Worcester morning daily spy., 1898-03-24
ATTEMPT WASTED.
House Defeats An Effort to Re-
consider Anti.Cigaret Bill.
Leave to Withdraw Reported on Willard
tiowland's Petition for Building Cape
Cod Canal With Convict Labor.
Especial Dispatch to the spy.)


throttled- The Boston aldermanic bill
took up the greater portion of the ses-
sion In this respect, the bill of the
metropolitan affairs committee was
turned down for the Bartlett Of Boston
bill for one alderman from each Of 25
wards
The committee on public charitable in
stitutions is in a peculiar condition over
the children's bureau bill which has
been before it for considera ton for
some time. So far the committee has
not been able to report a bill 1t has
agreed without friction to the bill for
board of insanity and that measure
went through the house yesterday with
out any opposition.
But the childrens bureau bill is not so
fortunate. Several influences have been
at work to defeat it. One of these is
the hostility of the state board Of lu-
macy and charity. The bill at present
has a majority against it. At a meet
ing OF the committee at which ten mem
oers were present, the vote on it stood
five to five
The 11th member was Senator Fair
bank Of Warren, and he would have
voted against it had he been present,
and he sent word to that effect. The
committee has not acted on the bill
finally, but will do so probably on Mon
day
One thing which has injured the bill
in the eyes of the committee is the
amendment with reference to Catholic
children and their disposition. Members
OF the committee regard it as against
good public policy to recognize any re-
ligious lines in the conduct of these in
stitutions, and the care of the state chill
dren Mr.. Charles f. Donnelley has
brought forward these amendments and
they have been strongly urged.
The five who are said to favor the bill
are Senator'S Gauss of Salem and Moran
of Fall River, and Representative Ste
venson of Pittsffeld Russell of Worces-
ter and Sisson of Lynn
IN THE SENATE.
A new draft was reported on the bill
to provide a seal for the city registrar
of Boston, and for city and town clerks.
A bill was reported for summary
investigation of county expenditures
Ought not to pass was reported on the
recommitted bill relative to the volun-
teer militia, that independent military
companies may carry arms.
An adverse report was accepted on
the petition of Charles H. Wilson, that
street railways may transport coal
road materials and small parcels.
The committee on cities, on the peti-
non OF George B. Upham to restrict the
height of buildings in Boston, reported
bill limiting buildings to 100 feet.
This report is on the Upham petition.
The Benton Copley square petition is
held for future action.
Leave to withdraw was reported on
Willard Howland's petition for a Cape
coz canal to be built by convict labor,
and no legislation necessary on the gov
ernor's recommendation on the same
subject
A bill relative to the rate of interest
paid by cities and towns as expense ap-
poruoned them in the abolition Of grade
crossings was substituted for the ad-
verse report of the committee on rail-
roads
Bills relative to children in care of the
state and to authorize street railway
companies to act as common carriers,
adversely reported upon. were rejected.
Blils relative to the liability of Off
GERS of corporations for corporate debts.
ana TO the acquisition E thar aroi nj.
and to the organization of state boards
ana commissions We're engrossed.
IN THE HOUSE.
The house concurred in the adoption
Of the senate orders, extending until
March 80 the time on which certain
committees shall report.
The committees on education and tax
alton sitting Jointly reported reference
10 the next general court, on the mill
TAX bill. A bill was admitted, under a
suspension Of the 18th joint rule, to
authorize cities and towns to construct
bicycle paths.
Leave to withdraw was reported on
petitions for legislation that in case Of
the total destruction of a building by
nre, the sum insured shall be taken at
the insured's interest therein; that the
rate of interest on personal property
mortgages shall not exceed per cent
per annum; for new reformatory for
Suffolk county to cost $3.50, ,000
reference to the next general court
was reported on the bill for the con-
struction by Boston, through special
loan, of $500,000 of a new refomnatory
for suffolk county.
Ought not to pass was reported on the
bills to abolish the contract system on
public works
A bill was reported to provide for the
appointment of a state architect, by the
governor, whose salary is to be fixed by
the governor and council, and who shall
have charge of all state buildings.
Bills were reported, appropriating $74,-
900 for the completion of the hospital for
consumptives and tubercular patients at
Rutland; to secure uniformity in taking
bail in criminal cases; to prevent voters
at one political caucus from taking part
in the caucus of different political
party during the same calendar year;
| amending the divorce law SO that the
correspondent may appear and contest
the libel; that hours shall constitute a
days labor for state, county, city and
town employees; for the probationary
release of well behaved convicts at the
expiration of their minimum term Of SEN
| tence; a resolve providing for repairs
and additions to the United States ship
Minnesota
Mr.. Hayes Of Lowell attempted re-
consideration of the vote of engross-
ment Tuesday, OF the anti-cigaret bill,
claiming that the measure was rushed
| through without discussion and with
great many of the members not under
| standing the case. Mr.. BatchelIer OF
| Boston exhibited himself as an example
| of the cigaret habit, remarking that he
| had smoked them for 20 years, but had,
! nevertheless, won athletic honors while
| in college. He was against the bill. Mr..
Calender of Boston Joined the forces for
reconsideration. Mr.. Beede of Lynn op-
posed the motion, and the house agreed
| with him, 81 to 94 against reconsldera-
| tion.
| Without debate the bills for the es-
! tablishment of state board of insanity,
| that cities may pension iremen, that
| prisoners in jails and houses of correc-
| ton may be used in breaking and pre-
pairing stone for state highways, were
/ passed to be engrossed.
The Boston aldermanic bill came up
for discussion shortly before O'Clock,
! the question being on ordering to a
| third reading.