Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1897-03-08
AT THE STATE CAPITAL.
WEEKS WORK OF THE LEGlSlA-
TURE REVIEWED BY NlSSLEY.
Building of New Capitol Is Still the
Leading Question Before the Law
makers-Dr. Swallows Charges May
Bring Out Inside History.

appropriation committee, has prepared
an estimate of the revenues available,
together with the sums of money that
have been asked for charities and for
the ordinary running expenses Of the
commonwealth. He finds that the total
available revenue for 1898 and 1859 is
SIS, 200, 900, and that the total amount OF
money asked for in the appropriation
bills presented up to date amounts to
SOS, SOL, ,72O. How to make these two
extremes meet is the problem that con-
fronts the Legislature In the estimates
of money asked no reference is made to
to the cost of u new capitol, which will
also have to come from somewhere.
Among the most prominent Pennsyl-
vanians who conferred with the COVER
nor, last week, was Andrew Carnegie,
the millionaire, of Pittsburg. He said
he thought it too bad that a great state
like ours was not able to borrow dol
lar to meet such an emergency as the
destruction of its capital, but stated
that he was ready to advance portion
of the money needed to put up the build
ings. Governor Hastings said there
were many others who volunteered to
do the same thing Mr.. Carnegie offered,
but that he had some plans to offer
which may render call upon the citi
zens of the state unnecessary. Goyer
nor Hastings is being made the subject
of very many complimentary remarks,
at present, for the way he is proceeding
in the matter
Rev. DR.. S. c. Swallow, editor of the
Pennsylvania Methodist, in this city, 10
his paper last week made serious charges
against number of state officials. In
the same article he proposed that a
number of citizens, and not Legislators
or state officials, be appointed to investi-
gate these charges. The preacher-editor
very likely did not expect that his arti-
Gle would create such a furore as it did.
The charges of corruption were sweep
ing, and the state officials at once took
the matter up. DR.. Swallow claimed
that the capitol fire was not purely acci-
dental, and he was called before the
legislative investigation committee to
testify. This he refused to do until he
consulted his informant. A hearing
was held and the editor held for court.
The officials have retained eminent
counsel, and it is understood DR.. Swal-
low will not be far behind with brilliant
legal lights. This suit, | believe, will
investigate. If the antiQuayites are
back of DR.. Swallow, they have kept it
very quiet so far, but at any rate there
will be strong power brought to assist
DR.. Swallow in his defense. This trial
will go farther towards clearing up the
cloud of dishonesty that is constantly
being heard about public officials than
all the Investigations that will be he'd
during the session.
Another hearing in the state treasury
investigation was held last Thursday.
State Treasurer Haywood Cashier Hen
ry c. Greenawalt and Assistant Cashier
L. Stewart Price were the only wit
nesses called. Nothing new was learned
from their testimony.
The burning of the capitol has caused
the correspondence of the legislators to
drop off at least one-half The con-
stituent doubtless imagines that his able
member or senator is sitting on store
box while attending sessions since the
fire and is not prepared to answer much
correspondence. This is the only reason
can ascribe for it.
The congressional apportionment bill
was brought out of committee ON Thurs
day. The bill gives Pittsburg and
Philadelphia an additional congressman
This bill will likely have a hard time
getting through with chances greatly
against it.. Senators Critchfield, Coyle
and Merrick were appointed by the
senate to investigate the affairs OF the
dairy and food commission. bill
creating state railway commission was
introduced in the hourse. 1t gives the
governpent direct supervision over all
railroads and provides for board OF
three commissioners who shall have
practical experience in railroad business
1t will, of course, not become law.
The bill increasing the minimum
school term to seven months has passed
second reading in the house. The thea.
ire hat bill has been killed in the house.
The first appropriation bill reported
this session has been brought out o.
committee. 1t appropriates over S4, ,oOt
to pay the expenses of the Heller Lau
bach senatorial contest. This is an ole
bill of last session. A bill has been pre-
sented fixing the rates of telephones
The bills prepared by the State Board oil
Health have been presented. The frs
provides for pure milk, the second fo
county officers of health and the thir'
on water supply, drainage and sewerage
Representative Charles E. Voorhees, i
already fixing his eye upon time tC