The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1897-01-28

lou unhG Judge hcUlpnlll, Oh CneSJer
county, in his decision in declaring that
the title Of tho pure food act of 1895 is not
sufficient to cover the substitution OF In
ferior or cheaper substances drew little
too fine in his Interpretation Of the law,
and that III the same were applied to other
laws on the statute books they would also
be declared unconstitutional. They think
that, with all due Difference to the able
judicial, that his decision will not be sus-
tained in tho higher courts. The point
involved was as to whether cotton seed
oil sold as olive oil camo within the limits
of the pure food act, which in his decision
he declares this docs not cover The state
authorities are determined to carry this
through the higher courts, and bring to
Justice every offender Of this law. The
law is altogether too important to be set
aside in any particular, as the history of
the Investigations In this respect has dis
closed many very fragrant violations. Since
this law has been enforced there has been
q radical improvement In the preparation
Of foods. This is particularly so in condi-
ments, and II Is now unnecessary to swal
low a certain amount Of buckwhoat hulls,
cocoanut shells and sand TO get n little
pepper.
Two New Committees.
Two new committees have been estab-
lished IN the legislature viz, one on pub
lie roads and high ways and the other on
game and fisheries.
The committee on vice and immortality
has been changed to law and order. Great
pressure is brought to bear upon Governor
Hastings to re-appoint DIR. Shaffer SUPER
intendent OF public instruction, by num-
Der Of the educators of the state, but there
are other candidates whose friends claim
deserve consideration, among which are
Deputy Superintendent Houck, Professor
Ness, principal Of California Normal
school; ID. f. Waller, principal Of Indiana
Normal school, who held this position
under Governor Beaver, and Professor
Cooper, principal of the Edinboro Normal
schools. 1t Is thought by those who oppose
the appointment of DR.. Shaffer that in
of the extreme partisanship
manifested by Governor Pattison in his
that he is not entitled to
in this position. While it is
the intention of Governor Hastings to
choose this officer from nom partisan
the de mands of his party and
the protests Of the friends of the other
will C ompel him to select an
other man than DIR. Shaffer for this posi-
ton.
1t was given out here a few days ago,
that Louis Davidson, son-in-law of Sena-
tor Quay, and brother of Hon. James
Davidson, dece ased, W i'll be the choice of
Beaver county for congress. Although
Senator Quay is bitterly opposed to this,
yet some of his friends are very active in
their efforts to secure the nomination Of
his son-in-law. The friends Of Mr.. David
son feel that the circumstances in con-
nection with the death of his brother en-
title Louis Davidson to some considera-
ton In the campaign.
Speaker Boyer is determined to secure
more dgn ity and order in the house Of
ives during the session; and
will carry out his determination to keep
this body to the degree of decorum that
should be characteristic. He will COM
Inence to enforce tho rules as soon as the
house convenes again.
Governor and Mrs. Hastings will give
to the state officials and legisla-
ture at the execu tive mansion Tuesday
evening, Feb 8.
Mr.. McElhaney, member of the house
from Allegheny, says he Is receiving many
l6tters from persons addicted to drinking
urging him to exc rcise the strongest Of.
forts to secure the passage of his anti.
bill, and that he Is flooded with
from all parts Of the
state. These letter s suggest that they are
heartily tEed Of the social custom which
requires aman to drink more than is good
FOR him, and to spend money in saloons as
. matter Of courtesy
Workingmen write that this law
would be welcomed by them, and their
wives and families, VIII would have more
money for the necess tiles Of life" 1t Is
believed that this bill will be very pop
llar one, and will be passed with little
opposition.
A Longer School Term.
There will be three important features
Of school legislation this session. Repre-.
Hammond, of Westmoreland,
has prepared bill, which fixes seven
months as the minimum duration of q
school term. This is offered in the inter-
ssts Of the country districts
The granger element will Insist on
special appropriation Of q half million
dollars for the establishmen of township
high schools. An act was passed during
The last session Of the Legislature, provid-
ng for the establi shment of three kinds
of high schools; first, second and third
Glass. The first class schools are to have
'our year courses, the second three year
courses, and third two year courses. The
proposed act will ask for pro rata divi-
sion of the half million dollars, according
TO the classification of the school, The
ow condition Of the states finances gives
little assurance to the success of this bill.
Senator Merrick, Of Tioga county in
,roduced bill In the senate last week
which provides for the division of the
school appropriation in three parts. One
,hird is to be divided according to the
number Of paid teachers employed, one.
third pro rata to the pupils, and the re.
third according to the number of
taxables In the school district. The bill
also provides for triennial registration
of taxables, and an annual census of
school children between the ages of Q
and 16.
The controversy over the appoint ntment of
members OF the soldiers orphan school
continues
Governor Hastings is very firm in his
to not approve the recon-