The Washington times., 1906-03-11

Regular Democrats at War
With Governor.
MANY BILLS IN DANGER
B. s. o. Investigation Shows That
Washington Interests Are in
Great Jeopardy.


three weeks intervening between now
and the close of the session, and with
files choked with bills of all kinds. il
behooves the general assembly to bestir
itself if the necessary legislation is to
be enacted.
Some headway was made during the
past week when an oyster bill satisfac-
tory to all concerned was agreed upon.
and several of the election bills came
out of committee. but practically moth
ing has been done TO perfect the appro-
priation bills which are regarded as
the most Important under consideration,
and fl Senator Lee persists in holding
up the Senate. as he has threatened to
do in case his wishes are not complied
with. there is no telling what may hap
pen.
MIR. Lee is very much concerned lest
snakes creep into bills. and believing
the members Of the engrossing commit
tee are too busy attending TO other du-
ties TO guard against the Incorporation
of legislative reptiles, he wants the Sem
ate TO appoint three bill clerks whose du-
~ it shall be to read carefully each meas
ure before it is presented 10 the COVER
nor The objection raised by the regular
German Democrats to this proposition is
not that it entails additional expense
but because of the method of appoint
ment. The resolution provides for three
such clerks. one Of whom is to be ap-
pointed by five of the Democrats con-
stituting a majority in the last caucus
one by five of those who Ssre in the mi
nority and one by five of the Republi-
cans Nothing is said in the resolution as
TO how these factionaI committees are to
be appointed, the presumption being that
they are to agree among themselves. In
case his resolution is not adopted, Senator
Lee serves notice that he will require the
reading clerk to read every bill in its
entirety. and as the constitution requires
that this be done at least twice In each
house. and as many of them. especially
the local bills, cover about sixty pages,
he can come pretty near holding up all
the business.
Skips Through Bills.
BY general consent the clerk now
skiDs through the bills at lightning
speed when the measure is of no spe-
cial importance. and as many as 100
bills have been passed in day. a
single objection. however is sufficient
10 compel a careful reading of every
section and If the clerk can dispose of
two dozen bills he is doing quite well.
If. therefore. Senator Blair carries
through his threatened program. the
bulk of the bills must necessarily die
on the files. 1t is possible that the
other senators may defer action on the
appropriation bills and place the respon-
sibility for their defeat upon the ad-
ministration which Mr.. Lee is supposed
to represent
ators urge concessions so as to prevent
a tie-up. The resolution was referred
to the finance committee. OF which Sen
ator German is chairman.
Nor is this the only snarl in which the
executive and legislative branches are
involved. The governor has served no
tice he will not sign any bills after ad-
1Ournment. Notwithstanding the consti-
tuition gives him six days after pre-
sentatiOn. He wants the general as
sembly to dispose of all business three
days before adjournment giving him
time to examine all the measures. The
TWO presiding officers. however, do not
agree with him. They say bills will be
passed until the closing hour, and il the
governor refuses to append his sigma
ture he must assume the responsibility
still another break is threatened when
the Legislature passes the deficiency an
preparation bill. 1t has ALWAYS been
found necessary to provide additional
funds near the close of the session, the
amount set aside by a previous L.egis-
iature TO pay the expenses of it's sue
cessor proving insufficient. The COVER
nor objects TO his additional outlay be-
cause il includes the pay for clerks who
are employed after adjournment to put
the bills passed in the closing hours in
shape. When he retires this measure.
however, the governor strikes also at
the salaries of members and employees.
who can draw nothing the last ten days
while the accounts are being straight
ened.