Smyrna times., 1898-01-19
The Extra Sessions of the Delaware
Legislature.


the Legislature meet in Dover on
tuesday of last week. There were not
many spectators present, and the dav
dull, but little business being trans
acted. In each branch a motion was
made to take oath under the new Con.
stltutlon, but neither house adopted it.
The general opinion is that the Leg
lslature is working under the old Con
stitution.
In the House Chaplain Vincent pre-
sented his resignation which was ac-
cepted. The vacancies in Chaplain and
Reading Clerk were not made till the
afternoon, when Walton THOMPSON
was elected Reading Clerk and Rev. C.
[. Stengle, Chaplain.
Every resolution offered in the House
was tabled. The new paint has SER
lously affected the members of the Leg
lslature, giving them bad cases of head
ache. The remodeled chambers are
an Innovation and great convenience
over the old quarters used bv our fore
fathers who gathered every two wears
at the Capital to make our laws.
Gov. Tunnels Message was read in
the Senate at l2 O'Clock, but not in the
House until late in the afternoon. It
IS short, but an interesting document.
The Governor refers to the purpose
for which the adjourned session is be-
ing held, and, while favoring careful
and conscientious consideration of the
important business to come before the
Legislature, urges cts dispatch with
the least possible delay" He is op-
posed to changing laws unless for good
cause. He refers to the veto power
with which he is clothed and declares
that he will discharge the duties it i'm
poses ''fearlessly and in the interest of
wise and conservative legislation" !" He
speakes of some of the general laws
made necessary by the new Constitu-
ton.
From the general tone of the mes
sage we infer that the Governor is op-
posed to the consideration of verv
much legislation except that for which
the session is primarily held.
There was considerable wrangling in
the General Assembly Thursday, over
the appointment of suitable lawyers to
draft laws and amendments to the
State Constitution. The Senate named
Charles F. Richards, regular Repub-
llcan, from Sussex county, and William
L. Lyman, a Democrat, from New
Castle county.
The House, on the other hand. re-
elected exJudge Charles M. Cullen,
of Sussex, John Pennington, of Kent.
and Benjamin Nields, from Whining
ton. Mr.. HAZEL made fight against
the appointment of Richards, on the |
ground that he had served in the Con-
stltutiOnal Convention, and with the
assistance of State Senator Robert
Handy, succeeded in having Richards I
name taken from the commission.
A hubbub, was caused in the hall of
the House of Representatives Thurs
day. Thomas G. Fraime, member of
of the bar, vaulted the railing which
separates the lobby from the legisla-
tive chamber, instead of using the Gus
tomary means of exit Mr.. HAZEL
called the attention of Speaker Riggin,
to the disrespect shown the members of
the Legislature and the Speaker or
dered the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest
the next person guilty of the offense.
This angered Lawyer Fraime, and he
turned upon Representative HAZEL and
hot words followed.
Speaker Riggin, who sat up nearly
all night preparing list of the stand
ng committees, made his announce
nent OF the committeeman Thursday.
While some changes have been made
since the adjournment of the regular
session, several of the old committees
'emain the same. The House concur-
'ed IN the Senate resolution repeating
chapter G53, volume 20, laws of Della
ware, which specified that no new bus
ness be accepted after April 10. With
'ut this act being repealed the Legis-
ature in adjourned session could take
Up no new business, which can now he
lone.
The House also concurred in the
senate joint resolution appointing a
of two ON the part of the
senate and three of the House to pro-
'ure counsel to draft laws and amend
nents to the constitution. The Senate
famed Samuel r. Alrichs and John w.
FenimOre, while the House appointed
IN the committee Messrs. Thomas
'ohnsOn, Charles G. Dempsy and L.
J. Hopkins.
Both houses of the General Assembly
friday, concurred in a Joint resolution
amlnO William IT T,vDopo Tobp ID