The Springfield herald., 1907-02-08
LEGISLATIVE NEWS and GOSSIP


state for January were $3O.924.60. be.
ing one OF the large months for bust
ness. Friday was the first day OF the
new month, the receipts being over
5000.
The committee on Denver city af'
fairs has been holding daily meetings
on the bills referred to 1t in reference
to Denver matters. Those providing
for a separate Juvenile Court and a
house of detention for youthful dere'
licts have been agreed to.
One week further time was granted
the committee in the State Senate ap-
pointed to investigate the charges
against Senator Richard w. Morgan.
He is now absent from the Senate ow
ing to the death of his brother. Chair
man Bohn of the committee has his re-
port prepared, but does not desire TO
announce it until Senator Morgan Is
present.
Senator Taylor's joint resolution me-
lmorializing Congress to call constitu-
tional convention to consider the
proposition of affording the people an
opportunity to choose United states
senators by direct vote, was read IN
the Senate and passed. This resolu-
tion is In accordance with the platform
of both parties, which recognize the
desire of the people to have direct bal
lot on this Office.
Governor Buchtel has announced the
appointment of Edward j. wilcox as
a member of the board Of control OF
the State Industrial School for Girls.
to succeed Mrs. Helen l.. Grenfell, VINO
recently resigned from the board. Mr..
Wilcox Is very well known in Colorado,
particularly in mining circles. He
owns and operates what is known as
the Argentine Central Railroad on
Gray's peak. He IL member OF the
Prohibition party.
In response to a request from Pas
qualo Corte, Italian consul, Governor
Buchtel has undertaken an inquiry
into the recent accident in the Colo
RADIO Fuel and Iron Company coal mine
at Primero in the southern coal fields,
where a number of coal miners lost
their lives He is most anxious to get
at the bottom and learn whether any
thing can be done by the state to pre-
vent such accidents in the future. He
has instructed the coal mine inspector
to go to the scene and make a thor
ough investigation second time.
The bill of Senator Parks, s. B. No.
90. fixing the pay of county commits
sioners in counties with a population
of more than 100 900 at $3.50 per month,
but no mileage within the limits of the
county, was taken up in the commit
tee of the whole in the Senate and
recommended for passage. Senator
Campbell offered an amendment fixing
the salaries of commissioners in coun-
ties having population of $4,000 and
not more than 100000 at 500 per
month, with a similar provision re-
garding mileage. The amendment was
withdrawn after some debate. but Sem
ator Campbell said he would introduce
1t In a separate bill.
The State Board of Pardons met
February list, being the first meeting
held since Governor Buchtel became a
member. The board declined to in
terfere with the sentences OF any OF
those applying for pardon, the best
that was granted being that two cases
were laid over to another meeting.
Governor Buchtel does not incline to
granting pardons except in extreme
cases, where more than the ordinary
good reasons are urged in behalf OF the
applicant The two whose cases will be
given further consideration were:
county for burglary and murder; Will
liam Bell, sentenced in 1902 from
Arapahoe county for murder.
Amors the petitions read in the
Senate Thursday morning was
one presented by Senator But
ton from F. ]. Chamberlin, presi-
dent of the Denver Real Estate Ex-
change. The communication asked
that the present Legislature approprl-
ate $25OO0O to purchase plot OF
ground Immediately across from the
state house on Grant avenue and upon
this erect a governors mansion. The
letter was placed on flle. This site has
been frequently spoken of as favorable
for an executive mansion. but the sum
of $250,000 for its construction is the
largest vet mentioned. If mansion
should be undertaken of the size sug-
gested, it would probably necessitate
purchasing the entire block for that
purpose.
The rules against lobbyists will be
enforced in the House Of Representa-
tives, and the chamber will be closed
to any man who wishes to speak for or
against any bill being considered. The
rule declares that anyone interested
enough to speak to member regard
ing the passage OF bill is lobbyist
and must register with the chief clerk
LOBBYISTS will not be permitted on the
floor of the House at any time, during
a session or during recess or while the
House is in adjournment. They may
gather in the galleries. and are priv
LEGGED to speak on bills only in commit
tee rooms when hearing is being had
Admission to the floor of the House
will be restricted to those who have
been accorded such privileges by the
speaker Cards of admission may be
obtained from him on the recommenda'
ltion of members.
The troubles that will environ lob
byists in the House were exemplitied
, yesterday, says the Denver Republi
can when a citizen appeared at the
door in response to the invitation of a
member to appear before committee
in behalf of a bill in which he is per
sonally interested. He was refused
, admission to the chamber. nor would
, the doorkeeper carry his card to tbs
member. Under the rules. which the
speaker had ordered strictly enforced
he was a lobbyist, as he wished tC
urge the passing of bill, and he was
therefore barred from all privileges