Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-06-08
PoeiEca in
Pe~~oqeSo~io
By the Ex-Committecman

disappeared in the session of the
lower branch of the Legislature late
last night when the Boyer bill to
establish a council of sixteen men
in place of the present two-chamber
system in Philadelphia was reported
out and sent back amid some of the
most sensational incidents of the ses-
sion. Until this broke out there were
hopes that the Philadelphia factional
squabble would be forgotten as far
as the House is concerned for the
rest of the session.
The trouble started when Ware
men got together and decided to
negative the bill. There were nine
of them, but they failed to get con-
troll of the bill itself. Consequently
when the sponsor of the bill heard
OF 1t he signed up seventeen of the
twenty members in favor of over
turning the adverse report. When it
came to reporting out the measure
the action was challenged and there
was a series of developments which
indicated conclusively that the Phila-
| delphia fight is going to be serious
thing for the state this fall.
In this connection it is interest
ing to note an article which appeared
! last evening in the Philadelphia
Evening Bulletin in which the gen
| eral political situation in the state
| is reviewed. The writer says: AT
the present time there is a strong
expectation among the Democrats of
Pennsylvania that they may, at last,
elect another Governor next year.
Repeatedly during the past six or
seven months their politicians and
spapers have been expressing
much satisfaction over the opening
of such prospect. The course of
their members of the Legislature
during the present session has often
been aVowedly shaped with that end
in sight; that is, that from their
point of view, advantage should be
taken of all causes of dissension and
rupture among the Republicans in
order that they might make Demo-
cratic capital for 1918. On the other
hand, there are many Republican
politicians and newspapers who have
been continuously urging, since the
beginning of the factional split, that
If it shall not be healed this year, it
will surely result next year in the
election of a Democratic Governor.
AS for some of the extremists on
either side of the factionalists. they
would rather see that outcome than
support an opponent in their own
divided houses"
Members of the Legislature from
rural districts were discussing the
Philadelphia situation to-day with
much interest. 1t seemed to be the
general impression that David H.
Lane retired as city chairman of the
Republicans because of regret at the
prospects of a party fight. Hopes
were expressed that at the meeting
on June Is the factions would settle
their difficulties and not inflict them
any further on the state.
The meeting of the Senate lead
ers next Monday night on the ques-
tion of adjournment is being awaited
with eagerness by legislators in both
branches. There was considerable
July talk heard, as the plan is to
have the General Assembly in session
when the Governor is acting on ap-
preparation bills. The June % idea
is popular. however.
The States workmen's compen-
sation referees have all resigned and
have been reappointed. This oc-
Cured some time ago, but was not
announced by the Governors office
When the referees were originally
appointed they were announced by
the Governor. When the act doubling
their salaries came along it was held
that they could not take the increase.
So all resigned and were reappointed
fifteen or twenty minutes later. This
has just been learned.
The third class city bills were
again the target for lively hearing
Yesterday. There was opposition to
elimination of the nonpartisan fea-
ture manifested. but the chances are
that the Senate will pass the bill
with that part of the Clark act taken
out.
-Philadelphia's transit lease is to
be taken UP all over again in coun-
ellis.
Auditor General Snyder was con-
graduated by wire on the departure
Hf his three ambulance units from
Pottsville. The Auditor General is a
former guardsman and gave substan-
tial aid in the formation of the
units. a form of practical assistance
which attracted much comment.
Representative Williams, Tioga,
and Palmer, Schuylkill, acted as
Speaker last evening. Mr.. Palmer
was given quite a hand by his coll
leagues.
Representative Jerry" Simpson
was in a questioning mood at last
nights session. He asked about one
bill and not liking the reply said:
IF the bill is not better than the
explanation, it must be a bad one"