Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-01-16
WITH THE LAW MAKERS.
NOTES AND COMMENTS FROM THE
PENNSYLVANIA CAPITAL.
Sensational Events Are the Order of the
Day In the Legislature-GovernO At
tack on Building ommission-0uay's
Chances for Recollection.

Chances for Recollection.
Harrisburg, Pa, January Is.
Although the legislature has been in
session but few days it has experienced
sensational events enough to last for the
remainder of the term. The surprising
ly unanimous election of speaker; the
reading of the governors message, in
which he makes an arraignment of the
capitol building commissions; the answer
of Senator S. j. NJ. McCarrel, one of the
commissioners, and the Republican
caucus for United States senator, with
its uncertain result, all followed each
other so quickly that it kept the mem
bers guessing what would come next.
Easily the most prominent event, and
one that is not likely to be settled so
easily, was the Republican caucus for
United States senator. Usually when
ever there is spirited contest ahead in
the legislature the lines of contest are
drawn on the speakershp. This year,
however, on the speakership, there was
no contest. This led the friends of
Senator Quay to believe that he would
have no trouble in securing the votes of
l2S members and senators at a joint eau
Gus, but after the caucus was over it
WAS found that there had been only 100,
out of a necessary 1873, present. The
opposition succeeded in keeping away "a
members and senators. These gave out
a statement, that, as Senator Quay was
under indictment for grave charges, they
COULD NOT SUPPORT HIM
for reelection to the senate until he
purged himself of these charges.
Should Senator Quay eXtricate him
self from his legal troubles with honor
and satisfaction to all, believe that he
will be elected. Should he, however,
further delay legal proceedings, or
should the verdict be of an unsatisfac-
tory nature, he will not be able to win
over enough votes to insure his return
to Washington.
Governor Hastings last message to
the legislature is quite lengthy docu
ment. He speaks of many changes that
should be made to certain laws; suggests
that provision be made for the care of
the increased number of the states
insane; suggests that the law should be
changed so that the United States sena-
tor would be elected by the people; urges
reapportionment of the state, and closes
by venting his dispeasure upon the
capitol building commission.
He declares that the 'capito, in its
present condition, is hardly fit for
human habitation, much less the official
abode of the representatives Of this
great commonwealth. There are"
says he, "scores OF farmers barns in
Pennsylvania more attractive in appear
ance than this building. 1t is made of
common brick, embedded in cheap NOR
tar, looks like u
HASTILY ERECTED FACTORY BUILDING
and is replusive to the eye" The only
good part about the building is its foun
dation and the governor suggests that
the legislature order the building torn
down to the foundation and another
erected to comply with the original
appropriation.
| To this arraignment, Senator S. j. M.
McCarrell, one of the commissioners,
replied, charging the governor with re-
naming away from the sessions Of the
commission and acting like boy. lie
| declared that the commission would not
ask the legislature for an appropriation
to finish the building and statements
made to that effect we're wholly without
warrant.
| The attitude of Senators Mapee and