Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-01-16
Bars Let Down In House
on Penal Code Bill.
Senate Passes CuIberson's
Bond Issue Resolution.
chIna's Indemnity Reduced, $24,.
100000 to 100000.

have been the effort made in the House
to amend the bill codifying the penal
laws of the United States that the
committee on the revision of the laws
today consented to let down the bars
and as result the measure was
changed in some important particulars.
The pacific attitude of the committee
in this regard served to mollify the
opposing members and in consequence
the proceedings today We're devoid of
the heated arguments which have
characterized the previous debates
When the House at $50 p. Nj, ad-
journed a number of other important
amendments were pending which seeln-
ed to meet with no particular opposi-
tion by the committee but which were
passed over until tomorrow in order
that the members might have time to
consider them carefully.
The portions of the bill which attract
ed the most attention were these COW
ering the giving and accepting of brides
by senator's ard members and the sale
of endorsements OF support for ap-
pointive public offices It is to the
amendments touching these questions
that the House tomorrow will devote
itself upon resuming consideration of
the bill
Leake of New Jersey characterized
the bill as an unscientific document.
Ollie James of Kentucky rema rked
that while an amendment has been
admitted providing punishment for the
destruction of birds eggs. when it
comes to providing q sufficient punish
Ment for men like Hartman and Rock
efelier, or some of the corporations that
have been feeding on the public by
reason of your, laws, who contribute
millions Of dollars to buy up elections,
you say don't put them in the peni-
tentiury.''
Perkins, \. Y, a Republican,. sought
to have the committee on revision of
the laws elucidate Section 90, embrace
ing the embezzlcment of public funds
in the hands of United States treasurer.
In the ten days discussion Of the bill
it was the first time Republican had
halted its reading to criticize it, and
Perkins remarked that ii no amend
ments were to be permitted at least
explanations were in order.
Chairman Moon and others of the
committee declared that the section
amply safeguarded public officers in
cases Of defalcation where it was clear
that they themselves were in no way
wrongdoers.
The Democrats waged an unsucceSs-
full fight against the committee amend
ment which Parsons, N. y, explained
was to correct misprints. The amend
ment modified the statute prohibiting
collecting and disbursing officers from
trading in public property so as to
make the penalty Not more than
$4,000. instead of the specific amount.
An amendment by DeArmond, Mis-
atty, Of not more than 10 years, was
defeated. He then changed it TO make
the Imprisonment more than one year.
Amid loud Democratic applause the
amendment was accepted by the com
mittee and was Incorporated into the
bill
THE first ray Of light remarked
Cochran, at which there was more
Democratic applause.
Vociferous applause coupled with
laughter was accorded Kustermann,
Wis, who declared that the trouble
with the bill was that there were too
many lawyers in the House To discuss
it. II he said, the lawyers would re-
tire and let the manufacturers, the
merchants and the farmers have a
chance, they would do the work. and
the bill would be passed.