Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1915-03-17
MAURER HANDS IN
OLD FAVOR|TES
Initiative, Referendum and Recall
Make Their Appearance in
the Lower House

Resolutions proposing constitutional
amendments for the Initiative, refer
endum and recall were introduced into
the House by Mr.. Maurer, Berks, at
the late session yesterday. Fifty thou
sand persons are required to propose
the text of which must be
filed with the Secretary of the Com
monwealth four months before an
election. Provision is also made for
submission of legislation to the legisla-
ture and then to the people and for
emergencies. Initiative and refereE-
dunn are also conferred on municipali-
ties. The recall proposition is that
every elective officer is subject to the
recall when % per cent. of voters Pc
tition for an election, except state OF
ficers in which case 10000 voters
must sign for an election. The recall
is to be offered to voters of county
every five years and il accepted shall
govern all officers.
Mr.. Mearkle, Allegheny, introduced
by request bill for local self-govern-
ment by second class cities, whereby
on petition of ten per cent. of voters
an election shall be held whether a
commission shall be chosen to frame q
city charter. In case of approval the
common pleas judges shall name a
commission of fifteen. The charter
shall be submitted to the people for
ratification. Mr.. MearlSle also intro
duced bills making it mandatory on
electric railways to do an express busi-
ness under penalty of fines of from
500 to $500, and codifying and classl-
flying the laws relative to municipal
liens by solicitors of several cities.
For Public Morgues
Other bills presented were:
Mr.. Huber, Luzerne - Providing
that commissioners of counties having
over 150, 900 population shall establish
and maintain public morgues; appro-
priating 100000 to the Board of Pub
lie Grounds and Buildings for erection
of bridges.
Mr.. Stone, misunderstanding that
when wrongdoers in trespass tenders
payment before suit is brought or de-
fendant after suit is entered shall ten
der payment or judgment and costs
and not be accepted, the plaintiff in
case he loses shall be required to pay
costs incurred after tender.
Mr.. Horton, Fayette--FiXing period
between September / and March / for
training dogs in the field.
The bill to make burgesses eligible
to succeed themselves was defeated,
falling eleven short of the required ma
iority.
These bills were passed finally:
Senate bill prohibiting police and
firemen in first class cities from talk
ing any active part i'm politics, politi-
cal movements or elections.
Amending pharmacy act to provide
for reciprocity in licenses with other
States.
Requiring burial of INDECENT widows
of veterans by county commissioners
Providing for two additional assist.
ant general agents of the Board of
Public Charities at s2.500 each.
Senate bill authorizing municipali-
ties to construct subways, to procure
locations and to operate underground
railways.
Senate bill vesting authority over
public monuments in county commits
sioners.
Authorizing second class cities to
tax railroad tracks, switches and sid
ings.
Amending divorce act of 1911 by
enabling libellant to testify where
cause is personal abuse.
Regulating appointment of proba-
ton officers.
The House then cleared it's second
reading calendar and adjourned at
$40.