The Tupelo journal., 1908-01-24
Eighth Day.
Senate.

tt
Eighth Day.
Senate.
Senate was opened with PRAYER nv
Rev. Hill. Lieut.-Gov. Carter in the
chalr. Roll call showed quorum present.
Mr.. Logan asked permission to change
ms vote on the inaugural appropriation
from aye to no, for constitutional rea-
sons. This being allowed, the bill was
declared lost.
Inc hour having arrived for the con-
sideration of the governors veto mess
age on the bank deposit back tax, Mr..
Hebron moved to indefinitely postpone
the bill.
Mr.. Franklin of the Twenty-ffth
spoke ~eloquently for the passage of the
bill, which forbids the revenue agent
back taxing bank deposits.
Mr.. Leftwich made the point of or
der that it was out of order for this
Senate to attempt to pass the bill over
the veto, as it is no longer a live issue
before this body. He regards the bill az
dead, and as having been the child of
another father, with the fate of which
this body has absolutely nothing to do.
Mr.. Leftwich spoke leariedly as to
his point of order, citing a number of
authorities to uphold his position.
The question at issue comes up solely
upon the fact that the bill in question
was originated in the last Senate, was
considered by their committees, was
vetoed by the governor, and, in the eyes
of some, is sent to this Senate solely
as a matter of information, and not for
their action.
Mr.. Leftwich was elocuently upheld
in his view that the bill was lead by
Messrs. Berry and Mcdowell.
MIR. Engle differed radically in his
view of the question, believing it to be
very much alive. Messrs. Gibbs, East,
Franklin of the T~hirty-first upheld his
position.
MIR. Mahon, believing that the only
thing before the house was Mr.. Left
wich's point of order, agreed to the
correctness of the point, and thought
the Senate had to answer this question,
"Will the bill pass, Notwithstanding the
governors veto?" and spoke with re-
markable clearness in support of his
view.
The chair ruled that the point was
not well taken, in that the government
consists of three parts-executiye, judi
| cial and legislative. Thus the position
tluJ the Legislature ceases 10 eAlSG
overthrows the government. The Legis-
lature of 1917 is the Legislature of
today.
In a thoughtfully considered speech to
the Senate, Gov. Carter demonstrated
the danger which lies in the consequences
of such a position as that taken by the
gentlemen opposing his position, and
| pointed out one of several methods by
| which fbo nnattar mint onain ha
brought before the Senate.
Mr.. Cunningham thought the bill
must be considered at once. and made Il
point of order to that effect, but the
chair failed to sustain the point.
Mr.. Pollard thought the Senate should
be wary in it's action on this bill. lest
| the Supreme Court have the opportuni-
ty to declare the act unconstitutional,
| whereupon troubles and tribulations
| would ensue.
The motion to indefinitely postpone
| the bill brought on floods of eloquence,
| scores of requests for information"
dozens of points of order, but finally the
prevailing confusion gave way to order,
and Secretary Chiles called the roll on
| motion, and the bill was indefinitely
postponed.
The House session was opened with
prayer by Rev. DR.. Hutton OF the First
Presbyterian Church, with a full at
tendance.
Mr.. Foster sent to the desk and had
read a communication addressed to him
by Harry X. Johnston of Vicksburg,
calling attention to the fact that cotton
| seed from certain weevil infested dis
tricts in Louisiana were being shipped
into this State, and that there was need
for investigation, and some enactment
restraining this movement, and sug-
gested that the matter be placed be-
fore the Legislature. He also thought
that the shipment of seed from certain
southwestern counties in the State
| should be restricted, for the same rea-
sons of prudence and precaution. The
matter was referred to the committee
on agriculture.
Representative Wood of Tate intro
duced a concurrent resolution provid-
ing for a change in the rate of poll tax,
of one dollar per poll instead of two,
and in lieu of the other half of the
present poll tax rate to levy a special
and compulsory school tax of one dol
lar on each male between 81 and 60
wears of age. The effect of this amend
ment. if carried, would be to insure at
least one dollar from every male ctr
zen. even should he not elect to pay his
Doll tax. which would be carried to the
school fund.
Ninth Day.
The principal legislative feature of
the day was the final completion of the
Senate bill No. 4, providing for the re-
duction OF the bond of the State treas
urer from $3.50, 900 to 100000. The
measure having been signed by the gov
ernor. it was returned to the Senate
for engrossing, and made ready for the
signature of the acknowledgements
and has been made a part of the laws
of 1908. Under the provisions of this
act George r. Edwards, Jr, can now
complete the arrangements necessary for
qualifying as State treasurer, and will
enter ON his duties with the other State
officers.
Senate.
The session of the Senate was also
signalized by the passage of the Me-
Laurin bill, providing for the care of the
paupers of the county otherwise than
by the orthodox county almshouse
method. the amount of support in this
way being limited to $12 a month.
BY Mr.. Longest-To amend section
1928 of the code relative to carrying
concealed weapons, and fixing penalties.