REORGANlZATION OF THE JUDICIARY.
Mr. Gooding called up the special order, the bill [S. 238] redistricting the State for judicial purposes, abolishing the Courts of Common Pleas, etc, the question being on concurring in the report of the committee, substituting new matter for the districts.
The report was concurred in.
Mr. Friedley, of Lawrence, moved to dispense with the constitutional restriction that the bill may be read by title only for the second reading.
This motion was agreed to by yeas 35, nays 5, and the bill was read by title only for the second reading.
Mr. Williams' amendment, reorganizing the Eleventh and Twelfth District, coming up,
Mr. Cave desired his dsstrict to remain just as it is, and he moved to lay the amendment on the table.
Mr. Gooding knew some of the Representatives from those counties were opposed to the amendment. Unless a redistricting bill is passed, the salaries of judges will not be raised in all probability. A great deal depends on the passage of this bill, and in order that it may pass, all the strength possible should be obtained for it.
Mr. Williams thought the Representatives were about equally divided in opinion about the change proposed in his amendment, and was willing now to let the Senate decide, and for that purpose demanded the yeas and nays.
Mr. Cave moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The motion was agreed to by yeas 22, nays 21.
Mr. Smith moved to amend section thirty-four by striking out "Marshall and Kosciusko" and inserting in lieu ''Miami," and substituting, in section seventy ''Miami" for "Marshall and Kosciusko;" and he also submitted memorials from the bar of Fulton and Miami counties asking that the counties of Fulton and Miami shall constitute a judicial district and another amendment adding a new section to the bill making a District of the counties of Marshall and Kosciusko.
Mr. Hubbard opposed this amendment because it leaves Howard county off by itself unprovided for.
Mr. Smith moved to refer the bill with amendments to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. Gooding and Mr. Glessner opposed the motion to refer.
Mr. Winterbotham knew there was considerable opposition to this bill in his district among members of the bar, a number of whom would be here this evening desiring to be heard before some committee.
On motion by Mr. Fuller, the motion to refer was amended by changing its reference to a committee of the whole Senate, and making it a special order for ten o'clock to-morrow morning.
Mr. Steele moved ineffectually to change the time to Tuesday next at ten o'clock.
The amendment as amended was rejected.
Pending the amendment to the bill submitted by Mr. Smith -
The Senate adjourned till half-past nine o'clock to-morrow.
