The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1911-06-02
BY J. b. Reese.

Tallahassee, June 1.-Large au-
dfences were present this evening in
both the senate and house when a gold
watch and chain and a gold headed
cane were rendered Speaker Jennings
by the representatives and attaches of
the house and handsome silver ser
vice and a cane were bestowed upon
President Cone by the members and
attaches Of the senate. Appropriate
speeches were made on both occasions
The legislative session will come to
a close at noon tomorrow.
SENSATION SPRUNG.
Somewhat of a sensation was caused
in the house this morning when Rep
resentative Peter T. Knight of Key
West introduced q resolution exoner-
atins former House Messenger Jim
Edwards of Jefferson county, against
whom suspicion was directed when
the alleged Wall bribery charges, in
connection with the Terrell anti-gam-
bling bill, were aired some three weeks
ago. The resolution not only com
pleteiy whitewashed Mr.. Edwards, but
also directed that he be placed on the
payroll for full remuneration, at six
dollars a day, since the date of his
discharge His elected successor, Mr..
Russell, viii receive the same amount,
by the way. The resolution read as
follows:
Whereas on the 11th day Of May
this house by a majority of it's vote
suspended ]. w. Edwards as its mes
senger. and whereas, this action, taken
not upon a proven fact. but upon a
suspicion of wrong. and whereas, some
restitution should be made said J. W.
Edwards, who is an honored citizen of
Jefferson county. who was brave and
loyal Confederate soldier for four
years, and who faithfully served this
house in holding this position,
Therefore, be 1t resolved, that the
sergeant -at-arms be instructed to
place said J. w. Edwards's name upon
the payroll for full term of this ses-
sion"
A sharp discussion followed, and
three roll calls were necessary before
the vote could be announced. Frank
Chase of Duval, argued IN favor of the
resolution on the grounds that Mr.
Edwards was drunk when he handed
the historic telegraph envelope to Mr..
Wall, and also on the day Of his dis
charge by the house. Mr.. Cade of Vo-
lusia, replied to this plea for elem
time he had ever heard of drunken
ness and dereliction of duty being re-
warded.
$4,000 APPROPRIATED.
By a vote Of 81 to % the house
passed the senate bill Of Senator Zim
appropriating $4,000 of state funds for
the Ponce de Leon celebration to be
held in st. Augustine in the spring %
1913, on the four hundredth anniver-
sary of the landing Of Ponce de Leon
"a Florida The bill provides that the
money shall be paid in two install
ments of $4,000 each, and is contin-
gent upon the raising of $500, 900 from
other sources, for the same purpose.
If the celebration Is carried out ac-
cording to schedule. 1t will undoubt-
edly prove one Of the most valuable
advertising propositions ever entered
into. The bill was heartily supported
by all of the east coast representa-
tives, needless to say.
The senate today notified the house
that it had passed the house bill
raising the salary of State Superin-
tendent of Public Instruction Holloway
to $4,000 year, but had amended it
so as to include all other state house
officials except Comptroller Groom,
who was raised a few days ago to $3,-
500. Another amendment also pro-
vided that all fees collected by such
officers should be turned over to the