The Topeka state journal., 1909-01-19

motion to table, stated that the
minority members would soon have
the whole proposition explained to
them.
After the vote had been announced
Speaker DoIley. armed with a hand
fUI Of papers, proceeded to make
good his word He stated that two
years ago the legislature made an
appropriation of $4,000 for the pur
pose of redecOrating representative
hall and rebuilding the ventilation
apparatus. He said that while for
merly the hall had been a death trap
| in cold weather in which several
members lost their lives every ses-
sion because of the poor ventiIa ton,
now this hall had perfect ventilation
facilities and invited the minority
members to inspect the arrange
ments. As for the decorations. the
members could see for themselves
what an improvement had been made
The executive council. realizing the
absolute need of new equipment for
this beautiful and modern hall sent
notices TO all the furniture and carpet
firms of the city. asking them If they
could be prepared to install a carpet
and desks and chairs at once should
the members favor this new equip
ment Crosby Brothers was the only
firm that had the nerve to take
chances with such a costly order of
goods that would be unstable for any
other purpose This firm had ordered
risk and without a contract or prom
ise. and had presented a bill at whole
sale or factory cost plus 10 per cent
The speaker had the bill in his hand,
also the invoices from the factories
and a sworn statement as to cost. The
desks were listed at 5000 for each
double desk, the chairs at SIG apiece
and the carpet sewed and laid at
$50 per yard.
The speaker had been in the furnf-
ture business himself and declared
that the usual profits in that business
were from 20 to so per cent He
thought the goods were Of the best
quality and the price right He ad-
mlred the nerve of the firm that took
chances for fair pay without con-
tract He said further: I propose to
scan with keen business Judgment and
eye TO economy every appro priation
made by this house and protect a. well
as possibly can the interest of the
taxpayers, but I say without fear or
IaFor to anyone that am in favor of
ouying this new equipment 1t was
badly enough needed and the transac-
ton IS credit to the state and a
saving to the taxpayers.
They Were just in Fun.
Then arose Brown of kiugmau and
divers other Democrats and said they
were only teasing the majority par
" All they wanted was an explanation
and with the one given they were
satisfied.
Among the bills introduced was one
holding counties and townships liable
for accidents from defective bridges
and culverts.
Another bill by Boyd Of Republic.
provides for the appointments of q
county printer who shall have iuris-
dictfon over and furnish all county
printing
Another bill was introduced in the
| Interest OF pure drugs and the furth-
| er regulation Of prescription pharma-
cists
| Jewett Of Sedgwick created a COM
/ motion in the attaches rooms by his
| resolution requiring all house en-
| ployes to report for duty an hour be
/ fore the sessions began and to re-
| main on duty until after the session
/ closed for the day. getting no time of
| for noon recess unless first obtaining
i permission from the speaker For
Avtolatfon of this rule the penalty was