The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-04-27
Measure Backed by
ThreShermen Is Prac-
tically Unopposed in
the Lower Branch
RINN CHEERED
IN MAIDEN TALK
Lehigh Legislators First Speech Is
Punctuated With Applause and
Many Offers Of Glass of Water;
But His Railroad Bill Goes Down

The Spangler traction engine bill,
supported by the State threshermen,
passed the House of Representatives
this morning by vote of LAG to 6.
There was no voiced opposition to the
measure which now goes to the Senate
for concurrence.
Mr.. Spangler, of York, asked for
the passage of the bill in behalf of
the threshermen of the State. He
briefly stated its provisions and told
of the hard work the subcommittee in
charge of the bill had done.
Mr.. Herman, of Wyoming, chairman
of that committee, spoke on the meas
ure. He referred to Governor Brum-
baugh s veto of a bill which would
have taken away the State license on
traction engines and asked for the
support of this bill which reduces by
one-half the license on traction en-
gines. Traction engines still are SUBJ
Ject to local tax and State tax.
He said that 16-ton limit had been
placed on traction engines after con.
sulting with highway commissioners in
thirty-fve States. Nr. Mcconnell, of
Mercer county, spoke in favor of the
bill. The measure divides traction en-
gines into two classes-threshing en-
gines and hauling engines-and fur
ther Classics those divisions for pur-
poses of taxation.
By vote of S5 against and 56 for,
the House defeated bill exempting
agricultural corporations from State
taxes. A bill to require the advertising
for repositories for county funds and
giving the deposits to banks which
would give the highest rate of inter-
est, had but 65 supporters. Eighty o
members voted against this bill.
Mr.. Rim, of Lehigh, made his
maiden speech in the House this morn
ing in support of his bill requiring
railroad companies to eliminate one
grade crossing each year in every
twenty miles of track
Cheer His Maiden Effort
He was roundly cheered after each
assertion and was frequently interrupt
ed by members who proffered glasses OF
water to wet his parched throat. He
called on the railroads to make good
their "safety first pledge.
When ne finished Mr.. Spangler asked
that the bill be referred to the com
mittee on retrenchment and reform
because it would divert the funds the
railroad wanted to use in other channels
and would cause retrenchment. Mr.
Cox, of Philadelphia, who was in the
Speakers chair, heard no second to this
motion and it was put to vote. II
was defeated by vote of 35 ayes tC
9S noes. The result was cheered by
the members.
Among the bills passed finally in the
House this morning were:
Prohibiting the sending aloft OF
Fourth of July balloons carrying fire
Permitting brick and clay corpora
tions incorporated in other States tC
hold Pennsylvania real estate.
The Harper bill amending the public
service act to permit appeals in grade
crossing cases was placed on the post
poned calendar The vote by which
this bill was defeated last night was
reconsidered.
After acting on twenty bills out OF
twenty ght bills on third reading, the
House took a recess until 730 o. CLOCK
tonight. About 2S0 appropriation
bills on third reading were not reached