Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1919-01-08
PaeIsca &.
Ps~na4gsania
BY the Ex-Committccman

With harmony that promises we'll
for the influence. of the incoming ad-
ministration over the Legislature the
State Senate and House of Represen-
tatiSes got under way yesterday for
the session and. after transacting
some matters of routine business.
adjourned to meet Monday evening,
January 90, the night before the
Inauguration. So well-oiled was the
legislative machinery that not the
slightest jar disturbed anywhere.
All the old employees were re-
elected. following the choice of Rob-
ert S. Spangler as Speaker and
Clarence ]. Buckman as president
pro tenn. of the Senate.
comment everywhere is made on
the unexciting nature of the sittings
that have marked the organization
or the Legislature. None of the tur-
pulent scenes that have marked the
sessions of the Brumbaugh admins
trauon are in evidence. The strength
OF Governor-elect Sproul is what is
hoiding the contending elements of
the party together. Prophecies are
that the coming session is to be one
or the midlest in years.
Under the conditions there is
much more interest in the situation
Whlch has arisen with regard TO
Governor Rrumbaugh and the court
vacancies than in the routine doiays
OF the Legislature. His appointment
or William II. Keller to the Superior
Court is expected to be followed up
very shortly by the appointment of
Thomas F. McNichol to the vacancy
in the Municipal Court of Philadcl-
phia.
The Governor can have his way
about these appointments without
question for law does not require the
appointments to be confirmed by the
Senate.
During his four years in office
Governor Martin G. Brumbaugh has
drawn S134,000 from the State
treasury according to figures an
nounced by Charles A. Snyder, Audi
tor General.
The state owes him nothing
now said Mr.. Snyder. His last
draft for $500 was drawn Decem-
ber L."
In the sum of $4,000 is included
the Governors salary of $4,000 a
year. total of $4,000. Approxi-
mately $4,000 was spent for i'm
prorements to the Executive Nam
sion and, more than $4,000 was cx-
pended from the contingent funds
granted the Governor, by legislative
enactment. There are other items
Oh expenditure. but Mr.. Snyder did
not announce them.
DeSDita tho IarUo
the Governor. Mr.. Snyder saws he
recently received two vouchers turn
ed into his office from departments
other than the Executive Depart-
ment. but which the Auditor General
says ne was certain should have
been credited to the Executive De-
partment. One was for thirty-six
gaIions OF gasoline. submDtod by the
Highway Department and charged
against the Governors automobile
which is maintained by the state.
The other voucher was for 500 for
MOWERS turned in by the Public
Grounds and Buildings Committee.
Mr. Snyder held them up for a time
put later permitted their payment.
Governor Brumbaugh has expend-
ed all or his contingent account of
Sz4'ooo some two months ago and
$3.50 10 INV 1nere is
nothing illegal, or in fact unusual.
in this. The Governors contingent
fund was cut from $4,000 to $4,000
TWO years ago after bitter debate.
Auditor General Snyder was ask
ed II 1t would not be legal for the
governor to eXpend all of the con-
tinsent fund within few months if
he saw fit.
1t would be legal" he said, "if
the Auditor General on the spot per-
mitted him to do So"
The Legislature by Joint resolu-
ton has appropriated $50, 900 for the
inauguration ceremonies incident to
the induction of Senator William c.
Sproul into office as Governor, and
Edward L. Beidleman, as Lieuten-
ant-Governor. 1t provided for a
committee of nine senators and fif-
teen members of the House. who.
meeting later, chose Senator Will
liam E. Crow as chairman. The
amount provided for the expenses
is about double what it has been in
the past.
The main feature of the inaugural
ceremonies will be the administer
ing of the oath of office to Governor
elect Sproul in front of the Capitol
at noon, January 81. Lieutenant
GOVernor Beldleman Will be sworn
in at the Senate chamber. Follow
ing these formalities there will be
a great parade, consisting of a pro-
visional regiment of the Pennsyl-
vania Reserve Militia, marching
clubs of Republican organizations
state political and local organiza-
tons.
The grandstand will be erected
facing Third street and in front of
the main entrance to the Capitol.
This will be for the state officials,
their friends and the members of
the Senate and the House. 1t will be
used for reviewing stand for the
parade Immediately after the ad-
ministration of the oath.
The first open play of the liquor
interests was made yesterday, when
members of the Legislature received
letters from the International Union
of United Brewery. Flour, Cereal
and Soft Drink Workers of America,
asking them to oppose the ratifica-
ton of the prohibition amendment.
The letters were sent from interna-
tional headquarters, Cincinnati.
Nem Railroad Problems
(From the Providence JournaD
Although the plan of the railroad
managers for the restoration of the