Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1903-01-08
Meeting of the Legislature.

Harmony was the chief feature OF the
meeting of the Pennsylvania legislature
at Harrisburg, this week, there being
no contests in sight for anything ex-
cepting some of the minor appoint
ments.
The Republicans Of the Senate held
their caucus, Monday night, when John
M. Scctt of Philadelphia was selected
for President pro. tenn. without opposl-
ton; the Republicans of the House,
also, aet in caucus and Henry f, Wal
ton of Philadelphia was selected for
Speaker without opposition; and j.
Frank Graft of Armstrong Co. and Ed
ward James of Lackawanna county
were named for Secretaries. A Slate
Committee of one member from each OF
the Congressional districts (old appor-
tioument) was then selected, a resolu-
ton providing for final adjournment,
April 10th was adopted and the caucus
adjourned.
Both houses met for organization,
Tuesday noon.
In the Senate, Mr.. Scott. was elected
Pres. pro- TEN. over the Democratic
nominee, Mr.. Herbot, by vote OF 81 to
10; and in the House Mr.. Walton was
elected.Speaker, oyer Mr.. Castner by a
vote of 157 to 46.
The desks of many of the members of
both houses were covered with flowers,
which were gathered up and taken to
the city Hospital, and some routine
business followed, included the reading
the Governors Message, and the fixing
of April 10th as the date of final ad-
journment
The Message was a remarkably short
one, and in it the Gov. states the finan-
cial condition of the state, says the
labor riots cost the state more than a
million dollars, and strongly urges the
passage of compulsory arbitration bill.
He attributes the financial condition
of the state treasury to the good work
of the Attorney General and Auditor
General, in collecting amounts due the
state, and of the new Capitol speaks as
follows:
1.-THE Capitol Building commission
authorized by the last Legislature Will
lay before you the report Of its progress
to date. The work of selecting an
architect. agreeing upon plans, adyer-
tising for bids and other preliminary
steps has advanced as rapidly as the
magnitude Of the project would permit
Every step has been fortified by the
best experience that could be secured.
A contract has been awarded to George
F. Payne g. Co. for the construction OF
the building for So, 505,6 ,656.
'This magnificent building will De
constructed out of the general revenues
of the State without borrowing a single
dollar or subjecting the people to any
additional burdens whatever You can
rely upon the commissions statement
that it will be completed within the
time specified and for the amount ap'
propriated. and that the state will have
the best value obtainable for the money
spent.
Yesterday the legislature made the
formal count of the vote of the recent
state election. and then adjourned til
Monday the 10Th; when they will again
assemble, and be present at the In
auguration of Gov. Pennypacker, the
next day, 2Oth-"the third Tuesday Of
January" fixed by the Constitution al
the beginning of his four years term.
At the joint Republican caucus, Tues
day night, Boise Penrose was renoml
mated for u. s. Senator. without oppo
sition. The Democratic caucus honor
ed Col. Guffey of Pittsburg, with theil
nomination.
An interesting contest has sprung W
over the appointment of Journal Clerk
for the House. Carl Shanor of Pros
pect, who held the place two years ago
is an applicant and it is reported hal
ihe support of Senator Williams ant
Senator Penrose. while Assemblymer
Hays and Douthett are said to favor o.
James N. Moore The contest will no
be decided until after the recess ant
after the vote is taken on U. S. Senator