lists should be sent as
possible aud not later than April "a, 1891 that
The ful arfaufs Ue UrllI- D