The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-02-21
Only the Sherman Faction Pro.
tests, and That Not Too Strong
ly, at Waste OF Time.
new ATTACK ON YATES CROWD.
Measure Pending Would Make 1t
Impossible for Legislators to
Draw Additional Pay as
Members Of Boards.
BY A STAFF CORRESPONDENT.

BY A STAFF CORRESPONDENT.
Springfield. ILL.,, Feb. 20.-The Sherman
men. who back of the bill striking at
members of the Assembly holding other
civil offices, which was introduced yester-
day morning, declare that the measure is
not intended to endanger the Illinois
Worlds Fair appropriation
They say that, though their measure
touches several of the Worlds Fair Com
missioners incidentally, they believe the
State should b. well represented at the
Fair.
The bill Is an attack upon a practice of
old standing and which the Sherman pro-
moters condemn in no sparing terms. They
claim that while the precedent of appoint
ing members of the Legislature to positions
on the numerous boards. commissions and
the like was established by previous Gov
ernors. the custom has been greatly en-
larged upon by Governor Yates.
In some instances members have received
salaries as trustees members of the di-
rectorate of some one of the State institu-
tions. Usually their expenses only are paid.
But expenses amount per member often to
$1,000 year. made up of all manner Of
items, including railroad mileage, though
all ride on passes. This money comes from
appropriations which they themselves voted
out or the State Treasury.
SHERMAN'S OPPORTUNITY.
This condition of affairs presents an ex-
cellent opportunity for a minority faction
out of power in the Republican councils and
pay wagon, to make an attack before the
people.
Sherman has already made the exposure
from the stump. His bill is an endeayor to
evils of the Illinois governing machine.
The bill would enjoin the State Auditor Of
Accounts from issuing warrant to members,
in any capacity other than their right as
elected Representatives. These warrants
are the evidence Of their claim upon the
Treasury. and hence it would mean stop
page of the pay.
Were this done. the result would doubtless
be a test case. The member could bring
made. however whether or not the bill is
passed, if Attorney General Hamlin sees fit
to take action. 1T is said here that he ls
contemplating so doing.
ANOTHER DAY OF REST.
The Assembly was again laying off, to-
day. Many of the Senators. members of
the Appropriation Committee, and ten or
over to Champaign, there to inspect the
State University and report upon its needs
In the way Of ordinary and extraordinary
To-day's holiday had no connection with
a Lincoln or any other anniversary. 1t was
declared by the silent acquiescence of all
majority of the House. because of the very
general and deep-seated objection in the
days week.
The members simply took up their bag
gage and departed, not to return until
Tuesday. The House held brief session.
The one Senator moved and seconded his
motion, that the Senate adjourn. which it
did.
This leisurely manner Of doing business is
also the basis of acrimonious criticism. The
Sherman wing of the party is proclaiming
that neither the Assembly proper nor the
work cut out for the session. The important
civil service, compulsory
primary, and matters urgent for Chicago
49, SPEAKER MILLER's BILL
The Speaker: during the brief House sit
markabe measure judging by its title. but
has a world of meaning for sparsely popu-
lated counties. and especially for the Speak
measure would repeal the existing burial
law. an act which did much to defeat for
mer mer State Senator Chapman last fall in his
race Tor Congress against Bob Williams
The present law. passed last session. re-
quires that the Township Clerk issue !,
death certificate before burial In the less
ten miles long. The bereaved family is
compelled to search over this expanse of
territory for the Township Clerk who often
is not at home and has left no deputy. The
result has been that funerals have been
fered
All this was charged up against the Leg
islature that passed the obnoxious bill
Williams eloquently placed the responsible |
ity upon Chapman and, other local contli-
tions being considered, the Democrats over |
came 1000 normal Republican majority |
The Speaker now wishes to rid himself and |
Illinois associates of this incubus.
RAILROAD MEASURES
Cicero J. Lindly of Bond, former Railroad |
and Warehouse Commissioner. introduced |
two bills. They were recommended by the |
Commission when he was msmber, but |
failed to pass
The second is indorsed by the present |
The first allows the Commis- |
sioners. when they deem 1t necessary. to |
require railroads to put in electric bell /
signals at grade crossings. The second ex-
tends the Jurisdiction Of the Commissioner
to electric roads. which operate outside of |
a cities corporate limits.
Speaker Miller asked the unanimous con-
sent for the Introduction of a resolution by
Mr.. Montelius to add Arthur Benedict as
1ne OF the House pages as representing the
soldiers Orphans Home at Normal He ex-
blamed that that institution had requested
MS appointment The resolution was intro
luced and referred to the Committee on |
Contingent Expenses.
HASTINGS MacADAM,