davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
Chanainu Court Terms.

BY the time the present legislature
finishes its work it is probable that
the time of holding the chancery and
circuit court terms of nearly every
county in the State will have been
changed. 1t seems impossible to make
satisfactory arra1 cement of court
terms in Mississippi, as the law on
the subject is being continually tink-
cred with, but at this session it will
be imperative to make some changes,
owing to the strong likelihood of new
districts being created, especially in
the southern part of the State. Some
OF the circuit judges and chancellors
in the northern part Of the State be-
lieve that their court terms could be
more satisfactorily arranged, and bills
looking to this end will be introduced
noxt week
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21

'T do not believe there has ever
been a legislative body which has been
organized and settled down to business
more promptly than this session of the
house." said Speaker Thomas during
lull in the proceedings of the house
at work, and | feel confident that we
will be able to keep up with the cal
endar.
"It is going to be business ses-
sion of The legislature. | anticipate the
enactment of many good laws, and
prompt adjournment after the i'm
portant work is finished. Over 100
bills have been introduced, and with
in the next two or three days they
will be coming back from the commit
tee rooms for formal consideration.
was especially pleased with the
promptness of the report on the edu-
cetional bill.
'.At every legislative session low
pressure spirit is manifested by some
members, who are unfamiliar with the
workings of the various Institutions,
and whose minds cannot at once grasp
a1d comprehend the large amount of
money required to support the State
government ard the various institu-
tions. They soon get acquainted with
these facts, however, and | expect to
see liberal spirit manifested in MAX
ing appropriations.
eOne thing will be done at this ses-
sion which has not been the custom
heretofore. The committee on benevo-
lent institutions will personally visit
these institutions and make a careful
inquiry into their needs before decid-
ing upon the appropriations to be rec
commended. BY doing this they can ex-
change information with the commit
tee on appropriations. and thus trans
act affairs in businesslike manner.
giving each school sad college and
benevolent institution just what it
needs and no more
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
THURSDAY, JANUARY IA.

Oaly the lower house of the legis-
lature was in session today, the SEN
ate being absent ON junketing trip
to the new Sunflower convict farm.
The feature of the house session was
the report of the committee on ap.
propfiations regarding the annual ap-
preparation for the support of the COM
mon schools, and recommending that
81 125,000, not including the poll taxes
retained in the counties where collect.
ed, be set aside for this purpose.
For the first time this session q
minority committee report was sub
mitted, signed by six members. Messrs
d. l.. Ross, G. S. Stevens, L. e, Will
liams. T. E. Caruthers, j. e. Caradine
and S. N. Collier, and. somewhat
strange to relate, the minority favored
a larger appropriation than the ma
jority, urging that S1,250,000 be set
aside as al annual allowance for the
schools. which is the same figure as
that for the past two years.
The minority report recites that the
amount recommended by the majority
Is not sufficient to maintain the schools
for the constitutional period of four
months, and that there is no necessity
for cutting down the amount, in view
CT the present prosperous condition of
the State. The opinion largely pre-
walls that the minority report will be
adopted. The bill will be called up for
passage at an early date.
Mr.. Greaves offered bill to amend
Section 1892 of the Code, in reference
to the unlawful sale of liquors, so as
to increase the penalty. and make the
Imprisonment mandatory.
Nothing further of special interest
developed during the. day, and the
house adjourned until Friday.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
The judiciary Divorce.

Senator Smiths bill seeking TO "di-.
vorce the judiciary from politics" IL
the subject of much comment among
lawmakers, and the assertion has been
made that the proposed measure Is ur-.
constitutional on the ground that 1t
would be an abridgment OF personal
liberty If enacted, especially that fea-
ture which prohibits members OF the
judiciary from serving on campaign
committees or soliciting votes in aid Of
any candidate This opinion OF the
bill has been expressed by one OF the
leading members of the judiciary. ana
seems to be rather general impress
ion concerning it. At the same time
it IS not denied that the supreme and
circuit judges and chalcellors shout:
keep their fingers out of politics. es.
pecially while the aDpointive system
prevails in the State
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
A Trip to the Coast.

The coast members of the legisla-
ture are going to arrange to take the
members of that body on a trip
to the coast and show them what the
State has done there. Some OF the
members of that section are display
ing a great deal of interest in this
trip. II Is probable that the trip Will
take place some time in February.
probably a few days-b before the car
aival at New Orleans. 1t is the idea
of the coast members to have the leg
islature go down ON the Gulf and Ship
Island railroad and spend several days
ON the coast, going to Gufport, Biloxi,
Mississippi City, Pass Christian, Scran-
ton and other points on the coast. The
coast members say that the people OF
that section will be delighted to el-
tertain the members OF the leglsla-
ture. and will show them every cour-
tesy possible. The coast members
have mentioned the project to tho
members of other sections of the State,
and the plan has been generally ap-
proved by them. After the leglsla
ture gets through inspecting the coast,
it is the plan to carry them to New
Orleans to witness mardi gras, a1d
then come back by way OF the Illinois
Central The coast members say that
their section of the State is making
marvellous progress, and that 1t Is not
as well known as other sections of the
State, and for this reason they want to
show it to the lawmakers. The trip
to the coast and New Orleans will like
ly prove one of the delightful exper-
fences of the session.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
Panama Action Approved.

The comment of the country press
last week on the action of the legis-
lature in instructing the two United
States senators from Mississippi to
vote for the ratification of the Panama
treaty is generally quite cordial in
tone, although some surprise is ex-
pressed that this action should have
Leen taken so early in the session.
and provoked so little debate. The
duickness with which the Legislature
acted Is regarded rs quite significant,
indicating that sentiment exists in
this State to the effect that the ca
nal should be built as speedily as pos
sible, and that the sooner congress
disposed Of the question the better il
will be for the best interests of the
country, and especially the South. The
right or wrong of the presidents ac-
ton toward Colombia has been lost
sight of In the eagerness to secure as
surances of the construction of the Ca
mol
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21

Whisky is a subject that will not
down in the legislature, although much
whisky has been put down since the
lawmakers met New laws and amend
ments of all sorts relating to the
liquor traffic have been offered in the
two houses, and the end is not yet in
sight. While the attempt is made to
secure constitutional prohibition, at
the same time a desire is manifest to
make the local option laws more
stringent in case the further move
ment should fail
The latest measure Of this kind to
be introduced is bill by Mr.. Duncan,
prohibiting railroad or express agents
from delivering packages Of liquor To-
minors, whether the liquors were or.
dered shipped in the names of such
minors or the names Of other persons.
While the object of this bill Is doubt
less 6ommendable, it is easy to see
how it can be practically nullified By
liquor dealers in case it should be
adopted, as very few liquor houses now
send out package goods bearing labels.
and an express or railroad agent could
not be clothed with authority to in
vestigate the contents of each pack
age handled by him.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
TUESDAY. JANUARY z.

|
| The caly notable feature Of the
morning session of the legislature was
| the opening Of the returns and the
declaring Of the result Of the regular
| election held in November.
The returns were submitted to
| Speaker Thomas by Secretary of State
| Power, and after the list OF State Of
| ficials had seen read aid the election
ratified, attention was given to the
special election held to fill the vacancy
| in the Supreme Court cierkship by the
| death Of Capt E. w Brown, and nomi-
| nations for the place. in accordance
with the provisions Of the constitution
recurring election in the house, were
called for Only two of the candidates
who participated in the special cleo
| ton submitted their names-Hon
George c. Meyer Of Marshal. and w. j.
Brown Of Hilds
A vice voce vote was taken after
| a short debate and MIR. Meyers vas
elected by a vote of 95 TO 28.
The only feature OF the senate ses-
sion was the announcement CT the list
of committees prepared by Lieut-Goy.-
elect Carter. and the favorable recon-
mendation made by the committee OF
| the concurrent resolution to insert the
ame 1dment to section 2o6, voted upon
| last November, in the constitution.
A large number of bills, covering
| wide variety of subjects We're IN
| troduced in both houses.
The Committees at Work.
The standing committees OF the leg
islature have been announced a1d
| both houses will now settle down to
active business The coming days Of
| the session will be replete with tho
| routine grind, and at the very outset
the committees have much work be-
fore them. AT yesterdays session for
ty-fiye bills were introduced in the
house and twenty-five in the senate,
making a total of ninety-seven meas
ures that have been offered up TO date.
Careful consideration was given the
nbIest members in forming the COM
mittees. and a pleasing feature of the
house list is the recognition accorded
Hon. s. M. Smith. of Holmes, who was
the chief opponent of Hon E. n. Thorn
as for the speakershlp, and the mem
bers are much gratifed that the con-
test engendered no personal feelings,
as Mr.. Smith is one of the ablest mem
bers of the body.
Educational Legislation.
OF the forty-five bills introduced in
the lower house yesterday seven seek
to make appropriations for the sup
port OF the common schools, and it
appears from the tenor Of these meas
ures that fignt is to be made to Sc
cure a reduction of the annual appro-
priation of 81 ,250 900 for this purpose.
The amounts proposed in these seven
bills vary from 5000 900 to s1.500,0 900,
but the majority of them are for sums
less than 81 ,000, 900.
Another educational movement Of
much interest is the dve bills Offered
the two bodies providing for an uni
form system of textbooks and Great
ing a commission for this purpose.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
FRIDAY. JANUARY is.

As forecasted above, the lower house
refused to cut down the appropriation
for the common schools of the State,
Notwithstanding the enactment of the
constitutional amendment providing
that the poll taxes collected in the
counties shall be retained in the coun-
ties for the use of the common schools.
The bill as reported from the COM
mittee on appropriations was called up
in the house shortly before the noon
hour. and the debate lasted less than
an hour. The majority report favor
ed an appropriation of s1,125,0 600, or
Isi25 900 less than the present annual
allowance, while the minority report,
signed by six members, favored the
original sum Of s1,250,0o0 The latter
report was adopted and the bill passed
By g practically unanimous vote.
The passage of this act makes about
81, 100000 available for the common
schools each year. including the poll
tax collections. It is not believed that
the amount will be changed by the SEN
ate.
Quite a number of bills were intro
duced in both bodies, the house calen-
dar aow containing 140 measures and
the senate calendar about 100 meas
ures.
The senate session was quite brief,
being devoted chiefly TO the introduc-
ton of bills and committee reports.
Senator Dunn's bill making more
stringent provisions for awarding con-
tracts by boards of supervisors a1d re-
quiring that three weeks published
notice be given of the awards, was
passed without oppositionl.
At the morning session the rules
of 1900 were adopted, after q few un-
important amendments had been at
tached.
Selling State Property.
At Mondays session of the lower
house the Caruthers resolution provid-
ing for the appointment of a special
committee to investigate the proposed
sale of real estate owned by the State,
and located in the city of Jackson, will
be called UP for discussion.
This will be one of the most i'm
portant subjects acted upon during the
legislative session, as the resolution
calls for consideration of the feasibil-
ity of selling the governors mansion
property, the present deaf and dumb
institute property, both negro and
white; the old statehouse grounds, and
the fair grounds tract, in the rear of
the old capitol building.
Gov Longino in his final message to
The legislature recommended the sale
Of these tracts, and the recomme ida
ton has been commented upon with
much favor among the legislators.
There is hardly any doubt that a Joint
committee will be named to investi-
gate the matter and report back to the
two houses. The property named is
F.orth several hundred thousand dol
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
To Protect Game.

Several bills have already been in
troduced making more stringent regu-
lations for the protection of game.
There seems to be a strong sentiment
for prohibiting the wholesale slaugh-
ter of game. and some measure along
this line will undoubtedly be passed.
Combined with it there will be pro-
vision also for protecting the non
game birds and animals from ruth
less slaughter.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
Stringent vaarant Law.

W. Calvin Wells. Jr.. member of-the
lower house from Kinds county. has
introduced bin seeking to mako
more stringent provisions for the sup
preston OF yagrants. The bill is mod
eled somewhat liter the Calvin va
grancy law which worked SO success
fully In Georgia. and also embodies
several features Of a similar measure
adopted II Alabama at the last session
of the legislature Mr.. Wells believes
that If law of this kind is enacte |
it viii drive tie loafers from the towns
to The cotton fields and he will maks
an energetic effort to get 1t adopt,
cd
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
VIII Be a Fioht to the Finish.

The prohibitionists are very active
and very determined to push the pro-
posed constitutional amendment max
ing the sale of liquor unconstitutional.
The committee having the matter in
charge will meet this week, and will
adopt the proposed amendment, which
is to be introduced at an early date.
The prohibitionists claim a majority
of each house, but there are indica-
tions of vigorous and determined OPP
position and the measure will not have
the smooth sailing anticipated.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
Uniform Text Books.

No sort of fight seems to be antici-
pated on the school book question, and
bill providing for uniformity salts
factory to all will doubtless be intro
dueed and passed. There is no lobby
on the ground. Indeed. the lobbyist
does not seem to be. here at this ses-
sion for any purpose, and the members
of the legislature will apparently have
no annoyance from this source.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
sheriffs oppoae the am.

Strong opposition is developing on
the part of the sheriffs throughout the
State to the bill introduced In the
house, providing for repeal of the
present law which requires all foreign
writs sent to sheriffs for execution
to be accompanied by the proper fec
for execution. A number of members
have received letters from their coun.
ty sheriffs pointing out that the repeal
of the law would work a great hard
ship on sheriffs. When a sheriff exc
cutes a foreign writ he has no way
to collect the fee from the party in
whose benefit the writ is issued ard
the code of 1892 requires that the fee
for execution must accompany the writ
or the sheriff need not execute The
same The sheriffs say that there is
Ro good reason for repeating the law;
under the old system the sher'f OF
Kinds county. for example. lost sevaf'
al thousand dollars in fees on suca
writs which he was then compelled to
execute without any recourse for his
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21

lars, and some very substantial rea-
sons have been offered for its sale at
the present time.
While goodly number of bills were
introduced In both houses, most OF
them were local or amendatory In char
acter, and nothing further of general
interest transpired. The senate ad-
journed to Saturday, while the house
suspended business until Monday
morning.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
ABOUT SOME BILLS.
Has a cinch on His job.

Y Is apparent that no change will
be made to the back tax laws further
tLan to raise the limit from 1885 up
to 1895, as suggested by the revenue
agent The general sentiment of the
legislature is to have the back taxes
collected where they have escaped the
assessors. and the revenue agent Will
not be ilterfered with.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
Want Exemption.

A stroag effort will be made at this
legislative session to secure the ex-
emption from taxation of all money
loaned at rate of interest not exceed
ing per cent. The opinion is held
by many that If money loaned st this
rate is exempted 1t will make loans
easier to obtain and also prevent much
of the willful perjury now engaged in
concerning solvent credit by capital
lists Combined with this movement
will be an effort to make the legal rate
of interest per cent, and placing tho
maximum at 10 per cent, interest in
excess of that amount to be classed
as uSury
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

scrutiay of the measure shows that
they are very similar in their general
provisions, and the two houses will
doubtless be able to agree on a salts
factory compromise measure.
Primary Election Law.
The bill introduced in the lower
house by Mr. Sample Of Holmes en-
bodies the ideas of lie Hon. E. F. Noel
of Lexington. regarding amendments
to the primary law, and its course
through the committees will be mar
rowly watched After reference to the
committee on registration and elec-
tions it will go to the judiciary COM
mittee to be further perfected.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13.
The house and senate have displayed
very manifest tendency to get at
ioggerheads with each other concern-
ing matters requiring joint attention
This was shown in the house today
when that body, by vote OF e.' to 90,
declined to accept the invitation OF
the governor and board of control to
visit the new Sunf1ower con-
vict farm, and the senate will
make the trip alone, leaving
the city on special train at
9 o'clock tonight and reaching the
prison station at Parchman by day
light Thursday morning. A few mem
bers of the house. who do not feel
called upon to observe the majority
action, accompany the senate ON the
trip, among the number being several
members of the house committee on
prison affairs.
A large number of bills were Of
fered In both houses, 100 measures
having been introduced in the house
and seventy-four in the senate up to
date.
A conflict has arisen between The
two houses regarding the Insertion
of the amendment to section 2o6 in
the constitution, but it will probably
be Strengthened out in few days.
Outside of a resolution introduced
n the house by Mr. Heidelberg, re-
quiring the State chemist to be sum-
moned before the house committee on
agriculture, when needed, to give such
information in regard to fertilizer
contents as may be desired, there was
nothing of special interest transpired
in either house. Many bills were In
troduced in both the senate and the
house. but all were on unimportant
subjects, or on matters covered in
previously introduced bills on the
same subjects, and both houses ad-
journed, the senate until Friday.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
Acoustics Improved.

The acoustic properties of the two
legislative halls have been consider
ably improved since the marble-tiled
floors were carpeted. and the business
of the house and senate can now be
transacted without the confusion
which prevailed during the first week.
The carpeting of the house floor Is
temporary, consisting mainly OF rub
ber mats and strips. Later in the ses.
sion the arrangement OF the seats vii,
be changed SO as to place the mem-
bers nearer u speakers stand ana
arrange visitors lobby in the rear.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21

Stills of pride lift you above the peo-
pie to-day and lay you IN q puddle to,
morrow.-Rau's Horn.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-01-21
roo prosperou. to Eeenemize.

The legislature will find 1t difficult
to do much In the way Of cutting
down expense. The general prosper
ity of the State and large increase
of business seems to Impress the mem
bers with liberal ideas. The schools
will doubtless get more money and
pensions also There Is no doubt or
strong sentiment in favor Of increasing
the salaries of State officials and the
judiciary. All the members profess
to believing in the most liberal APP
preparations for the new capitol, and
its needs will be adequately provided
for.
The Monticellonian., 1904-11-24
Masons Elect Officers.

The Masonic grand lodge of Arkan- sas in biennial session elected the fol- lowing officers: s. T. Rowe, Green wood. grand master; A. B Grace, Pine Bluff. deputy grand master; John NJ. Oathout Bonneville. grand lecturer; F. G. Lindsey. Bentonville. grand orator; Jacob Trieber. Little Rock. grand senior warden; F. o. Butt Eureka Springs, grand junior warden; P K Roots. Little Rock, grand treasurer; Fay Hampstead, Little Rock, grand secretary.
 The grand master announced the appointment of the following officers: E. A. McCulloch, Little Rock, grand senior deacon; A. J Witt, Pocahontas. grand junior deacon; F. N. Brewer, Little Rock, grand chaplain.
 A resolution was adopted dividing the state into twenty districts instead of ten with deputy grand master for each The lodge voted to discontinue the payment of temple fees. An amendment to the constitution was proposed and coneurred in providing for biennial meetings for ten years. It will be voted upon at the next ses- sion. A board of control 10 have charge of the temple was appointed consisting of Col John c Fletcher Judge Jacob Trieber, H H Myers. George Thornburgh and John T Hicks.