El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1919-01-15
Constitutional
Contention To
Be Discussed
Promises To Be Subject Of
Much Debate; Thomson
Addresses The House.

Austin. Texas, Jan. Ian interest
ing fight on the holding OF a consti-
tutional convention is in prospect as
the legislature settles down TO its du-
ties. Revision Of the constitution in a
number Of important particulars, as
pointed out previously. IS to be con-
sidered. but there is a division Of
opinion as to whether a constitu-
tional convention is necessary. Speak
er R. Z. Thomson, Of FL Paso, touched
upon the subject briefly in his adj
dress to the house yesterday, and
much more extended debate Is in pros
pect.
Both houses convened to day to re-
ceive the governors message and
then proceeded with their regular
business with speaker Thomson pre-
siding in the house and president pro
ten J. ]. Strickland, Of Anderson coun-
ty, IN the senate
Pool Seconds ThomasOn's Nomination.
Speaker R p. Thomson, Of FL PasO-
who was. elected to the speakership
yesterday without opposition, was
nominated by representative Ble6soe,
Of Lubbock, and the nomination was
seconded by representative Adrian
Pool, Of FL Paso. Representative
Terrell, Of Cherokee, and Miller, Of
-eA-Al-1H aAAlQ EG[QAAE4 me AN4-4AA1-4VlAf
and Miller moved that nominations be
closed and a vote taken The motion
carried unanimously.
Efficiency First, Is Motto.
In his speech Of acceptance OF the
speakership. Mr.. Thomson stated
that efficiency first is TO be the motto
OF the house and that he would insist
that committees expedite their busi-
ness He said that he would demand
that his appropriation committee pre-
pare an early report and he hoped
that all important business would be
cleared from the calendar during the
regular session.
Hints at Constitutional Convention.
The speaker came out definitely in
favor OF the submission OF the prOhi-
bitiOn and woman suffrage amend
ments to the people as early as posi-
bic and demonstrations OF the body
showed the suggestion to be well re-
ceived- In this connection, the speaker
limited at the calling OF a constitu-
t1onal convention He then touched
briefly upon the legislation for the
reduction Of taxes, conservation OF re-
sources, land reclamation. encourag-
ing Of good roads, control Of oil and
gas development and the encourage
menE OF the coming OF capital and
labor to Texas. He also said that the
public schools should come first, but
that the normals, colleges and uni
Fersities Of the state should not be
neglected His last reference was 70
the necessity OF judicial reform
Strickland President Pro TEN.
Senator J. ]. Strickland, Of Ander-
son county. was elected president pro
TEN OF the senate over senator G. u
Alderdice. Of Ellis county. Senator
Strickland, in accepting, reiterated his
former statement that the legislature
should complete its labors within 90
days, including the passage OF the
general appropriation bill
The chair appointed senators John
ston, McNealus and Caldwell TO notify
me governor the senate was ready for
business A Similar committee, com
posed OF senator's Alderdice. Dor
rough and Witt was named TO notify
the house. The senate then adjourned
until 10 o'clock this morning.