The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1899-03-10

association the former proposition was
roundly denounced in resolutions which
declared that 1t simply sought to fasten
on the people a great political machine
which would prove a source OF vast ex-
pense. Any one who has investigated
the workings of the government print
ing office will agree to this view Of the
case, as that office is always made the
harbor Of refuge Of friends of senators
and congressman, and is always filled
to its capacity with employees regardless
OF the actual needs Of the service. His
tory might possibly repeat itself in
Michigan, and then again It mount"
To Amend the Constitution.
Arguments were begun in the house
several days ago on DR.. HowelPs joint
resolution providing for an amendment
to the constitution extending the cleo
tive franchise to women, OF, In other
words, striking the word male from
the constitution. The resolution made
its appearance somewhat Unexpectedly
and the representatives were not thor
oughly prepared to discuss 1t. They did
talk for a couple Of hours, however,
q half dozen speaking on each side of
the question, but as there was more
eloquence to be uncorked on this sub
feet the further consideration Of the
resolution was made the special order
for Wednesday, the 18th inst.
Our Ohio friends are very anxious
that Michigan shall do the handsome
thing by their centennial exposition
to be held in Toledo in 1902. A few days
ago a large committee Of Toledo bust
ness men visited the legislature and
made arguments before the joint COM
mittees on state affairs. setting forth
the scope Of the enterprise and the ben
efits to be derived by Michigan from
participating therein. They urged the
passage Of the pending bill, which pro-
vides for the appointment Of a commits
sion to have charge of the Michigan ex-
hibit and appropriates 500, 900 therefor
Governor Pingree has advised in spe-
cial message that some action be taken
In this connection, and 1t Is altogether
probable that Michigan will be properly
represented at the exposition, although
II is yet too early to predict what ap-
preparation will be made.
Dickerson IL Jubilant.
Representative Dickerson, the only
colored member Of the legislature for
the past four years. Is very jubilant In
his success in passing a bill making col
ored citizens eligible to membership in
the national guard. Representative
Pack, who fought at Santiago, paid
glowing tribute to the conduct and he
roism of the colored troops in that en-
gagement, and the bill was passed with
out a dissenting voice.
The two houses have settled their diff
ferences over the bill providing for the
creation in each county Of fund for
the care of sick and INDECENT members
Of Michigans quota in the Spanish
American war. AS the bill was finally
passed it provides for the payment Of
expenses in this connection incurred
previous to it's passage as well as those
hereafter incurred.
When the official journals of the legis-
lature are printed the people of the
state will be able to read every word
that has been or will be said In the
house, either in committee meetings or
on the floor, on the subject of taxation,
but not a word Of the senate arguments
will be printed, the latter body having
decided not to employ stenographers to
make these reports. The governor may
have reports of the senate debates
made, but they will not be official and
for this reason cannot be printed in
the journal.
May Reappoint Freeman.
The senate having refused, by vote
Of Is to IL, to confirm the nomination
of A. f. Freeman Of Manchester as a
member of the board of trustees of
Jackson prison, Governor Pingree says
he will not send In another nomination
for this place. Although he does not
admit 1t, there is little doubt that he
intends to wait until after the final ad-
journment Of the legislature and then
reappoint Mr.. Freeman, who can at
least serve until the next session of the
legislature without confirmation. The
senators had no fault to find with Mr..
Freeman personally, their reason for
rejecting his nomination being the claim
that 1t was his intention to Join with
Governor Pingree's other appointee on
the board in retiring Warden Chamber
lain to make place for ex-Sheriff Will
lam Judson of Ann Arbor. one Of the
governors most faithful and enthusiast
tic lieutenants. It was over this mat
ter that the governor and the senate
came together for the first time his ses-
sion. The result has not tended to make
either feel any more friendly toward
the other. and further clashes may be
expected.
' Jails and Lockups.
A bill of much interest to many coun-
ties in the state was passed by the
house Friday. 1t prohibits the use Of
county jails as city lockups in counties
having a population In excess Of 80, 900.
II the senate passes this bill number
of cities and villages will be put to the
expense Of constructing lockups.
A favorable report has been made in
the house on the Goodell bill giving
highway commissioners authority to
compel railroad companies to maintain
signs and other. danger signals at cross
ings. This bill Is the result of the rapid
growth of the electric railway system.
A delegation Of fifty or more residents
of the upper peninsula spent several
days here lately working for and
against the bill locating the proposed
new normal school at Marquette. Vari-
Gus upper peninsula cities were repre-
sented in the delegation, each desiring
to secure the location Of the school. All
agreed, however, that the school is a
necessity and that II should be located