Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-03-13
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Pe~~o4eSa~ia
By the Ex-Committeeman

What members of the general as
sembly last night facetiously, termed
the real legislative session of 1917
began last night and while there was
not much talk of an early adjournment
or a short, business-like session, there
was a manifest disposition to cut out
the wrangling and to get down to
work. The members were fresh from
home and they exchanged views which
were to the effect that the people of
the State wanted action and were not
as much interested in factional poll
tics as some newspapers of Pennsyl-
vania would fain have the public be-
lieve.
Both branches received numerous
bills and the list included some which
would not have appeared If it had not
been apparent that the time for action
had come. The committees were also
speeded up and whether there is any
thing in the talk of an agreement
among legislative leaders to cut out
the investigation propositions and to
compose differences on Philadelphia
legislation it was plainly to be seen
that many desired such things to come
to pass.
People back home have evidently
been making themselves heard.
Representative c. NJ. Palmer, of
Schuylkill county, was given a reso-
luton of congratulation last night in
the House in of arrival of a daughter
at his home. The sponsor of the res
olution was slightly off on weight sta
tistics but his resolution was passed
with shout.
Presence of State Police and ru-
mors of United States secret service
men about the Capitol gave n pre-
paredness" turn to affairs TODAY. The
members of the Legislature were like
wise disposed to show patriotism as
bills to cut out advertising in German
papers and to prohibit sale of eXplo-
sives except upon certificates as to
purpose and to restrict sales of fire.
arms showed.
Considerable interest was mani
tested last night in the report that the
Economy and Efficiency Commission
was to meet tomorrow to discuss the
estimates for appropriations.
Corrupt practice bills OF similar
import were introduced into the House
by Messrs. Mitchell, Jefferson and Sar-
ig, Berks. The bills were drawn by
the Democratic Legislative advisory
committee. The fact that a Republi-
can and Democratic presented the
same bill was much commented upon.
hearing will likely be held on both.
Mr.. Davis, Cambria, introduced
a resolution in the House last night to
amend the constitution to establish
new representative ratio which would
have the effect of reducing member
ship of the House to 100. It is now
207.
Representative Hugh A. Dawson
presented in the House last night bills
sponsored by the State affairs commit
tee of the Scranton Board of Trade
The first relates to the collection of
taxes in cities of the second and third
class. adopting the borough system of
one tax collector to be known as the
receiver and collector of taxes; elected
every fourth year by the people, whose
salary is to be fixed by councilmanic
ordinance. Another bill provides that
when a borough loses its charter, the
place shall become township of tho
same name as the borough. Some
boroughs are anxious to go back in
the township class in the interest OF
State highway improvement, as the
State cannot aid borough highways un-
der existing laws. The third bill pro-
vides that in case of annexation plans
of township to a borough, special
election may be held upon petition of
one hundred qualified electors. Exist
ing laws require a majority of such
electors to petition.
E. Lee Ellmaker former legisla-
tive correspondent of the Philadelphia
Press. was at the Capitol to-day Mr.
Ellmaker is secretary to Congressman
William s. Ware and we'll known to
many residents of this city. He was
warmly welcomed on the Hill
Death of Secretary Houck caused
many expressions of regret and the
question whether appointment of his
successor would have to be sent to the
Senate or not was much discussed.
Congressman Lewis T. McFaddcn,
of Canton, mentioned for various
nominations was at the Capitol to-
day.