The Washington times., 1902-05-28
Other Amendments Sub
stituted for Senate
Provisions.
NOW GOES TO CONFERENCE
Number of Peace Justices Reduced to
Four-Hearing of Divorce Suits Filed
in Local Courts Before January
Provided For.


the bill amending the District code
which went into effect on January /.
A measure amending the code was
passed by the Senate several weeks ago
and for this the House substituted its
own amendments striking out all of the
Senate bill excepting the enacting
clause.
The measure will now go to confer
ence and the result of the deliberations
of that body will be the additions to the
present law OF the District
The purpose of the bill is to correct
some of the minor defects of the code.
and in some instances to make some
material changes. Several important
amendments to the bill as it came from
the House District Committee were in
corporated in the measure as it finally
passed the House yesterday.
Fewer Peace Justices.
One of these was the amendment Of
fered by Mr.. Cannon, which reduces the
number of justices of the peace from
to appoint them, without the advice or
consent OF the Senate.
Another amendment which was offer
ed by Mr.. Ray restores trial by jury be-
fore justices of the peace.
While the bill was under consldera-
tion yesterday the most important
added to the bill was that
proposed by Mr.. Mudd, which enables
the Supreme Court OF the District to
hear and decide suits for divorce filed
on or before December 81. under the
statute in force on that day.
The present law allows divorce for
but enc cause. while the old law in force
prior to January l last, recognizes sew
eral additional causes.
Few Members Present.
The House having taken recess on
Monday afternoon. while District busi-
ness was under consideration. resumed
with the code bill at II o'clock yester-
day morning. There were but few nm
bers present when the House was called
to order.
Mr.. Jenkins offered an amendment.
which was agreed to, affecting the clerk
If the District Supreme Court. 1t pro-
rides that at any time when the fees re-
'eived by the clerk are insufficient to
pay the expenses of the clerks Office
he defCit shall be paid out of the fees |
If United States courts.
Mr.. Jenkins said that rarely. If ever. |
would this be necessary. as the fees of I
he local court are sufficient The /
amendment he said, had the approval /
# the court and of the Committee on /
appropriations.
As to Joint Prosecutions.
An amendment to the bill was offered
" Mr.. Jenkins striking out the pro-
'ision to amend section 921 of the code
~ the following: When two or more
'ersons are jointly prosecuted, the
ourt. before n defendant has gone into
is defense. may direct any such de-
endant to be discharged that he may
'e n witness for the prosecution"
The amendment to strike out was
greed to.
The Divorce Amendment
Mr.. Mudd offered an amendment to
he section of the code relating to di-
orce. to the effect that all petitions for
tvorce pending December 81. 1901, may
e proceeded with and determined under
he statute in force on that date Mr..
erkins accepted the amendment and il
'as agreed to by the House. The effect
( the amendment is 10 enable the court
i. -. !
ases which were filed prior to January
1909. \ large number Of such sui
'ere instituted just befora .ts Hr"g
ent into effect.
Impe3r 'ment OF Witr as-s
Mr.. Ray. of New York. ar
which was arr t0 The
Massachusetts, statute in re r- .e the
lpeachment OF the testim
assCs.
a number of minor amen er.
resented and agreed to Hu. '
lssiOn.
II was found impossible ....
ith the reading OF the bill re no r.
le hour for the opening
ally session. and under
5reement the further reat
nnsed with and the measl
without division.