The Savannah morning news., 1901-04-07
THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE.
AN OUTLINE OF THE SESSIONS
WORK.

The Bill for Improving the CON-
dition of Convicts-Steps to BE
Taken for the Relief of the SUI
prcme Court-The Number OF Cr-
cult Judges to BE Increased--Com-
meuts on the Governors Message.
other Matters of General Interest
Tallahassee, April 6,-The Legislature OF
Florida is now organized and the busi-
ness of the session is being entered upon
with a zest which indicates the enact
ment of much important legislation. The
appointments of standing committees by
the president of the Senate and the
speaker of the House seem to meet with
general favor and the selections Tor the
most important committees are consider
cred very good. Already a number or I'M
portant measures have been referred 10
che judiciary Committee of the Senate
Of which Senator Wilson of Polk county,
Is chairman, and to the Judiciary Com
mittee Of the House of which Mr.. Ze-
wadski Of Marion, Is the chairman. Inc
policy of the Legislature seems to be 10
refer matters relating to the important
matter of relief for the Supreme Court
TO special Joint Committee. AT pres
ent the Supreme Court is several years
behind with its work, and 1t is proposeu
10 provide a commission to assist thehl
ard to propose an amendment to the con-
stitution for an increase in the number OF
Supreme Court judges. 1t is also proposed
TO increase the number of Circuit Court
tudRes Another important matter is the
division of the state into three congress
sional districts under the new apportlon-
ment act of Congress.
1t seems to be conceded that the por-
tion of the state from the Sewannee river
west will constitute one district. There
are propositions to divide the peninsular
portion of the state by an east and west
line and another by north and south
line. There is also a suggestion of maxi
ing a congressional district at large in
addition to the two now established in
the state The question of new nrt-
mary law for the state, in accordance
with the last Democratic platform. is
engaging the attention of some members.
The leasing of state convicts is one CT
the important subjects for action this SEES
sion. At present all the state prisoners
are leased for a total sum of $4,000. The
last Legislature considering this too small
state convicts, provided for the appoint
ment of commission of three to con-
slider and report on this subject The
committee appointed by Gov. Bloxham
were Senator Grill of Putnam, Represent
alive Watson of Osceola and Judge Ber-
nard of Leon. They have reported, and a
bill carrying out their ideas has been pre-
scented. 1t seeks to provide for a prison
commission and the establishment of
afa 10 AZ xrh frh saFti of
the convicts can be kept at uesful en-
ployment, while others are leased under
state control.
The message of Gov. Jennings has been
most favorably received and commented
on by all who have given it the attention
ID deserves. The present Legislature is
composed of able representative men.
Among them are some of the most prom
inent citizens of the state who have rem
dered valuable services to the people.
There is an ex-Congressman and an ex-
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in
the House and an ex-State Treasurer in
the Senate Another distinguished MEM
Der of the Senate is Gen. William Mil
Ter from Washington county. He is a
prominent figure and very popular.
DR.. j. Y. Porter state health officer
and member of the House from Monroe
county has arrived, as have also Hon.
w. Hunt Harris and e. W. Russell from
Monroe county, who were detained at
home the first days of the session.
Among those who have seen much serv-
ice in the Senate is Hon. John w. Whid-
den of DeSoto. who enjoys great distinc-
ton among the senators for his ability
and usefulness.
Ex-Gov. Bloxham lives in Tallahassee,
ard whenever he appears on the street
he is surrounded by a crowd of admirers
who always delight to honor him.