Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 March 1881 — INDIANA LEGISLATURE. [ARTICLE]

INDIANA LEGISLATURE.

Indianapolis. March s.— This was the last day of the session, but different from other days in nothing, the senate quietly proceeding with the tax hill and the house passing no bills

of general interest, except the senate bills providing for a state board of health and fixing the per diem of the speaker and lieutenant-governor. The latter bill was amended so as to fix the per diem at eight dollars instead of ten dollars, which caused a wrangle with the senate, that body refusing to concur in the amendment. Finally the house agreed to the senate figure, but reconsidered the vote and stood by its amendment, in which at last the senate was obliged to ooncur. Both houses held a night session but only for the signing of bills already passed. It is evident that an extra session will be called.

The joint special committee to in* vestigate the feeble-minded asylum and soldiers orphans home, reported to-day adversely to the management. The books are not in a satisfactory condition, and partiality is shown the feeble-minded at the expense of the orphan department. A separation es the institutions is recommended and a change of superintendency. Governor Porter will issue a proclamation on Monday concerning the legislature in extra session, Tuesday at 9 o’clock.

Indianapolis, Ind.,March 7.— This being the last day of the regular session, no business was transacted except that the senate further considered the general tax bill. The house spent an hour’s session this afternoon in merry making, recuperating for the serious work which will be resumed on the opening of the special session to-morrow. Much important work still remains to be done, and the length of the special session will hardly be less than thirty days.

Indianapolis, Marchs.—Senators Benz, Voylee and Wood voted with the Republicans this morning in the reorganization of the senate, giving the latter control ot the body by 28 to 23, Hart and Foster being absent and Wilson acting with the Democrats, kshlater, Republican, of Wayne ooun7, was made principal secretary, vioe rouse, Greenbacker. Sean was retained as assistant, and Richard D. Huncheon, of Laporte, Democrat, was made door-keeper. It was agreed to proceed with business where it was left off at the regular session, and the day was spent oh the tax bill. The house organized with the same officers as at the regular session, except that door-keeper Evans was superceeded by Jim Woods, the Irish miner. Several bills were introduced but none passed. A messenger from the governor was received, calling attention to the necessity of swamp land legislation, and he urged the completion of the work before them within forty days if possible. Indianapolis, March B.— The extra session of the legislature conyened to-day. The house re-elected the officers of the regular session, with the exception of Woods, doorkeeper, Instead of Evans. W. S. Schlater, of Richmond, was elected principal secretary of the senate; W. B. Sears, assistant secretary, and Richard B. Huncheon, doorkeeper. Schlater is a Republican, Sean a Republican Greenbacker, and Heuncheon a Democrat. Two Democratic senators voted with the Republicans.

Indianapolis, March 9.— The general tax bill engrossed the attention of the senate to-day, several amendments, but none of general interest, being made. . It was resolved by both houses to adjourn from Friday evening to Tuesday afternoon. The house finished consideration of the public offices bill and passed it. Among the important changes made by the bill is the following: The ]ury, except in special cases, cannot prescribe sentence, but this is left to ihe court; fraud in elections is vigorously prescribed; druggists must be jroperfy qualified; public officers may >e removed for the second offence of drunkenness: every person visiting a house of prostitution Is made a pimp and liable to arrest; members of councils may be fined for intentional absence. A bill appropriating #75,000 for (he. expenses of the special session was passed. The Yancey medical bill was rejected, and the house compromise bill agreed to by a vote of fifty to twentyseven. The educational bill was taken up and occupied the rest of the session. An amendment offered by Mr. Schwitzer to allow patrons of schools to vote in the election of teachers was rejected by a vote of fifty-three to thirty. Indianapolis, March 10.—The senate spent another day on the tax bill. Mr. Comstock moved to strike from section 91 all relating to the taxing of express companies, which was rejected. Mr. Chapman than moved to amend the section so as to deduct from the gross receipts of such companies the amount paid* in wages, and for the purchase of tangible property In the state, which was also rejected. Mr. Viche’s amendment, giving banks the right to pay tax due from shareholders and- retain the amount from subsequent dividends, was adopted.

In the house a resolution was adopted recommending the passage of a law forbidding the letting of convict labor for less than 70 cents per day. > The following bills were then passed: Requiring minors who have sold property to return the consideration upon reclaiming the property on coming of age. Requiring railroads to remove any combustible matter along their lines. Abolishing the offices of town and city assessors, and transferring the duties thereof to county assessors. , Also the bill authorising the employment of short-hand reporters in county courts at the discretion of the judges.

Indianapolis, March 11.—The senate worked again to-day on the tax bill which was amended so as to tax the gross earnings of sleeping ear companies two per cent.; also all the tangible property of building,. loan, fund and savings associations. In the house the following bills were passed: Requiring railroads to destroy Canada thistles and .noxious weeds along their right of way. The Gibson bill relating to the settlement of deoedent states. Enabling agricultural, horticultural and mechanical societies to consolidate.

Amending the act of May 28, 1852, concerning the election of presidenn and vice-president. The bill to create aboard of pardons failed by 82 to 48. The governor has vetoed the bill fixing! urors fees at two dollars per day, ana the bill for preventing cruelty to

animals, on aocount of objectionable features. * f j Both houses adjourned until Tuesday afternoon.