The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1903-12-09
HELD SHORT SESSIONS.
Montana Lawmakers Proceed Slowly In
Matters Under Consideration.


caucus last night to consider what ac-
tion they should take to expedite bust.
ness and save the taxpayers money.
1t lasted for about two hours and a
half. There was full and fair dis
cussion Of the stu uation, and while it
was the opinion that this was a busi-
ness and not political matter, it was
proper that the republican mem bers of
the legislature do all in their power to
help the business in hand along. A
second caucus was held this afternoon,
at which it was decided to support the
two judicial bills Nos. 2 and ).
In the caucus, Everett, Of Chouteau,
proposed an amendment which pro-
vided that no more than five Judges
can be disqualified for bias or preju-
dice by either party: the Self bill pro-
vides that not more than two shall be-
There was considerable debate, but the
Everett amendment was indorsed and
as amended the republicans will sup.
port the change of place Of trial bill
In the senate this afternoon, two
bills were introduced by Maddox, of
Cascade county, one relating to the
disqualification of judges, and one re.
lating to change OF venue. Both were
sent to the judiciary committee.
The Ralston public land joint me-
mortal was reported to the senate by
the committee on public lands, with
the recommend alton that it do not
pass. To this report Senator Ralston
moved as an amendment that it do
pass, and on the vote of the body the
amendment won the day.
= In the house the report of the labor
committee excited considerable dis
cussion. A substitute for house bills
Nos. l, and 6, introduced by Lans-
trum, Axtell and Graham respective
ly, was reported. This measure re-
lates to the constitutional amendment,
the eight hour and the child labor
laws.
The bill was read a first and second
time and referred to the printing CON-
mittee. 1t is the same as the one
which failed because of a clerical
omission.
HELENA, Dec. 5.-Everything that
is possible for the house of represent.
atlves to do in order to bring to pass
the NJ alters for which is convened was
accomplished today. All the bills
that were before the body have been
passed, and all the matters that under
the governors call can be done have
been done. There were passed today
the Duggan disqu alihcation.o of. Judge
bill, with the Everett amendment; the
Self bill, without amendments: the
eight-hour constitutional amendment
bill and the bill appropriating $40, 200
to pay the expenses of the session.
The vote on the Duggan bill was 81
to l3, and the vote on the Self bill was
so to 10. The Duggan bill, as passed,
contained an amendment presented by
Everett of Chouteau, it having been
decided on at the republican caucus.
The amendment specifies that the plain
tiff and the defend ant to an action may
each have five challenges Of judges,
including the number Of judges in the
district in which it is proposed to
N AXE change. That is to say, in Sill
yer Bow county, in case all three of
the judges of that district may be OBJ
jected to, a litigant may still object
on the ground of bias or prejudice to
two judges outside of Silver Bow.
Shannon's bill to permit the work.
ing of mining properties when in the
hands of a receiver was today ruled
out of order by Speaker White, mas
much as it is matter not included in
the message of the governor. Shan
non appealed from the decision of the
chair, and the chair was sustained by
a vote of 80 to 10.
Schwend offered a resolution to the
effect that Montana is left in the DOW.
er OF corporations and requesting the
governor to approve the passage of
legislation compelling corporations
to run their mines and smelters.
Speaker White ruled this out of order
and an appeal was made by Schwend.
The chair was sustained by 80 to Is.
Whitley offered a joint memorial
roasting corporations for closing
down their properties and declaring
that it is an outrage for the legisla.
ture to be called together at the dicta-
tion OF any corporation. This was
defeated by 81 to 10. Self Introduced
House Bill s, appropriating s., 400
for clerk to be employed in the Of
fee of the perintendent of public in
struction.
HELENA, Dec. 1.-The senate had
the capitol all to itself today, the
house having adjourned on Saturday
to Tuesday. The session was longer
than usual and there was more work