The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-01-14

appoint a committee to see to 1t tnat
the color sergeant of the capitol
whose duty is to keep the flag hoat-
ing over the building, doesn't over
The Democratic senators point with
pride to the fact that the Democratic
representation in the senate has
doubled since the last session. There
are now an even half dozen.
Thus far none of the senators mas
shown a disposition to tear the die
tionary into minute particles and hurl
the pieces into the dignifed atmos-
phere of the cham Der.
There are several senators who have
not as yet introduced a single bill and
the session is three days old Surely
these are men of much self restraint:
When legislator is characterized
as good looking" it is dangerous to
take the com pliInent seriously
From early indications in both
branches of the legislature this session
is not going to be propitious for the
fostering of any greedy octopuses.
Sig Lehman of Labette county has
introduced a bill requiring express
companies to maintain an uptown OF
fee in all towns of 1000 inhabitants
and over. This measure is for the
benefit and convenience of patrons OF
the company. Usually, in small towns
the express companies have their OF
fees in the railroad depots ana tneSe
are located in most cases from nan
mile to a mile distant from the ousl-
ness section and still further away
from parts of the residence districts
The bill will be of benent TO the PeopIe
and is not at all unjust to the express
companies.
The senate placed seventy-four en-
pIoyes on the rolls at the first clatter'
while the house started out with Tory
four, but this latter number VIII pc
further reduced so that the ratio VIII
not be destroyed. The senate has Two
employees for each member while the
hove
house expects to have tlVe members ~ III
one employe. This is proper. Inc
pIebeian house is not expected to nave
as many employees as the patrlclan sen
ate If a house member wants any
thing, let him hustle around and get II.
The sneaker set a good example yes
terday by throwing an unWelcome
caller out of his office. There is only
one ergeant-at-arms, so the mouse
members will hereafter be called upon
to elect obstreperous and unWelcome
visitors.
The members of the house are al
ready kicking for new desks anu
chairs. but as these cost money IL Is
NOT likely that any new furniture Will
he bought unless a change of heart Is
experienced by the square deal lesls-
latures. The old desks are disgrace
to the state and as for the chairs, they
are positively dangerous to SIT III.
Merrill of Miami county, has estap-
lished a record for bills introduced IN
the house in one day that VIII hkeIy
stand throughout the term he intro
1uced six bills yesterday, most OF them
special measures affecting only his nome
county. 20 40
5overnor's message is surprising ana
vet the fruits thereof are early IN eVl-
1ence. The minority leader in the sen
ate has introduced a Stubbs GOOD foaas
aiu while the leader of the Democrats
N the house has introduced a Stupps
anti-lobby resolution and carried II
through for immediate passage on tne
wings of his eloquence and earnestness.
Il Jerry Botkin, himself, had WfltteI
-bat message it would not have found
,nv warmer support than it is now re
eeiving from the unwashed and unterr1- |
ied members of the legislature