The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-02-14

The house convened AT 11:l0 o'clock.
Hon. Arthur ". Dennis speaker. pre-
siding
Mr. Russ presented an act TO enable the
pun,ford chemical Works 20 build and
maintain bridges over and conduits under
Bullion street in the city of Providence.
Judiciary committee
Mr. Rathbun presented an actin amend
ment OF chapter sT6 of the general laws
giving the management OF the Rhode ISL
and Institute for the Deaf to the state
hoard of education. Committee on educa-
tion.
From the calendar was taken an act IN
amendment of section l6 OF chapter Zso
Of the general laws as amended by chap
ter a49 OF the public laws passed January
session. A. D. 1902. Passed.
Also a resolution to pay bill OF A. G.
I.anders and Son 32ool for decorating
state house az Newport on "Old Home
Week" Passed. in concurrence.
THE APPROPRIATION. BILL.
The speciaI order Of the day. the an
nual appropriation for the support OF the
state was then taken up. In considering
the matter the first item taken. up was
the appropria tion OF $500 for the railroad
commissioner. E~
Mr. Rattey moved TO amend the recon-
mendation I'm Substitute A OF the appro-
priation act by making the amount 500
instead Of $500
This Mr.. Rattey said. was all the
work done I'm the office Of railroad com
missioner was worth and even more. Tho
appropriation Of $500 he said. was exor-
bitant Referring 10 the report OF the
commissioner. he said. II showed but little
Of interest 10 the people Of the state and
Of practically no value
Mr. Bliss responded that he did not
think the objection was along personal
lines Those who were interested We're
glad to see the reports Of the steam and
electric railways in the published synopsis
OF the commissioners report
Mr.. Burchard asked IL the gentleman
wanted the office abolished.
"I want the office continued. but want
n commissioner. not a figure head. re-
torted Mr. Rattey.
Mr.. Burchard said that excellent work
had been done by the commissioner.
II say he has not lone his work. Why
should we pay a man who does not do his
work." asked Mr. Rattey. The apprn-
prlation was approved by vote OF 81 10 s.
Appropriations Of $500 for assistant rail-
road commissioner. 5000 for the state re-
turning board and 5000 for state registrar
were voted
ANOTHER BAL LIZ.
The clause appropriatIng $500 for cleri-
cal assistance for the state returning
board caused considerable discussion.
Mr.. Rattey moved 10 amend by making II
s4O0 The work he said. had been done
last year for $40 and the year before for
less than 800 "It is only fair 20 give
the board all the assistance they need.
but think this amendment Is Justified.
ne said
Mr. Bliss replied that although the board
had expended but $40 last year g was
considered wise to provide II with funds
with which they could work properly an
der any conditions which might arise.
NOT IMPORTANT TO STATE
"The board Is very important 10 the Re-
puhlican party but not TO the state" MIR
Rattey said. Every time the margin of
votes cast az an election Is = narrow one
the Republican candidate Is declared
elected. 7, IL an important board 20 the
Republican party. hut not to the people
az large
Mr.. Biiss-The board counts the votes