The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1897-04-08

There is very considerable interest
taken at the present time among the
Republican members in reference to
the candidates for state treasurer and
auditor general, and while James >.
Beacon, of Westmoreland county, has
a number of friends who are anxious
to have him secure the nomination,
yet r. II. Shindel. Of York, is growing
rapidly in popularity, and II is thought
will muster a good force of delegates by
the time the convention meets.
The Wanamaker people are anxiously
awaiting on his decision as to whether
he will be a candidate for state treas
urer, and IL he consents to enter the
race they will combine their efforts to
secure his nomination.
OF the candidates for auditor general,
Mr. Goblin is apparently much in the
lead General Gobin's excellent war
record, his wide acquaintance over the
state ana the great popularity he en-
Joys, as well as his special fitness for
the position. all combine to give him
great prestige in the canvass. How
ever, the friends of Mr.. Hardenberg
are actively working in his interests.
From present indications this prom
ises to be most interesting week in
legislative circles. One of the first sub
jects to receive attention at the next
meeting Of the senate will be the dis
position Of the case OF DR.. Swallow,
who has refused to give information
to the committee Of investigation con-
cerning the capitol fire.
From the efforts of DR.. Swallow, as
sisted by a number of mechanics and
others in the inspection of the ruins
of the old capitol building, he means
to be prepared for the contest that
awaits him.
There were no bills reached the gov
ernor during the week. but a number
will be sent to him during this week.
There is now some doubt whether
there will be a holiday taken to at
tend the dedication of the Grant mon
ument on the 9th of the month. as
a large number of the members think
that they have no time for any more
holidays If they expect to adjourn in
any reasonable time.
Many Candidates for Governor.
Almost every week some new as
pirant for the governorship of Penn
sylvania is announced. The number
now in the field would average at least
one to each county in the common
one to each county.
The remarkable feature is that each
and all are in dead earnest. and are
not working in the interests OF others.
This is regarded as a very healthy
condition in state politics, and it is
thought will result in the selection of
a candidate that has no special po-
litical affiliations.
These bills passed finally in the house
during the week: To punish the loan,
Gift, sale or distribution of immoral
writings, etc., and of all drugs for
criminal purposes; Furnishing the send
ing of anonymous communications Of
a libelous, defamatory, scurrilous or OPP
probrious nature; granting the permis-
sion and regulating the establishment
and operation of bone boiling estab-
lishments and repositories of dead ami
mails; amending the act of April 9, 1870,
to require telephone companies to file
annual reports with the secretary Of
Internal affairs; to provide for the lay
ing out of private roads under the sur
race OF intervening land or lands to
coal. iron ore, fireclay or other min
erals underlying adjacent land or lands,
necessary for the turning of wagons
and teams; repeating the act relative
to road laws in Peters township, Wash
lngton county; appropriating 5000, 900 to
provide for the deficiency in the fund
Tor the care and treatment Of INDECENT
insane; providing bounties for the de-
structlon OF wildcats, foxes, minks,
hawks, owls and weasels; providing
Tor the making Of a sworn copy of book
accounts kept by any common carrier.
railroad company, chartered, storage or
company, or other pub
lie corporation doing business in this
state, prima facie evidence in any suit
Or action In which such accounts are
involved in an Sue.
The following bills were defeated: /
TO create state bureau of geology
and mines; providing for the accept
ance of the provisions Of the act of
April 4. 1873, relative to the incorpora-
lion and regulation Of insurance COM
panies and its supplements, by cor
organized under the laws of
his state. and authorizing reinsurance
'y such companies; giving author
ty to justices Of the peace to hear and
determine certain criminal offenses and
by the aid Of a jury.
The bill to fix the medium school |
erm at seven months, and the Smith |
ibel bill, which met with defeat a few
weeks ago. will doubtless be reconsid-
cred this week. One of the most i'm
portant measures introduced in the
house during the past week was a bill |
u less than dozen lines in length.
and yet one Of very considerable i'm |
'ortance to the city Of Philadelphia. It
provides for the abolition of the pres
mt public buildings commission of
A bill was passed at a |
'ormer session to wipe out this COM
mission, but the supreme court de-
'lared the bill unconstitutional on the
sround that it embraced two subjects.
The bill recently introduced is very /
imple, and its phraseology has no in
,oived technical terms. 1t is claimed
hat the Philadelphia public buildings
commission has become so notorious
hat the citizens of the Quaker CITY
want 1t abolished, as it has squandered |
ne peoples money in a most reckless
way. The letting Of the last contract
o bidder who was over 500, 900 above
he next responsible bidder was an act
hat has developed great Indignation
-mong the people, and hence a concert