The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-11-14
DOODLE AND THE BALLOT.
POPULISTS TRYING TO STEAL DEM
OCRATIC THUNDER.

Representative Hogan of Lincoln In
troduced "A BIZ Modelled on the
Lines of GOV. Atkinson's Recon-
mendatiOn 10 Prohibit the UnIaw-
full Use of Money by Political Can
didates-Wisencres OF the House
Predict the Measures Defeat-ME.
Meldrim Introduces Two Bills.
Atlanta. Ca. Nov. 1S-Nr. Meldrim in
troduced two important bills in the House
to-day. ore local and the other general
The I0cal bill amends the act providing a
police court for the city Of Savannah, by
comforting upon it misdemeanor jurisdic-
ton where the party valves Indictment.
The passage of this bill. Mr.. Meldrim
says. will greatly simplify procedure and
expedite justice in petty cases. The other
bill amends the law defining forgery in
deed so that the party, his agent or at
torney may make affidivat as to the gen.
uinness of the signature.
New bills were distinctly the feature of
to-days session of the House, the one that
will probably attract most public atten-
ton, though the knowing ones frankly pre-
dict that there is little chance Of its pas
sage, being one introduced by Mr.. Hogan
of Lincoln the populist leader Of the lower
house. 1t is in keeping with the recon-
mendation in Gov. Atkinson S annual mes
sage, the governor having fOrcibly urged
the passage of a law that would eliminate
the use of money in political contests ex-
cept for certain prescribed purposes. He
probably expected his suggestion to be
made a party matter and the democrats
given credit for the reform, but it seems
that the popuiists have undertaken to steal
a little democratic thunder and now, if
perchance the measure should become
a law, they will claim credit for
it because populist introduced
it and forced the issue.
The first section Of Mr.. Hogans bill
makes it unlawful for any candidate di-
rectly or indirectly in person, or by or
through another, TO use money, intoxicat-
ing liquors or other thing or value to in
fiuence any person or persons to vote for
or against any candidate, or for or against
any measure, question or questions, in any
election, except such money as may be
necessary for advertising the fact Of be-
ing a candidate, printing tickets and such
other legitimate purposes as may be incl
dental to political campaign work.
Section 2 provides that the successful
candidate in every election shall, within
five days after each election, file with the
ordinary of the county of his residence
except that the ordinary shall file with
clerks of the superior court-an itemized
statement of the expenses borne by him
from the time of his announcement as a
candidate to the day of his election, in
GLIDING the latter, either directly or in
directly, or within his knowledge by an
other for his interest in said election, or
for or against any measure, person or
persons in said election, which statement
shall be sworn to by said successful can.
didate.
Section provides that the sworn state
ment shall state for what purpose each
item was used, and if it
shall appear that any money in
toxicating liquors or other thing
of value was used to bride or influence or
control votes in favor of such candidate,
or for or against any person, measure or
question, or if it shall appear in any con-
tested election that funds whisky or other
things of value was used for illegal pur-
poses, the person so using it shall not be
entitled to hold the Office claimed by the
candidate so offending.
Mr.. johnson of Hall introduced a bill
giving the railroad commission jurisdic-
ton over street railroads, electric light
companies and gas companies.
Mr.. Hall Of Coweta, on the same line
introduced one giving the railroad COM
mission jurisdiction over sleeping car
of the House committee in recommending
the passage of the Blalock committee bill
reducing the pay of railroad commission
ers from $3.50 to $780, these bills are
considered as somewhat significant. A de-
termined fight is going to be made on the
bill, as well as upon most of the other
recommendations made by the Blalock
committee, and the bills introduced to-day
are regarded as being the first move in
behalf of the friends of the railroad COM
mission.
Mr.. Ellis Of Stewart county thinks the
state ought to get interest on the sinking
fund which Is collected each year. and
to-day introduced bill authorizing the
governor to lend it out upon iron-clad Sc
curity.
Mr. Fogarty of Richmond offered a bill
legalizing preferences or transfers of as
sets by insolvent debtors.
Representative Law of Liberty gave in
his second bill designed to prevent the
butchering of cattle in his county upon the
lands of another
Mr.. Calvin's resolution providing for the
appointing of a commission to take steps
Tor marking the graves of confederate SOL
ulers buried in northern states, was pass
ed unanimously by the House The gov
ernor is to name the commission, and it's
duty will be to communicate with other
southern states and secure their cooper
alton in the movement, a report of the
progress made to be presented to the next
legislature. The Daughters of the Con-
federacy are behind the movement They
estimate that there are 10000 unmarked
graves of confederate heroes scattered
throughout states where the conflict of
the COS ragged.
Mr. Felder's bill. providing for the Aus
tralian ballot, was favorably reported, and
made special order for next Wednesday
on Tuesday the penitentiary bill, intro
duced by Mr.. Hall of Coweta, will come
up as the special order. From present
indications the House will not be ready
to pass upon the question, and a post
ponement is probable.
The Senate did not hold a session to-day
PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.