Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-06-28
EXPIRING HOUSE
KILLS PENROSE
"LEXOW" COUP
Holds Up Joint Resolution
for Sweeping Legis-
lative Inquiry
DESIGNED AS A CLUB
Bp n star Correspondent
HADDTGn D,


A last-minute effort by the Penrose forces
10 create a "Lexow' commission as a pow
srful political club for Senator Pcnrose to
WELD during the next two years was de-
feated in the House Of Representatives this
Afternoon.
The resolution creating the commission
was introduced by Senator McNichoL II
had smooth sailing in the Senate and its
sponsors thought they were certain Of pass
ing II through the House as well
It was defeated. however. when, after an
hours debate. the point was raised that
under the rules Of the House the measure
had to be printed before the House could
act on IT, That meant the delay Of an
entire day, and the Penrose forces then
abandoned their fight.
Just before adjournment McNichol Of the
Senate. introduced a resolution providing
for commission of Ave Senator's to be
named by the President pro tempore Of the
Senate. and five members Of the House Of
Representatives, to be NAMED by the
Speaker, that would have almost arbitrary
powers in abolishng divisions and offices Of
the State government Both the President
Of the Senate and the Speaker Of the House
are Penrose lieutenants.
The resolution follows:
The resolution was fought hard in the
House when II was sent there for concur
renee. The Vare-Brumbaugh House lead
srs without going on record as opposing the
'Lexow," attacked IT,
Representative Glass, OF Philadelphia.
Ware follower. tried to amend the resolution
by striking out references to "mlsmanage-
nnent" and making it read duplication Of
work." instead.
Representative Showalter, OF Union. OBJ
a of IA, g,r
the probe.
Representative Simpson, Penrose follower
|, IN Allegheny County, declared that there
was no other purpose behind the resolution
than to abolish a Few unnecessary offices"
Whereas, investigation by the several
standing committees Of the General
Assembly has brought TO the attention
Of the members thereof the need of re-
adjustment In the organization. manage
ment and administration Of the co-ordl-
nate branches Of the State Government,
and
Whereas, II appears that there is dupli
cation of work, encroachment Of author
ity lack of coordination of similar
duties, and lack OF such organization as ts
essential to the best business interest of
the Commonwealth and
whereas II Is apparent to the members
Of the General Assembly as a result OF
their Investigations that the salaries OF
many positions connected with pubIIc
offices are disproportionate to the respon-
sibilities imposed. and
Whereas. by reason Of their present
scheme OF organization II has been pos
sible for some divisions Of the State gov
ernment to eXpend public moneys legally
but not in conformity with the intent OF
the General Assembly that appropriated
such funds. and
Whereas, the present system of man
agement has permitted certain divisions
to expand unnecessarily and TO develop
along lines that have resulted in the afore.
mentioned duplication Of work and en-
eroachment Of authority, and
Whereas the acts of Assembly creating
some divisions have delegated powers and
duties to new divisions that were original
ly possessed and discharged by divisions
which have consequently become unneces.
sary or obsolete; therefore, be II
Resolved Qf the House concurs), That
Joint committee, to consist Of five Sen
ators. two Of whom shall be members OF
the minority political party to be an
pointed by the president pro tempore Of
the Senate, and five Representatives. two
Of whom shall be members Of the minor
lty political party, to be appointed by
the Speaker Of the House Of Representa-
tives, be and the same are hereby con-
stttuted special committee whose duty
II shall be to investigate the present or
ganization OF coordinate branches con-
stituting the Government Of the Com.
monwealth Of Pennsylvania the num-
Der, character duties and compensation
OF each position connected Herewith the
business methods and procedures now
used In the management of public busi-
ness; the necessity for continuing and
the cost of administration Of the several
divisions of the State government and
70 report to the next General Assembly |
recommendations for such changes as |
viii put the coordinate branches OF the
State government on sound bust |
ness basis, by co-ordinating similar du-
ties, preventing Implications, eliminating |
encroachment and overlapping; providing |
improved methods Tor supervising the |
expenditures OF public moneys; abolish
ing unnecessary or obsolete departments |
Offices and positions. and such other re-
organizations as will improve the admin |
istration of the public business and will |
bring about greater economy and ef1. |
cheney In the public service.