The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1900-03-17
Maryland Legislature.

ERIDAY.-In the Senate among the petl-
tons offered was one asking for an appropria-
ton of $4,000 for the maintenance of farmers
institutute, also one for the agricultural de-
partment of the Maryland Agricultural Col
ledge. Leaves mere granted to introduce
new bills and favorable reports we're made on
others.
In the House petitions we're presented ask
ing for an appropriation for the farmers in
stitutes, and leaves granted to introduce nu-
merous bills, the referring of bills to the
proper committee and adjourned until Mon
day.
Though both Houses held short sessions
a vast amount of work was done.
MONDAY NIGHT.-The Senate was occupied
in the introduction of new bills, passing of
others and general routine business.
In the House the same order was observed
TUEsDAY.-New bills introduced and re-
ferred to proper committees, favorable re-
ports made, &c, was the order of the day.
Mr.. Beasman's oleomargarine bill caused
much discussion. A resolution asking the
representatives of Maryland in Congress TO
support the Grout and Davidson bill, provid-
ing for tax of ten cents a pound on eolored
oleomargarine, and one fourth ola cent on I'M
colored oleomargarine, was ordered engrossed
for a third reading, after considerable opposi
ton by Senators Dodson and Wilkinson.
Senators Williams, of Hartford, and Beasman,
spoke in its behalf Senator Beasman stated
that the object of the bill was TO protect the
dairy interest, which was considerable in sew
eral counties of the state. This he believed
was being injured by the constantly increasing
sale of oleomargarine in the city of Baltimore.
The commodity, he said, was colored in such
a manner thatit was almost impossible to dis
tnguish it from butter, for which it was to
great extent sold. lfthe bill before Congress
was passed, he thought that the dairy interests
of the State would be protected.
During the debate it was stated by Senator
Dodson, of Baltimore, that 10000 pounds OF
oleomaI garine are used monthly in that city,
and he called it The Butter of the Next Cend
tury."
A bill was introduced by Mr.. Dick, at the
request of the Ministerial Union Of Cumber
land, requiring all persons under age TO take an
oath before the Clerk of the Circuit Court or
before a magistrate by themselves or their
parents or guardians that they are of legal
age. Is years for the female aud p years for
the male, before marriage license can be
issued.
The House had ose of the busiest DAYS Of
the session. After the introduction of peti
tons and new bills work began on the file
aud it required the day and night session TO
place it in good shape. The various com
mittees are busy and are making favorable
aud unfavorable reports, and the Speaker Is
having action taken on such bills as are ready
TO be passed
Rumors having prevailed for some time
that powerful lobby, well heeled, was at
work on the members, a resolution WAS passed
appointing special committee with power %
summon persons, &c. Mayor Hayes, Of Bal.
timore, and some of the newspapers have been
A.tf
anticipated There are rumnrs that some
country members have been or are willing
to be seen.
WEDxEspAY. Both Houses transacted an
immense amount Of business. principally 10
the offering of new bills and the final passage
of others
Mayor HAYES appeared before the commit
tee appointed BY the House to investigate the
charge that there was a lobby at work in con
nechon sith the Telephone Conduit bill. He
presented Photographic of letter written BY
Delegate Samuel H. Hotfacker, Of Carroll
county, to his brother in Baltimore, intima
ting that cash was floating around. Mr. lioi
faeker admitted writing the letter, but de-
elared il was joke. Evidence Of EngEeeF
Phelps and Delegate Real vas also taken.
The committee met at night and decided to
wait until Thursday before making up re
port.
The charge Of formidable lobby being
at Annapolis may result in "a tempest in a
tea pot.
THURSDAY The Senate was occupied most
" in the introduction OF new bills and refer
ring the same 10 proper committees A large
number of bills were fayorably reported and
many were passed.
Ia the House the 5 gas bill for Baltimore
was debated AZ some length On the motion
20 substitute the bill for the majority report
the vote resulted 81 yeas 20 81 nays The
Carroll county delegates voted follows -
Mr. Walsh for the motion, and MessTs. Au-
derson. HofIacker and Norris against IT, Nj.
Walsh in explaining his vote said ihai he Vas
in favor Of the amendment, presented by the
gas company until a few days ago, when one
of the stockholders informed him that the
company bad spent $4,000 in Annapolis TO
defeat similar measure pending before q
former session of the Legislature. Since r..
eeiying this inforusaiion be had experienced
change Of hesfi. and voted yea on the mo
ton 10 Substitute the bill for The majority re-
port.
vast amount Of work done a. both
the day aud night session Of the Hoase-