Year: 1878

7th. Because deadlock between the two
branches of the Legislature would unwisely
delay important business, and cost the Senate
thousands of dollars.


9Th. Because the Senate is nearly or duito
unanimous, while the House is more equally
divided.


These arc my reasons, and Ileave them 10
the calm and deliberate Judgment of the
House whether, under the circumstances,
they are not sound.


The gentleman from Northampton, TMr.
Jamcsl, says, with vehemence and impetu-
osity, that what was good principle last
week was equally good this week.


suppose hardly any one would deny that
proposition in the abstract


But no doubt he meant to imply that
should the House adopt the report of the
committee Of conference it would be doing
violence to its vote last week, when itadopt-
cd the concurrent resolution, which resulted
in committee of conference. To adopt the
report of the committee of conference does
not require any change of principal what
ever, much less change of heart. In point
of fact, the resolution which the House
passed last week was conditional on its face,
to wit:


That it would take up unfinished business
where it was left Off in March, 1877, if the
Senate concur.


But the gentleman from Northampton has
discovered a way to get out of the difficulty;
and he recommends with earnestness that
the House should pass resolution to take
up unfinished business and let the Senate do
what it pleases in the premises Under the
present statue of the question, think the
remedy is much worse than the disease, and
would breed parliamentary and constitutions
al objections without end, and stop all legis-
lation.


l do not believe that the House will en-
dorse such q revolutionary recommendation.
The House will not stultify itselfin adopting
the unanimous report of its committee Of
conference. On the contrary, it would be
more inconsistent not to adopt it. AS far as
am individually concerned still believe
that if the Senate and House could agree, il
would be better to take up business whero
we left off. There may be others of the same
frame Of mind, but there is neither wisdom
or craftsmanship in quarreling with tho
Senate upon matter Of so little importance
especially when the controversy is costing
the taxpayers of the State thousands Of dol
lars each day that it lasts 1t is not the kind
of quarrel which our constituents fancy. II
costs them too much: Under all the circum-
stances of the case, the House will do itself
no disercdit to adopt the report before us.
am free to say that the action of the Senate
upon this subject will not be likely to impress
any one as being very refined specimen Of
parliamentary etiquette.


should not like to see the House initiate
the example. That body passed resolution
to begin business dc nouo without asking the
concurrence of the House. Some may re-
gard it unfavorably and detect therein an
unpleasant twinge of bulldozingl But let us
not forget that charity covers Multitude Of
sins.


Mr.: Speaker, it may afford the House
some consolation to reflect that the Senate of
Pennsylvania is composed of great and good
men-men distinguished for their piety and
learning. Therefore, instead Of being critical
and belligerent let us look upon them with
awe and admiration. If any one strikes you
on one check, turn to him the other also.
This is high Biblical doctrine. Tho same
venerable authority is opposed to dissensions
and strife. Since all believe in this autho-
rity. and are, perhaps, more familiar with it
than am, it is not necessary to do moro
than call attention to it.


It Is often generous TO yield point, and
shows more manhood than does stubborn
obstinacy.


And desire to call the attention of those
gentlemen who have made severe reflections
upon the action of the committee on the
part of this House to the old adage; That
wise men frequently change their opinions,
while fools never do" Our highest courts
frequently change their opinions l take it
for granted that every member will obey the
dictates of his own conscience in this matter
and do what he feels satisfied is for the public
welfare, unmoved by personal considera-
tions, jealousles or pride, Looking at the
question from this standpoint, shall vote in
favor ofadopting the report ofthe committee.



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