The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-02-16

Special Dispatch 10 the observation-disclosures.
OLYMPIA. Feb 1.-THE members of
ire senate whC, have 4 peculiar sympathy
for the railroads aud those VINO sollfI
rather err on the side Of the people taan on
the side % the railroads. we're forced 10 the
front today and compelled % snow tnelF
hands. The showing came lip on the usht
ever the bill by Representative Sinltn OF
King which provides THAI bicycles shall
be considered baggage, and providing ror
the carrying az the same by railroads and
steamboats, tina same as other baggage.
The result was THAI the railroads Won.
though the bill passed as recommended by
the committee and as Il passed the house.
TIE bill as IL passed has no penalty clause
attached, which N the opinion OF many
makes II imperative, or as Senator PUN
mer said: 1T looks pretty on the statute
books. but has had its singer removed"
Railroads in the Minority.
The fight served one good purpose.
however. for it showed the weakness OF
the railroads In ths senate, and indicated
that there was still some hope OF passing
legisla ton in the interest OF the people.
The railroads have not been opposed 10
the passage OF the bill without the PEN
atty clause. and for that reason ali OF the
railroad men voted for the passage OF the
bill, after il had been saorn to suit them.
and the final vote showed that SIX men,
beers had voted with the railroad men in
pruning H. not because they were desir-
Gus Of aiding the railroad men in the fight.
but because they were honestly opposed
10 the bill This would indicate that only
eleven members were really looking after
the interests of the railroads.
A Law With No Penalty.
Piummer started the fun by proposing an
amendment TO the bill, placing a penalty
OF not 10 exceed sl0o for failure TO comply
with the act The amendment prevailed
by a viva voce vote without the railroad
crowd realizing they were being hurt.
Then McReayy of Mason, leader for the
railroads. said ne was favorable 70 the bl.l
before amendment. but now he was
against il.
Plummer explained that the law could
not be- enforced without penalty. and
Crew OF Spokane remarked he was not in
favor OF such legislation.
Il do not expect you corporation men Will
vote for anything against railroads." re-
piled Piuulmer.
The railroad men rushed out of cover
then. Megler and Miller, T. j.. wanted the
vote adopting the amendment reconsiderei.
There was sharp passage over the right
10 move a reconsideration OF a viva yoce
vote, bat president Daniels recognized Mil
fer's motion to reconsider.
his may &c q railroad measure. Out
am opposed 10 this bill being railroaded
through here" said Plummer He wanted
penalty OF a, least $40 attached, say.n
the supreme court had held that a law was
imperative unless there was penalty to
enforce its provisions.
Why He Opposed Ii.
Van Patten thought Il was courtesy on
the part OF railroad for it to carry bag
gage free He Was opposed TO the bill.
Wiltshire said a passenger paid for his
baggage when he bought his ticket
McReayy charged that Plummer was try
ing 10 kin the bill by attaching the penalty
clause.
In answer 10 McReavy Plummer said
ne hoped those who appeared TO be so SOL
icitous lest this bill be destroyed by IL pen
atty cause, would be as constant IN their
vote against the railroads as they pre-
tended to be now.
Msher, 7. j.. IN order 10 show his dis
interastednass In railroads. explained that
his opposition was due 10 his so!icitude
for the employees of railroads. who might
oe fined.
There IS no fear Of an empioye refl,s-
Ing to carry wheel. unless he has been
instructed 20 do 30 by the railroad COM
pany," replied plummer.
Han said he WAS opposed to bfcycIists
having all the rights, They already have
tho roade and the sidewalks he said
Now they want the trains"
l..