Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 January 1899 — THE STATE LEGISLATURES. [ARTICLE]

THE STATE LEGISLATURES.

Tuesday. Massachusetts re-elected United States Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. Arkansas’ deadlock was broken by the election of A. F. Vandeventer Speaker. The Texas Legislature met and the House organized by electing Sherrill Speaker. In New Jersey the Republican caucus nominated John Kean for United States Senator. Missouri appointed a committee of six to investigate the municipal government of St. Louis. In Minnesota bills were introduced imposing more taxes on railroad and express companies. In Indiana the Republican caucus nominated A. J. Beveridge of Indianapolis for United Stateq Senator. In Colorado Charles S. 'Thomas was inaugurated Governor. His message discussed State affairs only. In South Carolina Gov. Ellerbe urged a law to prevent lynching and recommended the submission of the dispensary question to a vote of the people. Wednesday. In West Virginia presiding officers of both houses were elected and contests over seats commenced. Caucus of Republicans in Wyoming unanimously nominated C. D. Clark for re-election to the Senate. Michigan House and Senate committees were announced and Gov. Pingree submitted a list of appointments. Senatorial caucus in North Dakota took two ballots without result, except a loss of one for Johnson, who still leads. Republican majority in Connecticut chose Joseph R. Hawley for United States Senator on the ninth ballot. In the Maine Legislature Senator Hale was chosen as Republican nominee and Samuel L. Lord as Democratic nominee for the Senate. The California Legislature voted in joint session for United States .Senator without electing. Phelan led with thirtyfour complimentary votes. Wisconsin Legislature organized, electing officers in both Houses, and named Senate committees. Caucus committee agreed on Wednesday, Jan. 18, as day for first meeting. Thursday, In Montana W. A. Claris gained in the senatorial contest, receiving 21 votes, while Conrad fell to 35. In New York the Republican legislative cancus unanimously nominated Dr. Chauncey M. Depew for United States Senator. In Michigan the Pingree and administration legislators clashed over appointment of committee and result was compromise. The fourth ballot in California was taken, leaving Burns and Grant tied, with 26 votes each —Burns having gained two. A deadlock is predicted. In West Virginia the wrangle for seats to gain balance of power began. Committee appointed which will in all probability unseat two Republicans in House. Republicans will retaliate in Senate. Friday. In Kansas the House of Representatives had a heated debate over the proposition to build a fence to keep off lobbyists. The Montana Legislature voted again for Senator without effecting a material change in the relative position of candidates. In North Dakota the Republicans were unable to select senatorial candidates in caucus, votes being divided among five candidates. In California the Legislature in joint session took four votes on United States Senator without changing result of the day before. State Senator Potter introduced a bill in Minnesota Legislature dividing insurance companies into three classes and fixing license rates. In the Massachusetts House of Representatives resolutions of confidence in the administration, urging ratification of the Paris peace treaty, were introduced. Saturday. In the Nebraska Legislature six candidates in the senatorial fight claim they have a fair chance to win. In Michigan Gov. Pingree announced his intention of holding up appropriations untiT the Atkinson bill is passed by the Senate. In the California Legislature the senatorial deadlock remains unbroken. Four ballots were taken, with a gain of only one vote for U. S. Grant. In the West Virginia House of Representatives the Democratic plan to nnseat Via failed because of defection of two members. The senatorial situation is still chaotic. Monday. In Tennessee Benton McMillin was inaugurated as Governor. In Michigan a resolution to delay the Atkinson bill was defeated. The Nevada Legislature convened at noon. Six candidates are announced for senatorial election. The California Legislature appointed a committee to begin immediately an investigation of the bribery charges against U. S. GrantIn Wisconsin the supporters of All the candidates for Senator make confident claims and ore working energetically securing pledges. In Montana the grand jury took up the bribery charges in the senatorial fight. On the joint ballot taken W. A. Clark of Butte gained two votes. In the New York Legislature Senator Raines announced his intention to amend the liquor law so as to prohibit the sale of liquor with food on Sunday. In West Virginia the House by strict party vote seated Logan. Democrat, and the Senate called a meeting to consider contests against three Democratic Senators.