The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1902-01-10
Into Legislative Hopper
at G oIum bus Begins.
Relief FOR JUSTICES
Measure Proposed the First
Day Makes Security for y
Costs Com pulsory In
Petty Suits.
.trrom a staff correspondent.)


Columbus, Jan. ST. was not antici-
pated that many bills would be intro
duced at the opening sessions OF the
house of representatives and there
was, therefore, some surprise when
members began to pour bills into the
hopper, which they expect to come out
full-fedged laws.
The preliminary business having
been done away with, on Monday, the
nrst bill that was introduced became
one of interest. 1t came from Repre-
sentative Brannock, of Clearmont
county, and was to rectify an evil that
has existed for some time in the shape
of taxation. The word taxation IN
the bill made the members listen with
attention while 1t was being read, anu
the Republican members pricked up
their ears and prepared to meet any
thing that sounded like Tom john
son measure at the outset. 1t was
more innocent than 1t appeared to DO
however, and the result was that 1t
went over without comment.,It pro-
yided that former owners of lands that
are now used by steam and electric
railways, should not be made to pay
taxes on those lands. The railroad
companies are assessed for the property
and 1t is claimed to be duplicate taxa-
ton to assess it on the former owner
County auditors have been remiss in
this matter and have never taken the
strips of land thus occupied. off the
farms where they once belonged.
SECURITY FOR COSTS.
A bill that will interest every justice
of the peace or other magistrate, and
every attorney, is the one that was In
troduced, which carries the provision
that in every action before magis-
trate, the plaintiff be compelled to give
security for costs. Heretofore only
non-residents were required to give
such security. 1t is the purpose OF the
bill to do away with lot of two cent
law suits that have been clogging the
Justice courts and In which there Is
little or no merit. 1t Is figured by the
author of the bill that IL law suit
is worth starting 1t Is worth margin
ing.
A bill giving conductors on both
freight and passenger trains the rights
of police officers Is one that will be
scrutinized some before 1t passes the
house, or even comes back from the
committee. 1t was also presented by
Mr.. Brannock. of Clearmont county.
CONDUCTORS POLICE POWERS.
The bill is sweeping in character and
as 1t Is presented would give conduc-
tors on street cars the powers Of police
officers, whether on their cars or not
1t would give conductors of freight and
passengers trains the right to go int
saloon and stop brawl. This is moi
the intent of the bill, as Representa-
tive Brannock explained to your cor
respondent, but 1t is the intention tt
make 1t apply to passenger and freigh
engineers and conductors on interurbar
lines. No mention is made as t.
whether this power shall be in forcs
only while the conductor is on th'
property Of the company employing
him, and IL passed II will give the con
ductors named power that will equa
that of any officer of the law. Repre-
sentative Clearmont told your cores
pondent that he would suggest SOM
changes in the bill, as he now see'
It Is too far-reaching. The presen
law gives passenger conductor on