The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-01-06
THE HOUSE.

The house was called to order at II 80
by Speaker Joseph p. Burlingame and
quorum was declared present
Mr. Holden OF Woonsocket moved that
the darwing Of seats he taken up an that
the Republicans be seated TO the right OF
the speaker and the Democrats TO the
left and that the speaker draw the line
line that may be necessary for the di-
vision. s. w. X. Allen OF East Greenwich
seconded the motion.
j. J. Fitzgerald of Pawtucket moved
as an amendment that the drawing of
seats be made without reference 20 divid-
ing the house.
J. Stacy Brown Of Newport seconded the
amendment.
Mr. Fitzgerald spoke I'm favor Of his
amendment and suggested that II the Re
publicans were afraid that some Of their
men would go over to the other side they
had better get bells and have a special
ring to get them into line He suggested
tags as another means OF dividing the
house TO distinguish the Democrats and
Republicans.
Mr.. Holden said that the plan was SINH
lar 10 the one in use at Washington and
that now that there was division there
was a good time to try the effect OF
division.
Mr. Allen spoke against the amend
ment and I'm favor OF the original motion
and j. Stacy Brown Of Newport favored
the passage OF the amendment. stating
he hoped Il would pass
SELECTION OF SEATS.
There were 81 who favored the amend
ment and IS I'm the negative and the origi-
nal motion was carried.
on motion OF Mr.. Rathbun or West
Greenwich the ex-speakers of the house
were given the choice. and 8. w. x. Al
len took 13 Mr.. Holden took No J. Sey-
eral Republicans were then drawn and
Mr. Rattey suggested that the box he
shaken up little This was done and
the name OF J. j. Fitzgerald popped out
lie took his old seat and during the draw
ing that ensued there we're several incl
dents ~ humorous character.
w Talbot Dodges name was called,
and Mr. Fitzgerald rose and wanted TO
know where he came in. the two divisions
The speaker stated that he had been
wanted on several occasions by the Re
publicans and said he presumed the
same conditions prevailed now.
Mr. Dodge chose No. n beside Mr.. Fitz-
gerald on the Democratic side OF the
house. fact which the member from
Pawtucket was not slow 10 recognize. and
FASTENED TO extend 10 him the right
Several OF the Democrats were also OF
tho opinion that this choice OF the New
Shoreham member was one or deep mean
ing. and fastened TO shake hands with
him at the same time.
The speaker announced that on the ris-
ing OF the house on Thursday the Re
publicans will hold a caucus prior TO tho
grand committee.
The act communicated by the senate.
empowering the town OF Westerly To
postpone the payment ~ tax and to
contract indebtedness OF $4,000 in excess
Of the debt allowed by law was received
MIR. CRAFTS EXPLAINS
Mr.. Crafts OF Westerly explained that
the aboishment OF school districts had
caused the town TO be heavily embar-
rassed. and this measure simply per-
mitted the town 90 borrow money to con
duct It's affairs FOR next year. The act
was passed iu concurrence
Mr.. Kane introduced an act in amend
ment 10 chapter Ssi. which provided for
the incorporation 81 the town 81 Nara
gansett. which wiuld enable the town 10