Newport daily independent., 1903-08-24
OPPOSES PLAN FOR
 AN EXTRA SESSION.
Senator Killgore of Magnolia Replies
 to Senator Matlocl's Appeal.

without cost to the state for mileage and per diem of the members is at tracting widespread attention. The plan as suggested by the senator ill his letter printed in Fridays Gazette was that the members unite in re- quest to the governor to call the special session, with the express un- derstanding that no charge or demand be made for mileage and per diem. Senator Matlock specified as the pur- pose of the proposed special session the passing of an appropriation bill l for the maintenance of the deaf mute institute and one providing funds for furnishing the lunatic asylum an lnexes, which are now in course of construction.
 l The responses, so far as received, indicate ready willingness to join in the request as suggested by Senator Matlock. It is stated by some ap- lparently knowing persons that the l governor will adhere to his publicly announced determination not to call an extra session, despite the free ser vice proposal.
 State Senator A. s. Killgore of the Twenty first district, in the following communication, gives his reasons for opposing the plan proposed by Sena- tor Matlock:
 "Magnolia, Aug. q, 1903.
 Answering for myself the appeal of Senator Matlock, have to state that am opposed to the plan he of fers for the relief of the deplorable situation in which the deaf mute in- stitute is placed. believe fully un- derstand and appreciate the generous impulse which prompts the senator from Dallas to request us to join him in an appeal to the governor to con vene the general assembly in extra ordinary session. But I regard his 1 proposition as the result of impulse rather than cool reflection; and we l who know him best know that, like all highly generous men, the senator is impulsive. am willing to sign a release to the state of the $6 per day during the time necessary to remedy the evil, but this only because l am sSilling to contribute that sum to show the world where the blame rests. We all know the cost incident to an extra session is not what will prevent it from being called. Every senator knows, and the journal will show, that l Senator Matlock is not to blame for present conditions. I know equally well that I voted for every motion looking to the speedy enactment of all the general appropriation bills, and this, too, the journal shows. In fact, the bill for the support of the deaf mute institute passed both the house and the senate at about the usual stage of the session. If the present state of affairs is not our fault, then why should we work for nothing and pay for the privilege? The sJate is worth millions of dollars; many of us are poor men, and, not expecting to have to go to Little Rock at this time, to do so even for short while would to many members of the general as sembly be a great burden-such a burden as the great state of Arkansas wants none of her citizens to shoulder in her behalf. The state does not want or expect free service of her citizens. The law says each memoer of the legislature shall receive S6 per day for his service as such. If he is worth anything he is worth this amount; if he is worthless, then to serve free would be a costly service to the state. Why put ourselves in 1 position to be even more grossly in- suited than is being done daily? Hasn't the governor said he would see every one nof us in hell before he would call us together in extra ses- sion? If he was in earnest then, what is the use of offering to serve free? If he was not in earnest, then let him shoulder the responsibility the con- stitution places on his shoulders and reap all the praise or blame incident to the discharge of that duty.
 ''Again say, if there is no way to save our deaf mute institute for the next two years except for each mem Der to contribute $6 per day for few days, then here goes my six dollars; but-well, the "but" is too big for ex- pression. A. s. KILLGoRE,
 "Of the Twenty First Senatorial Dis
 trictn
 cANr rD-.NrcTCCO CATTEopNrA