Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-03-06
WITH THE LAWMAKERS.
NOTES AND COMMENTS FROM THE
PENNSYLVANIA CAPITAL.
An Exciting Incident Rouses the Ire of
the Rsprese entatives-Dafe of Adjourn
ment Will Probably Bo Extended.
Condition of the State Treasury.


Harrisburg, Pa, March 3, 1899.
The most sensa, ional incident that
has occurred since the legislature con-
vened took place this morning. Speaker
Farr adjourned the house at II a. M,
under a standing rule of that body to
limit the sessions on Fridays to that hour,
and despite the appeals and protests of
several anti-Quayites and Democrats
refused to recede from his ruling. Con-
fusion reigned for seme time and for
awhile it was feared that the wrath and
bitterness which took possession of some
Of the representatives would lead to
blows. Fortunately the trouble did not
reach that point. A meeting i'm
mediately followed in the house chamber
and indignant protests against the
| speakers action were declared.
AT this writing it is impossible to
predict what effect the incident may
have upon the senatorial battle, but 1t
is certain that it has widened the breach
in the Republican ranks and brought
the independents and Democrats closer
than before. In the Joint session today
three Quay men deserted their candi-
date, dividing their votes among Huff,
Rice and Widener. The coming week
Is expected to be an exciting one.
ADJOURNMENT DATE.
Directly after the opening of the
legislature Senator Magee presented
resolution fixing April 20 as the date for
final adjournment. The resolution was
passed and now it appears the men who
usually manipulate the course of legis-
not get away by that time. The session
is more than half past and only one bill
has become law. This in itself is not
of much consequence, for as far as new
laws are concerned, the state would not
suffer if the legislature should adjourn
without passing another bill.
There is some legislation, however,
that the legislature must pass before it
adjourns. These are the appropriation
bills which supply the funds for the
states institutions, such as the various
asylums, educational establishments,
lar institutions. Thus far not single
bill relating to these matters has been
reported in the house. The appropria-
tion committee which has the preparing
ing of these bills has not held meeting
and no time for the holding of meeting
has even been fixed.
so MUCH VALUABLE TINE
has been frittered away In the senatorial
contest and with tremendous amount
of work yet on hand the men who
originated the early adjournment resou-
tion are now making canvass of the
house to see if the resolution cannot be
rescinded. 1t will require two-thirds
vote, and they are not meeting with
much encouragement. Many of the
members have presented one or more
bills asking financial assistance for a
charitable institution in their district,
and if tho appropriation bills are not
ready to pass when the time comes for
| adjournment, and, sooner than leave
these institution without funds, mem
bers who are now opposed to proonging
| ouo sesoiou Will oe CoHpeileu W CHdnSe
their vote so as to give time to pass
these bills.
For some time past charges have been
made In the papers that both directly
and indirectly, money, offices, appoint
ments and employment have been offer
ed to members of the house
TO INFLUENCE THEIR VOTES
upon the McCarrell bill and the senator
ship. This led to the presentation of
resolution by Representative Koontz, of
Somerset county, calling for a committee
of five and an appropriation Of 81 900 to
make an investigation of these charges.
The resolution passed after spirited
debate taken part in by members of all
three OF the contending forces.
No new bills have reached the gov
ernor during the past week. There are
,cc