EMPLOYES.
On motion of Mr. Dwiggins, his bill [S. 168] supplementary to the act in relation to the organization of the two Houses of the General Assembly, regulating the number of employes, etc.-allowing two extra clerks to the Principal Secretary and two extra clerks to the Assistant Secretary of the Senate, and one page for both - was read the second time.
Mr. Dwiggins moved to amend the bill by adding a section allowing the door-keeper to appoint one assistant in addition to the number he is now allowed.
Mr. D. spoke in favor of his amendment and the passage of the bill
Mr. Steele, Mr. Neff, Mr. Harney, and Mr. Dittemore submitted remarks.
Mr. Brown moved to amend the bill by providing one messenger for the standing committees of the Senate, and one clerk for each of the secretaries of the Senate, in addition to the number now provided by law.
Mr. Williams was anxious during the special session to ascertain the number of employees, but his resolution for that purpose was voted down. He referred to the long session of 1851-2, when the present Senator from Boone (Mr. Boone) performed the sectary's work with but two assistants, and declared there was probably more clerical work performed at that session of the Legislature than at anyone session since; and concluded by expressing the opinion that there was sufficient help now provided for the present secretaries, and consequently he should oppose both the bill and pending amendments.
Mr. Boone also opposed the bill and amendments, as he saw many employes, now before the Senate, not moving a pen, but listening to this discussion with nothing else to do. He could accurately keep the entire journal of either House with the assistance of three men; and having many years experience as Clerk of the Legislative assemblies, he knew whereof he spoke.
Mr. Brown demanded the previous question.
The demand being seconded by the Senate under the operations thereof.
The amendment authorizing the principal Secretary to employ, when necessary, one clerk in addition to those now provided by law, was agreed to.
The amendment authorizing the Assistant Secretary to employ one clerk in addition to those now provided by law, was taken by consent.
The amendment proposed by Mr. Dwiggins was agreed to, as was also the additional section 4, adding providing for a messenger for the committees.
Mr. Brown moved that the bill be considered as engrossed, the constitutional restriction suspended and the bill put upon its passage now.
The motion was rejected - yeas 26, nays 9 - two-thirds not voting in the affirmative.
Pending the roll-call.
Mr. Harvey, in explanation of his vote, said he desired to see sufficient clerical force here to carry on the business speedily, and without delay, but inasmuch as the bill of last session was passed after careful consideration he would like to see the experiment tried with the present force.
The vote was then announced as above.
On motion by Mr. Brown the bill was ordered to be engrossed for the third reading.
