Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-16
LOCAL BILLS PASSED
District Measures Considered
by the House.
THIRTEEN 60 THROUGH
LAWS POSTPONED.
Considerable Disorder During the SEES
sion-The Speaker Forced to
Count Quorum.
THIRTEEN GO THROUGH


Fourteen bills had been prepared for con-
sideration by the District committee. The
House was In very good humor, and men,
bers good-naturedly asked many questions
of Chairman Babcock Speaker Cannon
slant flow of conversation between men,
bers. Once. after pounding the desk stead
lily and declaring the noise was such that
Speaker Cannon said:
1.-THE chair can't hear its own voice.
American Cross Of Honor.
The first bill considered was H. r. 1877,
to incorporate the American Cross of Hon.
or. an organization composed of holders of
life saving medals. mostly members of the
life saving corps. The measure was passed
without debate.
Sanitary Housing Company.
House bill 1908, to incorporate the Wash
ington Sanitary Housing Company. was
also passed after brief explanation by
Mr.. Powers of Massachusetts,. who stated
that the company is composed of the lead
ing citizens of the District, who propose to
build sanitary houses for the poor. The
project is largely philanthrop.c one.
To Name Church Street.
Chairman Babcock explained the condi-
lions leading to the presentation of Senate
bill 2133. to change the name of Madison
street to Samson street. The House COM
mittee amended the bill SO as to make the
name of the thoroughfare from 14th to
18th streets Church street. Thus amended
the bill was passed.
To Amend the Code.
Without debate or division the House
passed Senate bill 413O. amending the code
so as to authorize marriages according to
the custom of the Society of Friends, or
Quakers.
House bill 1892, to confirm title to lots
2, 3. 4, and 3. in square $40. was passed
after explanation that the title is
clouded because of the failure of the orig1-
nal purchaser to obtain a deed from the
United States.
Damages for Changing Grade.
Several members called for an explana-
ton of the provisions of the bill to pay
damages on account of changes of grade
due to the construction Of the new union
station when it was called up by Chair
man Babcock The bill provides for the
appraisement of damages by commits
sion of three capable and disinterested
persons. 1t also provides for an appeal
from the commission to the District
court, when the marshal shall summon
jury. The intent of the bill Is to provide
simple method for ascertaining the
damages provided to be paid under the
union station act. At the same time it
protects property owners by providing
for appeals. After being read the bill
was passed.
Laying Water Mains and Sewers.
Representative Burkett of Nebraska,
member of the District subcommittee Of the
House committee on appropriations, opposed
the passage of Senate bill 2s7S, providing
for the laying of water mains and service
sewers The bill permits the laying of
mains and sewers through tracts of unsub-
divided property in order to reach populous
settlements beyond. with provision that the
assessments shall not be payable until such
time as the mains or sewers are used. Mir.
Burkett centended that the system provid-
ed by the bill would prove an expensive
proposition, and would tie up large
amount of District money for an indefinite
time. He declared further that the bill
would have the effect of taking from Con-
gress the right to regulate sewage extern
sion.
He said the residents of suburban settle
ments bought their property at low figure
and should not expect all the conveniences
and facilities of the city proper.
When the measure was put to vote,
division was demanded. The bill was passed
by 76 to %. Representative Maddox. who
had taken a deep interest in each bill pre-
scented, made the point of no quorum pres
ent. The Speaker began to count the mem
bers, who poured In from the lobbeys and
cloak rooms. He announced that 221 gentle
men were present, a quorum.
Redemption Of Scrip.
There was no debate on House bill 3947,
to relieve holders and owners of certain
District of Columbia special tax scrip, by
allowing the redemption of the same. Some
of this old scrip has recently been found.
At this point Mr. Maddox of Georgia de-
clared he never knew Of SO much disorder
in the House as was prevailing. He de-
clared there was no quorum present, and
yet bill wwere being "rammed through" al
a rapid rate.
The chair agreed that there was too much
disorder, and raped vigorously with the
gayel Speaker Cannon said that 1t was al
ways in order to make a point of no quo
rum He further said that his previous
count of 22l members was accurate.
To Sell Canal Bonds.
House bill 1857. to allow the District Of
Columbia to sell certain Chesapeake and
Ohio canal bonds in its possession, was
passed after the first reading.
Street Extension Bills.
Three street extension bills were ais,
passed, one being to extend 23d street from
S street to California avenue, and one to
extend School street south to Kenesaw
avenue. In both Of these measures it is
provided that the whole cost Of the extern
sion shall be assessed as benefits. The
third bill was for the extension of 9Th
street northwest or Wright's road
Electrical Wiring.
Senate bill B, to regulate and provide for
the inspection of electrical wiring in the
District was passed as amended by the
House District committee.
AZ several members wished to speak on
the bill H. R. $3.50, amending the tax laws.
and as the House leaders desired to dis
pose of the general deficiency bill today. it
was agreed the local measure should go
over until Monday.
Club Entertainment.