Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1907-02-20
Drastic Measure Now Pend ing in the Legislature Stamped Approved" By Judiciary Committee.
STROKE OF ECONOMY
In the Hou>c-Appropriations Soon To Be Announced 0ngresS Me. mOrialiZed - Cllancell0r'> Salary Bill Safe-.Jury Bill Killed.
Special to The Graphic.

Special to The Graphic.
 Little Rock, Ark, Feb. 20-The sen- ate committee on Judiciary this af ternoon placed it's stamp of approval On the Oldham anti-lynching bill, which is the most drastic measure of it's kind ever introduced in this state, and which if enacted into law, would set new precedent in the south in the matter of putting an end to mob violence. The bill provides that any sheriff, deputy sheriff, con- stable, jailor, policeman, marshal or other officer, who fails to protect pris- oners in their hands, against mob violence, shall be fined in any sum not less than $1,000, confined in the county jail not less than six months and shall forfeit the office to which he or they shall have been elected or appointed. The bill provides that these penalties shall not be inflicted if such officers have been seriously wounded in attempting to protect their prisoners. The bill also pro- vides, however, that any officer may summon any citizen of the state to aid him in the protection of a prisoner and that any citizen who shall fail or refuse to render such aid, upon convic- tion shall be fined not less than $1,000 and confined in the county jail not less than six months. This last pro- vision is intended to enable the off, cers to summon members of the mob themselves to protect the prisoners and render such members liable to heavy penalties if they refuse and con- tinue as members of the mob.
 Appropriation Bill.
 The committee on ways and means has drafted the general appropriation bill for the next two years, but it will not be presented until early next week. The principal change from two years ago, it is said is in con neetion With the railroad commission. The bill provides that the secretary of the commission shall be an expert rate clerk and that the stenographer shall be assistant secretary. The commission at present has secre- tary, an expert rate clerk and ste nographer. It is understood that the bill provides for reduction of small amounts in several appropriations, with a view to cutting down the ex- penses of the state government
 MemOrialized Congress-.
 The house this afternoon voted down a resolution memorializing con- gress to pass Congressman Floyd's bill giving certain persons and cor porations the right to utilize White river above Gotter to secure water power for electrical purposes. The resolution was fought by the repre- sentatives of several of the counties which are located in the district which would be affected, and Representative Black of Marion was the chief cham pion of the measure. After lengthy discussion the resolution was lost by vote of thirty ayes and thirty nine noes.
 Chancellor Bill Safe.
 An effort to kill the bill raising the salaries of chancellors and mak- ing them uniform at $2,500 per annum, was defeated in the house today. Mir. Thomas introduced an amendment fix ing the salaries of chancellors at 9 cents per annum. Mr. Thomas frank ly admitted that his object was to kill the bill. Several Previous at tempts had been made to amend the measure but all had failed MT. Thom- as declared that the offices of chan cellors were sinecures and ought to be abolished. The amendment was re- jected and the bill was ordered en- grossed.
 Killed the Bill.
 The senate this morning killed the bill which would have abolished the old rule that the twelve members of jury must agree before verdict can be returned. The bill which was under consideration provided that two-thirds of jury could return a verdict in a civil case, and in criminal case, where the crime charg- to which the bill was referred, report ed adversely and the report was adopted by the house.
 Railroad Legislation. ;,
 Senator Wingo who has been respon- sible for great number of bills .af fecting the railroads, acted upon at