davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
Committee of INFORMATION.
First Step Toward Civil Service a,
to Minor Appointmeuts

First Step Toward Civil Service as
TO Minor Appointments.
Austin, Texas, April THE following
was introduced In the house this yuornhg
by Mr.. Shelburne and was set for Monday
next for consideration.
House simple resolution for the creation
OF Committee OF Information.
As whereas. The constitution of the
state OF Texas clearly implies that all po-
sitions OF trust and emoluments In this
State should be created by, and compensa-
tiod fixed by legislative enactment, and
TO the end that so far as Il is practical
BILE that civil service reform may be had
In our several departments aud institu-
tons, thereby securing to the State the
maximum of efficiency In results, together
With the now generally expressed belief
that irregularity prevails in the manage.
ment OF many OF said institutions. which
recent development tend to warrant well
founded, therefore, be Il
Resolved by the house OF representa-
tivos OF the Twenty legislature now
convened, That a committee OF FIVE mem
bers az said house (of which committee
the speaker shall be chalrman) shall be
constituted, the speaker appointing the
same, which shall convene during the vaca-
tioh OF said legislature at such time aud
place as may be designated by said chair
man.
AS compensation said committee shall
be allowed Sc per day for their services,
together with their actual travelling ex-
penst5 while engaged In the discharge OF
their duty, which said sum. as we'll as
the expenses incurred, Incidental to clerk
and e,her hire. shall be paid out of the
contingent fund of the Twenty sixth leg
islature, upon an itemized account ap-
proved by the speaker as chairman OF said
committee. and the comptroller of public
accounts is hereby authorized to draw his
warrant for payment OF same from said
contingent fund. The committee herein
provided for will make a report In full
OF its findings. recommendations and con-
illusions to this body at its next session.
Said committee shall have the power,
and II II hereby made its duty to visit
and thoroughly investigate each and every
department and institute which is or may
be In any way or manner connected with
the State either by constitution. statute or
contract. and TO this end said committce
Is hereby authorized and empowered to ex-
anime books and papers. administer oaths
and compel the attendance OF witnesses to
testify relative TO all matters pertaining
TO the affairs OF State within the scope
of their power now granted; said commit
tee shall have authority to employ such
service as in It's discretion may be re-
garded as essential to the speedy carrying
into effect this resolution.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
MIR. SMITHS POSITION.
He Holds TINT the Katy Bill Ii I'M
CONSTITUTIONAL.

Sherman, Texas, April 6.--Hon. Cecil n.
Smith, one OF Grayson county's representa-
tives at Austin, has written the following
letter setting forth his position on the rail-
road consolidation bill:
Austin, Texas, April S, 1899 II have re-
ceived a great many letters and petitions
from my constituency asking me to support
the bill providing for the consolidation OF
the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railway
and the sherman Shreveport and Southern
railway. urging its Importance TO our peo-
pie and the shippers OF Sherman. | an,
unable to comply with these requests, and
being unable to do so, 1 desire that those
making the request should know my rea-
sons for refusing.
The supreme court OF this State has
held in az opinion delivered by one Of its
ablest judges that the Missouri, Kansas
and Texas railway is a competing line with
the sherman. Shreveport and Southern.
The constitution prohibits the consolida-
ton OF oeapeting lines and my duty IS
plain 10 oppose the consolidation, regard
less of either the wishes or interests OF
my constituents or friends. ] am opposed
to the general policy OF consolidation. but
would be willing TO forego any iudiyid-
ual iceas on this proposition in proper
case in order to meet the wishes and views
of r>y constituency but when an objec-
tion founded on a provision OF the con-
sti;nt:on intervenes / must be governed
by the oatt | have taken and not by ths
wishes and views OF anybody.
The argument that this consolidation
would result in great benefit TO the people
of sherman and vicinity appeals TO mt
strongly ard l would certainly yield to Il
blu. for the constitutional inhibition which
has been construed by our highest court
whaO at-nIiad m thfs very measure. En-
tertaining the views do, you know Will
be compelled 10 vote against II. Thinking
ii ought TO be defeated. have been, and
am lsborlng to defeat IT, and believe II
will be defeated. Respectfully,
Cecil Smith.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
A TELEpHoNE FIGHT.
Two Companies Are WaginE Merry
War Mt Waco.

War Mt waco.
Waco. Texas. April IA spirited war;
fare has been going on here for some
weeks between the Southwestern Tele-
graph and Telephone company and the In.
dependent Telephone company, now en-.
gagged in putting In an exchange In this
city. The Independent has been hampered
In many ways in construction. In some
instances. after erecting their poles they
would find on their return to string their
wires that wire would be strung above
their poles and one too low for them to
go under.
The Independent company presented
these complaints to the city council last
night, and secured the passage OF an ordi-
nance confning both companies to six
feet Of perpendicular space on their poles
for stringing wires and to forty wires to
the pole.
There is disposition to force both
companies to put their wires underground
in the business part Of the city. In fact.
the Independent company has been re-
quired TO put Its wires under ground In
certain limits, but there Is talk Of an
ordinance compelling both companies to
put their wires down In tho Are limits.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08

When the house met this morning Mr..
Monroe called attention to the desdtutlon
ana suffering now existing among the
pooplo Of Starr county aud requested
small contributions from members, The
sum OF $40 was collected.
Mr.. Shelburne offered a resolution 10
provide fer committee OF Ave members
of the house. with the speaker as chair
man. to Investigate the departments and
| institutions, with view TO fixing sal
aries, ascertnining as to Irregularities that
may exist and to the end that 50 far as
practicable civil service reform may be
mad in the departments. said committee
70 SIT during The recess of the legislature.
On molten of Mr., Bailey the resolution
was made special order for Monday
| morning.
On motion OF Mr.. Henderson OF Lamar
the house went into committee of the
whole to consider the general appropriate
ton bill, The bill was considered by Sec
lions
Mr. Kittrell offered an amendment 10
increase the item of the salary Of the
g-y.rnor's stenographic clerk from $1,000
to $1,000.
Mr.. Childers as substitute proposed
to reduce the item TO $500.
Mr.. Childers spoke in support of his
substitute and Mr.. Kittrel advocated the
increase of the salary.
Mr.. Shropshire opposed both amend
ments.
Mt Prince, in speaking to the amend
ment and substitute, said that he had
great confidence in the judgment of the
G. mmittee that had given the bill such
deliberate and careful consideration and
thought that In most particulars 1t was
SAFE TO accept their estimates as to
am UNITS that should be appropriated.
After considerable discussion Mr.. kit
trell withdrew his amendment,
Mr. Staples offered as a substitute to fix
the salary at S1100.
The amendment OF Mr.. Childcrs and
the substitute by Mr.. Staples We're both
deieated and the Item of the bill was
adopted.
The house then took recess to ESQ
o'clock.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
PROCEEDINGS.
The Senate.

Austin, Texas, April THE senate met
this morning with quorum present.
Committee on towns and cities made q
favorable majority, with an adverse mi
nority, report on the Dallas city charter
bill.
Committee on public buildings and
grounds reported favorably house bill by
Of Austin block of ground for school
purposes.
Committee on judicial districts reported
favorably Sebastians bill diminishing the
civil and criminal jurisdiction of the coun-
ty court OF Titus county.
Committee on roads, bridges and ferries
reported favorably house bill by Suther-
land creating a more efficient road sys-
tenn for Wood county
Yanis moved to suspend the pending
business and take up his bill prohibiting
railroad companies from issuing free
passes.
Miller moved to table the motion. Lost
IS ayes, 16 noes.
The pending businesS was suspended by
vote OF II to and the favorable NIL
nority report wac substituted FOR the aa-
verse majority report BY vote OF 10 10 II.
Hanger offered an amendment to strike
out the enacting clause.
Wayland moved TO postpone, furtner
consideration until next Wednesday. Lost
% ayes, 20 noes.
Hangers amendment was lost by vote
OF 10 ayes to IA noes.
Grinnan offered an amendment strlhing
out representatives or attorneys from
the exceptions embraced In the bill and
leaving agents and employees OF railroads
as the only persons eligible to ride on free
passes.
Davidson offered a substitute striking
out all the exemptions included in the bill,
which In effect would prevent the Issuance
OF free passes at all
The substitute was adopted by vote or
Is to Z, and the substitute became the
original amendment.
Atlee offered an amendment to the
amendment excepting such employees as
are necessarily engaged In the operation
or repair of the road OF such corporation.
The amendment to the amendment was
lost by viva voce vote.
Burns offered 8 substitute providing
that free passes shall not be issued 70
any person not In the employment OF SAID
railroad company.
The Burns substitute was lost and the
original Davidson amendment was adopts
ed.
Burns offered an amendment adding the
emergency clause 10 the bill.
Morriss offered an amendment exempt
ing surgeons from the operation ~ tne
bill who are travelling 10 . wreck ana ga
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
Lit,Ie is Prepared 40 DE.

GreenyIlle. Texas, April 7.--Charley Lit
tie. undor sentence of death here, will bs
hanged next Thursday. unless oommuta-
ticn or respite is granted. His attorney.
J. G. Matthews. Is now In Austin working
for executive clemency.
The condemned man is without hope aud
EXPRESSES himself as rellglously prepares
10 die. The rope TO be used Is being tested
by Sheriff Patton.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08

BY Mr.. Rochelle-To provide a more CT
fieient road system for Bowie county,
BY Mr.. Greenwood--To require peddlers
of clocks. agricultural implements. cook
ing stoves or ranges. wagons, buEgles,
carriages. Surveys and similar vehicles,
washing machines ami churns and peddlers
OF all other merchandise OF every descrip-
ton. 20 pay tax.
BY Mr.. Russell-To relieve the inhabi :
tants and property OF zapata county from
payment OF State taxes levied for 1899.
By MIR. Caldwell-To grant NJ. M. John
son permission to sue the State for the
sum OF $3.50 claimed to be the balance duo
MIN on salary as supreme court bailiff
from February !, 1895. TO June 80, 1897.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
New Paper at Huntsville.
To the Editor of The Post.

Huntsville. Texas. March s.--MessrA
cravens a Condor, publishers and print
ers. are here and purpose putting In
flrst-claes job office. IL Is understood that
they will also publish a weekly paper.
Their plant will be located In the Fielder
building. upstairs. Politically. the paper
will be democratic. with uneqytvocal ad-
herenoc to the fortunes OF Bryan and
Bailey for preisdent and senator. o.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
VICTORIA LOCALS.
Cheap Rates to Houston and Sar
Antonio.

Victoria, Texas. April Mrs. Ida Pfaff
OF Z, raso arrived here yesterday on O
visit to her parents. Mr.. and Mrs. James
Beaumont, who met her In Houston, She
viii remain several weeks.
General Freight and Passenger Agent
". j. Cra.s has announced reduced rates
to San Antonio for the State medical con
yen.ion the iumbermcns convention am
the Battle OF Flowers; also the very low
rates n entIoned In The Post to Houston for
the San JaGinto Day celebration.
The machinery for the ice plant arrived
last nIght. The structure in which It is to
be put Is about ready to receive IL, and
Manager Rathbone expects to be making
ice in a few weeks.
Mr.. Hal Winsted, travelling freight agent
for this 'tr.tco. was in the city yester,
day in the interest OF his road and left
tails morning for Cuero.
Mr. Neville Fleming went TO San Antonio
today on cattle business,
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
-0usTUN DAILY POST: SATURDAY MORNINGS APRIL 8 1890

smptins such persons as are injured in
wrecks. Lost -
Miiies ohered an amendment exemp,ing
newspaper reporters and editors.
ur.nnan offered substitute nrov,a,, =
mar no free passes shall be Issued exceni
70 persons wh9 arc travelling on businsss
lor the road and that the au.horIxatinn
Tor such pass shall contain under oath
mar the person is on business ana Tho
nature CT his business Ruled out Of
order because it was not german until
sns Davidson amendment should be recon
with bill pending adjournment was
taken until 10 o'clock Monday.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
Died Of Meningitis.

Gainesville, Texas, April s.--Alderman
p. r. Fox, who was elected at Tuesday
election by handsome majority. died
this morning at O'Clock of spinal meniu-
gifts. He was stricken with the dread
disease on ,Jonday morning and rapidly
grew worse and Tuesday night the doc
tors gave up all hope HIS little child
is also lying at the point OF death, suffer
ing from the same complaint that killed
his father
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
CULTIVATION or cANrALourEs.
Instructions being Given to Farmers
of II0mkIon County.

Grnpeland, Texas. April 6.-Mr. Nat
Wetzel, president and general manager OF
the Western Poultry and Game company
OF ST. Louis. accompanied by his Texas
manager, II. D. Garwood. and Mr.. Edward
Sells 81 Dallas. division freight agent Of
American Refrigerator Transit company
met tho Grapeland Fruit and Vegetable
association here today and spent a few
hours In consultation in regard to the
planting, cultivating and marketing OF the
coming cantaloupe crop. The meeting was
very pleasant and profitable to all parties.
and the substantial announcement ex-
tended TO the members OF the association
by these gentlemen was highly appreciated
and created considerable enthusiasm.
Mr.. Garwood will make regular visits
here during the season for the purpose Of
instructing the members OF the associa-
tion.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
Ncero cavaIrymen for Cubs,

San Antonio. Texss. April THE Tenth
cavalry today received an official order
from Washington directing the regiment
to proceed within two weeks to Santiago,
and six companies are to go. The remain
ing companies are TO station the Rio
Grande garrisons. The order came In the
nature OF a surprise to the officers
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
wilisins Given a LIE Term.

Nacogdoches. Texas, April 6.-Distrtct
court mas been engaged since Monday In
the trial OF John wilkins. colored. for the
murder OF Bit Mcdonald. coIored. The
jury after being out few hours re-
ment In the penitentiary for life. Nc
Donald was en- industrious negro and was
assassinated from ambush.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08

business was suspended and bill to amend
the law relating 10 public weighers was
taken up.
On motion Of Mr. wooten house bill to
amend Srticle es2. title 81. chapter . Of the
Revised Statutes, and to provide for TN
ineorposation Of dls,illeries aud brewcrics,
was recommltted.
Adjourned to $3.50 tomorrow.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
BILLS INTRODUCED.


Grinnan introduced bill extending for
twenty years the time for payment OF tho
principal Of the purchase money for lands
purchased under certain acts OF the iegis.
laturc.
Greer introduced bill fixing ~, time
OF holding court in tho Second judicial dis
trlct.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
m1nLER's CHANGE OF FRONT.
His Friends Say lie Has COMMITTEE
Political Suicide.

fOftttcai sutctUes
Dallas, Texas, April state Senator
Barry Miller's change OF front on the
pending Dallas charter bill created q SEN
sation In Dallas when 1t became known
today: II has been almost the sole topic OF
conversation In the city since morning.
Many OF Senator Mlller's closest friends
say he has committed political suicide.
while friends Of the charter are denounc-
ing him savagely. There is a general feel
ing on all sides that the charter Is doomed
to defeat. because of Senator Mller's
new attitude OF opposition.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
Occupation Tax Law CONSTITUTIONAL.

weatherford. Texas. April 6.-In the
test case to try the validity Of the oecu-
patton tax law as applicable TO lawyers,
District Judge Patterson today rendered an
opinion holding the Law good and remand
ing the defendant 20 the custody OF the
sherin. This case viii be appealed.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08

Mahlon pitney,
James A. Hemenway.
James ]. Belden,
S. s. Barney.
William H. Moody,
Samuel j, Pugh,
Alexander NJ. Dockcry.
l.. f. Livingston.
Thomas @. McRac.
John NJ. Allen.
John @. Bell.
James C. Courts. Clerk.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
Starr County.
william j. Russell.
Eighty-ffth District.
II. A. Atlec,
Senator Twenty third District.

Austin. Texas. April 7.-Representative
Russell OF Cameron county is in receipt
of petition from the county officials OF
zapata county addressed to the governor
and legislature representing that the
county has been fer seven years, with
brief intermission. afflicted with severe
drouth. causing great distress among the
inhabitants, the loss OF stock being es-
tlmated at SO cent OF horses and 40 per
cent OF cattle. 1t states that II the drouth
continues thirty days longer many will
suffer a total loss. In view OF this condi-
ton It is asked that the State taxes for the
year 1889 be RENTED.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
Office Assistant Attorney Genera
A TESTIMONIAL no sAYERs.

TESTIMONIAL TO SAVERS.
Governor Sayers received a handsome
souvenir yesterday from the clerk OF the
committee on appropriations OF the Ma
tional house OF Representatives. 1t was a
copy Of the resolutions adopted by the COM
nittee upon the occasion OF the COVER
nor'b retirement from congress, ongrossed
upon vellum and bound In morocco. APP
pended TO the parchment are the auto
graphs OF all the members OF the appro-
prations committee except Stephen A.
Northway OF Ohio, who died before the
resolutions were engrossed. and william A.
Stone, who had gone to be inaugurated
governor OF Pennsylvania. The document
is as follows:
Committee on Appropriations. House OF
Representatives Washington. D. c.. De-
cember 20, 18gS.--'rho committee being in
session, Mr.. Bingham submitted the fol-
lowing. which was unanimously agreed to:
Hon. Joseph D.. sayers. our associate,
VIII sever his connection with the COM
inittee on appropriations after this meet.
ing member of the congress during the
/ Flftieth, FlEty-nrst, Flfiy-seeond, Fifty
third. Fofty-fourth and Fifty-htth con.
crosses, period OF twelve years, begin
ming In 1857. and ita honored chairman
during the Fifty-thlrd congress. 1893 to
1893. his discharge OF the exacting 6nties.
Including those Of chairman. has been dis-
tinguished by untiring industry. zeal and
conscientious regard for the public well
fare, proving him a worthy SUCCESSOR Of
Thaddens Stevens, James A. GARFIELD and
samuel J. Randall.
Ills courtesy aud fairness toward his as
Eociaies In al the lahors OF the committee.
In the formulation ana discussion OF the
great supply bills OF the government and
Ia their presentation and conduct Ia the
the house OF representatives., have won for
him tho esteem and confidence OF his col
leagues here, and OF his fellow members
In that body OF representatives OF this
American people.
In his new field OF exalted public duty.
as chief magistrate OF the great common
wealth OF Texas, we extend 10 him this ex-
preston. sincere and cordial, though lm-
perfect OF our affection. respect and con-
fldepce.
Resolved, That this minute be entered
upon the records OF the committee. and
that an engrossed copy thereof. signed
by the members. be furnished TO ,ioyarnor-
elect Joseph ID. Sayers-
J. g, Cannon
Chairman;
Henry n Bingham.
william w. Gruut.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
WHARTON LOCALS.
Additional Tax for New school
House Was Voted.

Whsrtonr TeXas. April I.--At me SCHOOL
tax election held yesterday IN the wharton
Incorporated scirol district, the promo
sition submitted 10 the taxpaycrs hy The
trustees TO levy a<tsx OF Ia Of l per
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-08
THE DROUTH is VERY BAD
PEOPLE OF STARR COUNTY UNABLE
TO RAISE ANY CROPS.
Heavy Loss in Live stock II Reported
from xnpatn County and People
Want Taxes RENTED.

Austin, Texas, April THE following
is being circulated here today:
To the People OF Texas.
We are this date in receipt of a report
from the grand jury of Starr county at tho
March term. 1899, stating that great des-
titution prevails In Starr county. and that
by reason of the drouth the people can
not plant this year. "and from present
Indications starvation will soon stare our
people In the face" and that at is the
sense of the grand jury that an appeal
be made to the outside world for help
In view Of the facts above stated, and
also communicated to ]. II. Monroe. rep
resentative Of Starr county by w. w.
Shelly, sheriff OF said county. we, tho un-
derslgned representatives of the Eighty
nth representative district. and our State
senator. do most earnestly appeal to our
fellow-citis Of our State and the chari-
table world to send relief TO the people
OF Starr county In money or provisions:
that the same be sent 10 James Clarke.
county Judge. Rio Grande City. Texas. and
request that all railroads convey such pro-
visions free.
]. II. Monroe,
Starr County.
William J. Russell,
Eiphtv-Afth District