Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1901-02-26
Committee on Judiciary Recon-
meuds Passage Of Domain Bill,
A NEW RAILROAD MEASURE
Distribution of Estates OF Decedenis
Fire Department Bill-Same Old
Efiort Under "a New Guise.

The Senate chamber looked rather
empty today. eight Of the senators be-
ing In Cedar City. Their absence, how
ever. did not impair the working ability
of the Senate, and the business was dis
patched with the usual directness.
The committee on judiciary recon-
mended the passage Of House bill No.
60, relating to executions, and also
House bill No. s. by Smith, relating to
the condemnation Of water rights, UNI
der the law Of eminent domain. The
same committee. In relation to Senate
bill No. z, relating to the taxing of
gifts, legacies. etc, submitted a substi-
tute bill. The reports of the committee
We're adopted.
House bills No. 40. l42 and l47 were
referred to the committee on railroads,
and House bill No, 90, relating to coun-
ty attorneys, was referred to the COM
mlttee on Judiciary.
Senate bill No. so, by Allison-An act
making railroad corporations In Utah
liable for damages sustained by an
agent or servant thereof by reason OF
the negligence of any other agent or
servant thereof. unless there Is con-
trlbutory negligence on the part of the
agent or employe.
Senate bill No. 81. by Allison, (by re-
quest)-To amend sections 39iS and 3949
OF the Revised Statutes of Utah 1898,
relating to partial distribution Of the
estates Of decedents.
The present law extends TO the heirs
only the right to present their petition
to the court for the distribution to them
OF the legacy or share Of the estate to
which they are entitled This measure
extends the same privilege to every de-
Vlsee or legatee OF the estate,
Senate bill No. 50, by Whitney (by
requesD, an act providing for the APP
pointment and duties Of board of fire
commissioners In cities Of 1900 inhab-
itants and more. and TO place the fire
departments Of said cities upon a non.
partisan basis.
The bill provides that in every city
or lZ,OOO inhabitants and over shall
have such board to consist OF three
members. Within thirty days of the
passage OF the bin the Governor shall
appoint two persons who are adherents
Of different political parties, one for a
term OF four years, the other for a term
Of two years, dating from Jan. list. 1901
The mayor of the respective cities shall
ex-ofiicio constitute the third member
Of the board during his term. In case
OF the death of any member, the Gov
ernor shall anOoint a successor of the
same political faith as the one who
died, The board shall meet at least
twice month. All OF the powers and
duties of the fire departments Of the
cities Of the State Of over 1000 inhab-
itants shall pass into the hands Of the
fire board.
There is further provision that no
person shall be appointed TO a perma-
nent position on the fire department
without the consent Of all Of the mem
bers Of the board. A mans political
conviction shall not be taken into con-
sideration In determining his appoint
ment or promotion to any position in
the department.
The chief Of the department shall be
appointed by the board of commission
ers.