The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-04-03

The senate was called TO order at I1:05
o'clock by Governor Charles Dean Kim
ball. with quorum present. The jour
nal of Wednesday was read and approved.
Senator Freeman of Central Falls Of
fered resolution 10 suspend senate rules
10. .. IS and 80 for the remainder of the
session.
Senator Banigan of Pawtucket opposed
the passage Of the resolution, but the
resolution was adopted on "A rising vote,
70 TO I.
House resolution providing for the re-
printing OF 300 copies of the Rhode Island
reports was read and passed In concur
renee.
Also substitute A OF an act TO incor-
porate the La Sale Academy in Provi-
dence; read and passed In concurrence.
Substitute y of an act in amendment of
| chapter 107 general laws, of railroad and
steamboat police; judiciary committee.
Substitute A of an act In amendment of
chapter 253. general laws. OF the service
of writs; judiciary committee.
THE MERGER BILL.
From the house came substitute A of
an act TO incorporate the Rhode Island
company. which provides for the consoli
dation Of the Union Railroad company.
the Providence Gas company and the
Narragansett Electric Light company.
moved that the bill he read and put upon
it's passage: without reference.
The bill was read and also the petition
accompanying the bill for an act.
Senator Banisan OF Pawtucket moved
that the act be considered by sections.
Senator Freeman opposed this motion
and said that as the act had been read he
believed that IL could be acted upon as
a whole This course, he said. would not
interfere with the presentation of any
amendments.
Senator Parker remarked that rule l9
had been suspended and therefore no
claim by right could be made 10 take up
tho bill by sections but could only be
done by the vote of the senate.
Senator Kenyon held the same view
and was In favor OF taking up the bill as
"A whole.
Senator Banigau said that he thought IL
n very singular proceeding TO take up
| such an important bill I'm such a summary
manner. The bill had not even been acted
upon by the senate committee on corpora
tions, and he insisted upon his motion 10
consider the bill by sections. This mo-
tion was lost on viva voce vote.
The question then came on the question
OF the adoption OF substitute A in con
currence.
PREVIOUS QUESTION ORDERED.
Senator Banigan. Of Pawtucket said
that the DiN paNed lnt way TOT a gigantic
| monopoly that seeks 10 control all the
| public utilities OF this state pcrpetually.
| He hardly saw the way 10 offer amend
ments that would make the bill ac-
| ceptable 10 tho people OF this state. and.
| in fact. he doubted II any amend
| ments could ever make the proposed act
| acceptable 10 tho people.
lie claimed that by this bill the general
assembly was asked To confirm the act
passed at tho Newport session in 1895.
which practically gave the railroad cor
porations Of the state a perpetual fran
| chise lt was bartering away the rights
OF the people. and a selling out Of the
| privileges which belong TO the general
| assembly.
Senator Freeman. OF Central Falls.
spoke in favor of tho passage OF the bill.
| lie said that the Objectionable clause
| which related TO a perpetual franchise
had been stricken from the bill. Under
the provisions OF the act the state would
| receive double the amount that ~ now
receives SAm the railroad companies.
The gas and electric companies. which
pay no tax 90 the state, will turn over
"a substantial sum 10 the state treasurer.
PREVIOUS QUESTION ASKED.
Senator Freeman thon moved tho pre-
| vious question and Senator Banigan de-
| manded a roll call on tho motion
There was not a suficient number de-
| manding a roll call and the previous gues-
tion was thon ordered. by rising vote,
| Of - To- :.
In answer to Senator GaskIns. OF Cum
| berland. Senator Freeman stated that
there was no provision for perpetual
| franchise I'm the bill. but that all the cor
porations concerned in the act would en-
/ iov all the privileges as provided for IN
| chapter $50 General Laws. however. these
/ might be construed.
senator Banigan said that he did not
| believe that the senator from Central
| Falls believed what he said, " he had
/ read the bill lie claimed there was a
| perpetual contract Al this point his
three minutes expired and Senator Bani-
/ gan sat down
Senator Mclaughlin. Of Scituatc. asked
! that the three minutes which he would be
! entitled to be accorded 90 Senator Bani-
, gan. ea9 there being no objection. Scna-