The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1913-01-17

elect him were forthcoming.
Notwithstanding that the Demo-
Gratis in both branches stuck to the
caucus idea, with the few excep-
tons already noted, the Progressives
plan to recognize them in the dis
tribution of legislative patronage,
something they have not enjoyed for
10 these many years, and in the fill
ing of important committees. This
is in accord with the principle of
fair play which forms a component
part of Progressive makeup. Some
surprise was manifested at the atti-
tude maintained by the Democratic
leaders in opposition to the appoint
ment of the Committee on Commit
tees prior to the selection of
Speaker. The progressive element
of the party, without exception, ap-
progressive element of the Republi-
can Party and the Independents
elected by the Washington Party, de-
claring that they will be able to ac-
complish more as party members
under present conditions than
through the old-time method of
procedure. The distribution of the
members of the Committee on Com
mittees in both houses as to party
affiliations is regarded as most
equitable, and leaves everybody but
the pronounced reactionary, and
those employees who have hitherto
depended upon the boss system of
organizing the Legislature, in a par
ticularly happy frame of mind.
Messrs. S. B. Scott, John Robert
Jones, Frank H. Rockwell and A. S.
Moulthrop, Independents; Daniel j.
Shern, William H. Wilson, Repub-
licans; Charles A. Amber and Geo.
w. Allen, Republicans and Wash
ington Party; John T. Matt, Demo-
crat and Washington; E. r. Benson,
Prohibitionist-Dem and John
M. Flynn, Old Line Democrat, COM
pose the House Committee on Com
mittees, of which S. B. Scott is
chairman.
The Senate Committee on Com
mittees is composed of Messrs. w.
C. Sproul, Republican Bull Moose;
James P. McNichol and Edwin H.
Ware, Old Line Republicans; G. D.
Sensenich and T. NJ. Kurtz, Republi-
cans with Washington endorse
ments; A. w. Powell, Republican
Washington; j. c. Judson, Demo-
crat-Keystone; F. S. McIlhenny
lNCy pJOhCJ IL 4hol SAN DCnlOIl az
Senator Sproul is chairman of this
committee, which met in Philadel-
phia, Tuesday, Jan. IA, to accomplish
the work given to them. The Com
mittee having authority to appoint
the minor employees of the Senate is
| composed of Messrs. Sproul, Catlin
and Knapp. The latter is an Inde-
pendent Republican, while Catlin is
an Old Line Republican. 1t is not
believed that this committee will
recommend many changes in the
| list of Senate attaches.
The reading of Governor Tener's
message in both houses was given
more than ordinary attention, par
ticularly those portions in which
such Progressive laws as non-par-
tisan elections and a non-partisan
ballot at local elections, the referen-
dunn of the question of granting
women the right of the ballot to the
people, a constitutional amendment
to make possible the levying of an
inheritance taXy the abolition of the
office of Secretary of Internal At
fairs, the creation of a State De-
partment of Labor and Industry,
conservation of the States water
supply and other natural resources,
prevention of all food adulteration,
| the passage of a General Utility
Commission measure. Unfortunate
| ly, the governor does not recon-
mend the direct system of electing
United States Senators and State
officers from Governor down, nor
does he apparently favor the import
ant Progressive policy of the initia-
tive, referendum and recall, nor
more stringent and drastic corrupt
practices act. He strongly urges
the enactment of a workmen's COM
pensation measure, and a bill to
regulate stock issues. He likewise
takes a strong stand in favor of re-
quiring social and political clubs to
take out licenses in the same man
ner as regularly licensed liquor deal
ers are now required to do, and COM
pelling such licensed clubs to faith
fully observe such days during
which licensed dealers are prohibit
ed to sell liquors.
No recommendation is made by
the Governor on the proposed
amendment to the Constitution OF
the United States providing that
United States Senators be elected by
the people at large instead of by the
several legislative assemblies. How
ever, more will be heard on that sub
ject in future proceedings of the
General Assembly. The governor is
strongly in favor of an annual State
Fair, and for the continuance of the
work of the Chestnut Tree Blight
Commission for another two years
He favors a reasonable annual tax
on timber land,
The General Assembly will get
down to real work again Monday
January 20.
NEWS FROM HARRISBURG.