Middletown transcript., 1907-03-16
LEGISLATIVE DoINGS

General Assembly Transacts Routine
Business and Usual Special Work
The legislature has practically entered
upon its last week, although it is not TO
adjourn until March %. There is recess
from Saturday until March 25 in order to
enable the enrolment the bills that have
been passed and to permit of them being
signed by both branches. -
The House bill to give control of Della
ware College to the state by gradual
reorganization was lost by vote of 28
nays and yeas.
Governor Lea has signed the bill pro-
viding for the initiative and referendum
on question of public policy in Whining
ton, and it now becomes law. 1t pro-
vides that when ten per cent. of the voters
petition for the submission of any ques-
ton of public policy To the people the
question shall be submitted at the ensuing
city election. 1t is made mandatory upon
city council or other departments of city
government having juridiction to take
action to carry out the expressed wish of
the people.
Without dissenting vote the Senate
concurred in the House bill to regulate
the practice of medicine and surgery in
this state. The last appeal of the Chris
tian Scientists for concession that would
not bar them from practicing for a gift,
compensation or reward ayailed nothing,
as their proposed amendment was voted
down and the bill went through as it left
the House. While it does not bar the
the Christian Scientists from practicing
their cult, it does prohibit them from
doing SO for compensation or reward.
Greatly disappointed at their inability
to get immunity under the bill, some of
the scientists asserted that they will con-
test the validity of the Supreme Court of
the state.
The House passed the House bills re-
quiring the Philadelphia, Baltimore and
Washington Railroad Company to pay as
state taxes the sum of $50, 600, instead of
$40, 600 as heretofore, the Delaware Rail-
road Company 500, 600 instead OF $4,000
and the Baltimore and Philadelphia
Railroad Company $50, 900 instead Of $27-
600.
The House passed the House bill in
creasing to per cent, now per cent.
the rate of interest to be paid by the
junction and Breakwater Railroad Com
pany and the Breakwater and Frankford
Railroad Company on mortgages on said |
had by the state.
The House defeated the House bill i'm
posing a state tax upon public services
and providing for the collect
ton thereof.
The House concurred in the Senate bill
to $500 now $500, the salaries
of the country treasurers for Kent and
Sussex counties.
The House killed the advisory initiative
md referendum bill for the entire state, it
IA votes while Is was recorded
against it.
The House killed the bill advocated by
he grangers to incorporate Delaware Col
ege and give the state control, not vote
,eiug cast for it.
The House passed Representative
'aylor's bill for the purchase of a new
uardboat for the oyster beds.
The House passed the House bill to re-
nact the old Adams tax law on invest
nents, mortgages, etc.
Senator Connor made another attempt
0 get through his proposed amendment
D the constitution for the canvassing of
he local option vote as to the entire state
8 a unit, instead Of by constitutional dis
ricts, which are to be abolished The
i'll received ten votes and five were cast
gainst it, it requiring twelve votes to
ass.
Senator Conner was in another losing
ght when his bill to provide for the
rection Of new State House was de-
,ated in the Senate. 1t named q com
lission headed by Governor Lea to ex-
end $780, to be borrowed to pay for
ne new building. Senators Conner and
parks championed the measure.
The Senate concurred in the House bill
, allow New Castle to borrow $4,000
" town improvements and also author
ing the purchase of an experimental
lrm for Delaware College to cost 5000