Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 February 1881 — INDIANA LEGISLATURE. [ARTICLE]

INDIANA LEGISLATURE.

WRUIMVAI. SENATE:—A message was received from the governor submitting a communication from Isaac R. Hitt, state swamp land agent, regarding certain claims of the state against the United States, on account of costs, charges and expenses Incurred by the state during the war of the rebellion. Mr. Munn 1 s joint resolution regarding the canal and Chicago sewerage question came up as the special order. It started a debate which lasted two hours, during which mauy speeches were made, and after some amendments, was passed. HOUSE—A message was received from the governor, submitting a communication from the judges of the supreme court, suggesting in accordance with the constitution three bills for the action of the legislature. One of these bHls is to authorize two or more judges to hold terms of the Cook county criminal court at the same time. Two courts are now being held there in that manner, but there is some doubt as to the legality of such proceeding; there being no express statute authorizing two or more judges to hold a separate branch of that court. A number of new bills were introduced, when the house adjourned.

THIJBSDAV. HOUSE—The following bills were introduced prior to adjournment to go to LaFayette; To amend one section and repeal another in the election law of June 7, 1852; To amend the ditching and drainage law of March 9, 1875; To give extensive jurisdiction to Justices of the Peace In certain cases: To prevent minors from loitering in saloons; To amend the fee ana salary act of March 31. 1879.—T0 amend section 253 of the general practices act. —To amend the act or March 25th, 1879, concerning married women.—To amend several sections of the general assessment act. —To amend the act concerning bridges on boundary lines. Mr. McSheeny offered a resolution declaring the concurrence of the house in the senate resolution of sympathy with the Irish people in their legal struggle for their rights, and declaring that tne thanks of the people of Indiana was due to Hon. W. H. Calkins, a member of the national house of representatives, tor his efforts in this matter in congress.

FRIDAY. SENATE—A bill was introduced to create the liability of a master for injury to a servant resulting from fault, carelessness, or negligence of a fellow servant, which was referred to the committee on railroads. The bill for public libraries in connection with public schools in towns of 1,0000 and over passed, A special committee reported a substitute for the senate bill concerning the rights of married women, which, together with an amendment pending, was made the special order for Tuesday next. HOUSE:— The bill appropriating $5,000 for the purpose of establishing a fish commission was referred back to the special committee reporting it. An order was passed for thg appointment of a special committee to inquire into the expedienev of establishing a State Board of Fisheries, for the protection and propagation of fish; and, in pursuance of said order, the speaker appointed Representatives Gillum. Walls and Kenner as said committee. A bill repealing the right of counties to tax themselves 2 per cent, for railvoad purposes, reported with the recommendation that it pass, was referred back to the finance committee.