Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-04-29

o'clock, the hour set for the adjourn
ment, reached the legislative halls long
ere the sun indicated in the horizon
that hour. Enterprising hands touched
the legislative clocks and they told
off the hours with much more than
usual speed.
When the assembly convened in the
morning, Mr.. Wheeler at once rose to
a question of privilege and then pre-
sented Chief Clerk NOVEL; with gold
watch. In reply Mr.. NOVEL; made
graceful speech acknowledging his
deep appreciation Of the gift.
There was no business before the
horse and the members INDUCED in a
little more fun during which Assembly
man Rosenkranz introduced resOlu-
ton authorizing Assemblyman Jesse
Stone to kill anything injurious to the
republicans. The resolution was re-
ceived amid cheers and Speaker Buck
staff referred it to the committee on
charitable and penal institutions.
At the 4 o'clock session there was no
business on the table and Speaker
Buckstaff announced a recess until Aug.
II.
SENATE, MORNING SESSION.
Rev w. j. Mckay in the senate
Saturday prayed that Providence would
rectify the biunders made during the
session. There We're "a senators pres
ent, the absentees being Senators Con-
ger, Fisher, Mailer, Mayer, Munson,
Putnam, Riordan, and Whelan. The
rules were Immediately suspended so
that legislation might not be delayed.
After long debate, in which Senator's
McMullen and LamoreuX attacked the
measure viciOusly, the Davidson bill,
imposing a tax of per cent. on sleep
ing and parlor car companies, was con-
Cured in. The vote was IL to Il on
the roll call, and Lieut.. Gov. Baensch
decided in favor Of the bill, thus saving
its life. Following was the vote: Ayes
Baxter, bennett, Devos Green. Nc
Gillivray, Roehr, Stebbins, Stout
Thayer, Whitehead, Withee, Wood
WORTH President of the Senate Baensch;
total 10.
Noes-Austin, Burke, Davis, Lam
oreux, McMullen, Mills, Pierce, Phil
lips, Solliday, Welton, Whitman, YOU
mans; total, u.
Senator Austin returned the Peterson
resolution relating to Greece without
recommendation. Senator Burke
hoped every senator would vote for it.
He thought it would be a disgrace if
the legislature of Wisconsin would re-
fuse to lend its sympathy to the little
nation now fighting the battles of man
kind. Senator Mills thought it would
be better to start a subscription paper
and Senator Burke was willing to adopt
the amendment. On the call for the
ayes and noes, Senator McMullen / did
not wish to vote but was obliged to on
the objection of Senator Burke. 1t was
cuncurred in by a vote OF 16 to II.
There was long debate over the
Green labor bill, which WAS up for en-
grossment and third reading. Senator
Roehr made long plea for the bill in
which he explained it's sections. Senator
Austin then opposed the bill. The
principle of the measure, he said, was
all right, but the form of the bill, he
declared, was wrong. There are many
clauses in it, he said, which would work
hardship to manufacturers. He
spoke particularly on the clause which
compelled merchants to place chairs
behind their counters and declared that
most merchants did this now, and
soon the clerks would want plush seats.
Senator Whitman then offered some
Slight amendments to the BILL after
which Senator Roehr answered Mr..
Austin, saying that "The principle Of
a measure was right and the form
WIong," was a favorite text with Mr..
Austin and had been used by him in
several good bills which the latter had
opposed, including the corrupt practices
act, as well as this bill. The Uill was
then ordered engrossed by vote Of IA
to 8. Mr.. Roehr then tried to get the
bill through under a suspension Of the
rules, but failed, the eight senators
who voted against the bill blocking the
motion. This proved the death Of the
bill
Just previous to the vote, Senator
Austin moved suspension for moment
and Senator McMullen arose slowly,
and with dignity and feeling presented
to Lieut.. Gov. Baensch on behalf Of
the senate, a handsome diamond ring.
A graceful response was made by the
latter, who took occasion to refer to
the fact that Senator McMullen had
cnce been his teacher and the love and
respect early acquired for his tutor still
remained.
Senator Lamoreux then presented a
gold watch charm to President Pro.
Tenn Thayer who very fittingly re-
sponded.
Senator bennett, next in order, arose
and after paying a handsome compli-
ment to Chief Clerk Houser, presented
him with gold watch as a reminder
from the senate of the pleasant days
spent together. A brief and feeling
was made.
A gold ring was then presented by
Senator McGillivray to Sergeant-at-
Arms Pettibone, who also briefly ex-
pressed his thanks.
A recess was then taken to 2:30 p. m.
SENATE, AFTERNOON SESSION.
There were ten senator's present at
he afternoon session Senator Whit
nan explained why he had voted for
he cigarette bill. He respected the
committees opinion but
wished to see such law tested.
Another recess was then taken until
| p. m. On the reassembling then,
President Pro- Tenn. Thayer announced