THE
BREVIER LEGISLATIVE REPORTS.
VOLUME
NINETEEN.
INDIANA LEGISLATURE.
IN SENATE.
SATURDAY, March 5, 1881--10 a. m.The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR commanded attention while Rev. Oscar C. McCullough invoked the Divine blessing.
Mr. LANGDON offered the following:
Resolved, That a special Committee of Five be appointed by the President to examine the constitutional power of the General Assembly to pass bills after Friday, March 4, and said Committee are directed to report to-day, and at the earlist moment.
The resolution was adopted.
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR made said Committee to consist of Messrs. Langdon, Viehe, Grubbs, Brown and Chapman.
Subsequently this Committee submitted the following:
MR. PRESIDENT--The Select Committee to whom was referred the resolution of the Senate on the subject of the constitutional power of the General Assembly to present bills to the Governor on Saturday next preceeding the final adjournment of a regular session, beg leave to report that thew have had the same under consideration, and find that the uniform practice of all other General Assemblies holding regular sessions of sixty-one days, under the present Constitution, has been to pass bills on the last Saturday of the regular session, and further find that this long line of unbroken precedents should resolve any doubts in favor of the power to legislate on that day.
SHIPMENT OF WILD GAME.
On motion by Mr. POINDEXTER, the bill [H. R. 19] to repeal Section 12 of the act for the protection of wild game, was read the first and second time by title only, under a dispensation of the constitutional restriction.
Mr. LOCKRIDGE stated that men came into the northern part of the State to kill game for the purpose of making money in that way. The law as it now stands cuts off a class of men referred to when the bill for the protection of fish was under consideration, who use explosive substances for the purpose of killing fish in lakes and rivers.
Mr. BELL would not make any factious opposition to a fair game law, but this provision seems to be in the interest of pot hunters. We ought not only to preserve our game for the sake of having game, but for the sake of sportsmen also.
Mr. WOOD objected to the clause in the present law, which prohibits a sportsman of another State from taking home with him a brace of ducks or geese or half a dozen quails.
The bill was rejected--yeas, 15; nays, 19.
COMMON SCHOOL LIBRARIES.
On motion by Mr. FOSTER, the House amendments to his school library bill [S. 7--see page 124 of these Reports and yesterday's House proceedings] were concurred in.
FEEBLE MINDED ASYLUM.
Mr. BUNDY, from the Joint Special Committee to investigate the condition and management of the Asylum for Feeble Minded Children and the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, reported that the Trustees have drawn salaries of $200 a year as Trustees of the Asylum, according to law, and also $120 a year as Trustees of the Home, givin as a reason for this that they had been advised by counsel that they had a right so to do. The books of the Institution are in a bad condition. The funds for the Asylum and the Home have been drawn upon and used indiscriminately. It is difficult to obtain from the books any accurate idea of the receipts and expenditures. The Trustees did not always examine the bills. Purchases have been made for which the Committee could see no reason, such as "extract of rose geranium," "razor straps," "rose-bud toilet soaps." The books show an expenditure of $17,404.40 on account of building and improvement, $16,927.72 of this amount being taken from the appropriation of $30,000 for the benefit of the Soldiers' 0rphans' Home, and expended mainly in the erection of an addition to the building for the inmates of the Feeble Minded Asylum. The Trustees say this was done under the advice of the late Governor Williams. The Treasurer of the Board drew during the months of April and May, 1879, the sum of $2,000, being the entire appropriation for the year. Only $400 of this was expended until December 1 of that year. The Treasurer states the money remained in bank during the interval. The dormitories in the orphans' department are poorly ventilated and exceedingly dirty. The beds are of straw and the bedding filthy. The boilers in the cellar of the building are unsafe, yet in a "division room" just above them, forty children from two page: 271[View Page 271] to six years of age, are kept during the day and evening in charge of an attendant. There is not sufficient room for the health of the children cared for. There is evidence of want of harmony between the Superintendent and subordina e teachers, and their efficiency is thereby impaired. The Home school under Miss Bonfay is well conducted. The Feeble Minded Asylum is in much better condition than the Home, and there is much to be commended in the management. The Committee thinks the Home and the Asylum ought not to have been located in the same building, and can not thrive in that condition. The Superintendent has been unnecessarily partial to the feeble-minded department. The food for the children in the orphans' department is not sufficient and the purchase of more cows to supply milk for them is advised. The officers should eat in the same room with the children. Tea cups should be substituted for tin cups. It is wrong that the offices of Stewart and Superintendent should be held by the same person. The Committee believes the interests of the Institution require a change in the Superintendency.
One hundred and fifty copies of the report were ordered printed.
ASSESSMENT FOR TAXATION.
On motion by Mr. MENZIES, the bill [H. R. 204] concerning taxation, being a codification of all existing laws on that subject, and an addition of twenty-five sections of new matter, was read by title only for the second reading, under a dispensation of the constitutional restriction requiring all bills to be read by sections on three several days.
Mr. KRAMER moved to amend by striking out all that relates to personal property in Section 4.
Mr. WOOD moved to insert after the word "implements" the words "belonging thereto and used therein," by way of amending the amendment.
Mr. BROWN insisted the word "implements" should be eliminated from the section. He favored the amendment, and opposed the amendment to the amendment.
The amendment to the amendment was rejected and the amendment was agreed to.
Mr. URMSTON moved to amend Section 4 by adding a proviso that "buildings situate on real estate owned by a party other than the owner of the land whereon situated, shall not be included within the term 'real property' or 'real estate.'"
Mr. KRAMER feared the amendment would allow of double assessment, inasmuch as buildings are carried on the duplicate as improvements on the land.
Mr. CHAPMAN resisted the adoption of the amendment as possibly opening a door to fraud. The natural relationship of the structure is to the realty--prima facia the structure is part of the realty.
Mr. BROWN thought the amendment would produce confusion as to what are fixtures and what are not. The law presumes that the building is part of the land. Under such a clause the State will lose some property that ought to be taxed.
Mr. BELL failed to see how the amendment could prevent any just taxation.
Mr. VOYLES moved to amend the amendment by providing "that where the owner of lands shall have to pay any taxes on account of any improvements (standing or being on his lands) owned by some other person, he may have his remedy therefor against such other person and shall have a lien on such improvement until he shall be paid, and such improvements shall be appraised separately from other improvements standing or being on such land."
Mr. TRAYLOR presented objections to both amendments. They put it in the power of Assessors to decide legal questions.
Mr. URMSTON opposed the amendment to his amendment.
The amendment to the amendment was rejected by yeas, 10; nays, 25--and the amendment also rejected by yeas, 5; nays, 33.
Then came the recess till 2 o'clock.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
On motion by Mr. CHAPMAN, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendment to Mr. Henry's bill [S. 241] increasing per diem of Presiding Officers of the two Houses from $6 to $8, and a Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate was requested.
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR appointed as said Committee on the part of the Senate, Messrs. Chapman and Benz.
ASSESSMENT FOR TAXATION.
Mr. BELL moved to amend the sixth subdivision of Section 8 exempting property "used" for educational purposes, by striking out the words "or by any individual or individuals."
The amendment was rejected.
Mr. BELL moved to further amend the seventh subdivision by reducing the number of acres on which Church building are situate from ten to two acres. He thought that would be a sufficient number of acres to exempt from taxation.
Mr. LOCKRIDGE moved to amend the amendment by restricting the number of acres exempt from taxation to five.
Mr. SPANN considered two acres as sufficient, inasmuch as the bill exempts also parsonages and parsonage property.
Mr. OWEN regarded the bill as being in the interest of stingy people who desire to give the preacher ten acres of land and let him grub his living out of it. He favored the two-acre amendment.
Mr. GRAHAM insisted there should be no reduction in the number of acres exempted in the original bill. As a general thing this kind of property is not very valuable.
Mr. HENRY favored the amendment of the Senator from Allen and Whitley (Mr. Bell). Two acres are ample and sufficient for Church buildings. Parsonages anci parsonage grounds and cemeteries are provided for in another part of the section.
Mr. WILSON moved as a substitute for the seventh subdivision, a clause exempting all cemeteries not owned and sold out in parcels for the sake of profit by those who own the same.
Mr. BROWN hoped the section would be adopted as it appears in the bill. The Church edifice and the grounds surrounding and such school buildings erected proximate to the Church, used for benevolent purposes, should be exempt from taxation. It is niggardly in the State to tax Church property.
Mr. MENZIES said the State has by a long line of precedents held out to these Churches the idea that they can have exempt a certain amount of land from taxation connected with Churches. Many have invested money in this class of property with that understanding, and for that reason if for no other he should oppose the amendments.
Mr. WOOLLEN should oppose the taxation of Church property. He did not think ten acres is too much to exempt.
Mr. BELL disclaimed any intention to tax Churches; but when you talk of first principles he was satisfied Church property should be exempted only up to a certain amount. He deprecated the custom of building Church palaces for paupers sometimes, to worship in. Let the line be drawn now where it is proposed to be drawn in the amendment. If 320 acres are necessary for a Church exempt it, but let the line be drawn where it falls by necessity.
Mr. KEISER was glad to find so many Senator so familiar with the Churches and the wants of Churches. It has been said by implication that Churches own land they do not use for Church purposes, but that they own land which they use for purposes of gain. He ventured to say there page: 272[View Page 272] were very few, if any, using property for any other than Church or educational purposee. You give to State Institutions thirty or forty acres exempt from taxation, and besides that a large appropriation every year, While these Church Institutions are hard put too, many of them, and sorely in need of help. Many men like to see and like to worship in a beautiful building. The Senator himself would rather go into one of this kind than go into the little Church around the corner, or into a school house that has not been swept for a week. Such a pride is a commendable pride. He thought it unnecessary to change this subdivision, from the fact that the proposition is simply to exempt such land whereon the building is situate. The parsonage in ninety-nine out of one hundred cases is situate on the lot with the Church. Under the substitute there are very few burying grounds that would escape taxation. Some in the country, kept in a manner that is a disgrace to civilization, would escape taxation, but those beautified as we love to see beautified the last resting place of our dear ones, would not escape. He liked to see taken away, as much as possible, all the sombre and dark surroundings of death. He believed the best plan would be to let the law stand as it has stood for many years.
Mr. Henry moved to amend by way of substitute, so as to exempt "so much of" any building or so much of ten acres "as is necessary to the use thereof."
Mr. COMSTOCK moved to reject all the amendments.
Mr. CHAPMAN contended that ten acres was too much to exempt--it is unfair and unjust. There ought to be a reasonable limit. The two-acre proposition is eminently just and fair, as that is all that is needed.
Mr. HEFRON said there is not one Church in a hundred which occupies one acre of ground, but if there be one in 100 which has use for ten acres, the ten acres should be exempt from taxation. Then the parcels of land set apart as a place where the body shall rest till it becomes a part of the soil should be exempt from taxation.
Mr. COMSTOCK submitted that if any real estate should be exempt, it should be the amount the Church proposing to use its shall determine. If one denomination, the exercises of which is largely carried on out of doors, requires more ground than another, the ground required for its use should be exempt. He was not pleading the inability of any denomination to discharge any tax that may be imposed on it by the State. Acting upon the idea that this property would be free from taxation, many persons have invested their means in Church property, and now, would it be in good faith to impose a tax upon such property? He hoped the motion to reject would be adopted.
Mr. HENRY spoke in favor of his amendment, proposing to exempt so much of ten acres as is necessary for the uses referred to in the section. He insisted no Church organization should have the right to hold property not necessary for the use of the Church. No sufficient objection can be urged against changing the section as his amendment proposes.
Mr. CHAPMAN--There is a sentimental side in favor of exempting ten acres,and the side of justice and right is in favor of not so large an exemption. It Can not be gainsaid but that two acres of ground will accommodate any congregation in the State, or that may come into the State in the next fifty years. When you apply this provision to a city, two acres is more than an abundance.
Mr. GRAHAM thought the exemption of ten acres as proposed in the bill is just what it should be, and he could see no reason why the number of acres should be reduced.
Mr. HEFRON'S opposition to these amendments was as much in the interest of one denomination as another.
On motion by Mr. GRUBBS, it was ordered that debate cease.
The motion to reject all the amendments was agreed to by the casting vote of the Lieutenant Governor, the Senate being a tie-yeas, 19; nays, 19. The vote in detail was as follows:
Those who voted "aye" were--Messrs. Benz, Brown, Coffey, Compton, Comstock, Davis, Graham, Hefron, Howard, Keiser, Leeper, Marvin, Menzies, Poindexter, Traylor, Viehe, Woods, Woollen, Yancy and Mr. President--20.
Those who voted "no" were--Messrs. Bell, Bischowsky, Chapman, Davidson, Grubbs, Henry, Hostetter, Langdon, Lockridge, Macartney, Owen, Ristine, Sayre, Smith, Spann, Urmston, Voyles, White and Wilson--19.
So the amendments and the substitute were laid on the table by the casting vote of the Lieutenant Governor.
Mr. YANCY entered a motion to reconsider this vote.
Mr. SPANN moved to strike out of this subdivision the words "parsonage and parsonage property." This is a class of property in addition to what has been customary to exempt, and the debate has indicated a feeling that there is too much Church property in this State ($13,000,000) already exempt. In the last five years this class has increased nearly 35 per cent., and now it is proposed to further extend the exemption another class embracing $4,000,000 or $5,000,000 more.
Mr. URMSTON moved to amend by adding to the section these words, "not to exceed one acre."
Mr. VIEHE opposed the amendment. An acre for a parsonage in a city is too much, but in the country not sufficient.
The substitute was rejected, and the amendment was agreed to by yeas, 21; nays, 14.
Then came a recess till 7:30 p. m.
NIGHT SESSION.
Several messages were announced from the House of Representatives, several reports submitted from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, and the Lieutenant Governor announced that he had signed several bills for acts.
Then came an adjournment till Monday morning at 10:30 o'clock, under an order adopted in the afternoon session.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
SATURDAY, March 6, 1881--9 a. m.The session was opened with prayer by Rev. W. H. Hinkley, of the Swedenborgian Church, this city.
The reading of the Clerk's journal was dispensed with.
EXTRA ALLOWANCE TO MEMBERS.
The Committee on Claims reported on the resolution concerning the allowance to the members of the Prison Committee, recommending an allowance to the Chairman of $40, to each of the other members $30, and to the Clerk $15, on account of their expenses in performing official visits to the Prisons North and South.
The report was concurred in.
SENATE BILLS PASSED.
Mr. CAUTHORNE moved to suspend the constitutional rule that Senate bills may be read the first and second time by title only, snd the third time by sections, that they may be put on their passage.
The motion was agreed to--yeas, 71; nays, 2.
Senator Compton's bill [S. 5. See page 241 of these Reports] amending Sections 8, 17, and 18, of the act to regulate the workings of coal mines and providing for a Mine Inspector, was read the first and second time by title only--the third time by sections, and finally passed the House by--yeas, 73; nays, 2.
page: 273[View Page 273]Senator Viehe's bill [S. 180. See page 94] to amend Section 1 of an act for the protection of the Sabbath, and to provide penalities for the descration thereof, being read the first and second time by title only, and the third time by sections--
Mr. CAUTHORNE said the bill is intended simply to cover cases where one party executes a note to another on the Sabbath and dates it on a week day, and the note gets into the hands of innocent parties; so the payee can not set up a defense that it was actually executed on Sunday.
The bill passed--yeas, 65; nays, 13.
Mr. MILES moved to amend the title as follows: Strike out the title and insert the following: "To encourage the violation of the Sabbath."
On motion by Mr. SWITZER the amendment was laid on the table.
Mr. RYAN made an ineffectual effort to suspend the regular order and take up House bills on the third reading.
Senator Davis' bill [S. 328--see page 258 of these Reports] to authorize Judges of Circuit and Superior Courts to sign records in certain cases, was read the first and second time by title, and being read the third time--
Mr. NEFF said all this bill provides for is that the records of Courts be signed by the present Judge where left unsigned by a preceding occupant of the Bench.
The bill passed--yeas 77; nays, 0.
Senator Henry's bill [S. 175--see page 165] for the relief of the estate of Martin S. Pruit, deceased, Mr. Goldsbury and and William T. Wright, was read the first and second time by title, and the third time by sections and passed-yeas, 57; nays, 23.
Senator Coffey's bill [S. 41] to amend Section 48 of an act to divide the State into Circuits for judicial purposes [concernning Bartholomew and Brown Counties], fixing the time of holding Courts therein, abolishing the Courts of Common Pleas and transferring the business to Circuit Courts, and providing for the election of Judge and Prosecuting Attorney, was read the first and second time by title, and the third time by sections and passed--yeas, 74; nays, 0.
Senator Henry's bill [S. 241] fixing the compensation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives at $10 per day, was read the first and second time by title only, the third time by sections and failed to pass-yeas, 46; nays, 37.
Senator Poindexter's bill [S. 32-see page 85] to amend Section 2 of an act concerning the organizing of voluntary associations, etc., was read the first and second time by title only, the third time by sections and passed-yeas, 82; nays, 0.
Senator Bundy's bill [S. 50] to legalize the incorporation of the town of New Castle, Henry County, Indiana, and all additions made thereto, and the annexation of contiguous territory, etc., was read the first and second time by title only, and the third time and passed--yeas, 75; nays, 0.
On motion by Mr. KENNER it was ordered that when the House adjourn at noon to-day, it be to Monday next at 10:30 a. m.
Senator Van Vorhis' bill [S. 18--see pages 184 and 241] supplementary to an act approved March 14, 1869, repealing all general laws now in force for the incorporation of cities, providing for incorporation of cities, prescribing their powers, rights and manners in which they shall exercise the same, being read the first and second time by title only, and the third time by section--
Mr. CARTER said the bill did not affect any other city than Indianapolis, it being restricted to cities having 60,000 inhabitants. It makes a change in the election of officers, so as to make it occur in the fall instead of in the spring, as under existing law.
The bill passed--yeas, 74, nays, 1.
Mr. MEREDITH called up the bill [S. 241] fixing the compensation of the Speaker of the House at $10.
The SPEAKER said, for the information of the House, that this biill did not come here at his solicitation, and he desired it should be subject to the action of the House, as though it did not affect his interest.
Mr. ROBINSON, of Decatur, moved to amend I the bill by striking out the words "ten dollars" where it occurs, and inserting in lieu thereof "eight dollars."
The amendment was adopted.
On motion by Mr. MEREDITH, the amendment was considered engrossed.
Mr. WRIGHT said he would vote for the amendment fixing the Speaker's salary at $8 per day. There seemed to be a tendency on the part of the House to increase expenses and salaries instead of decreasing them.
Mr. MELRATH could not approve of an increase of almost 50 per cent. at this time.
Mr. CARR, of Morgan, said he could vote for the bill as amended.
Mr. MITCHELL did not consider the services of the Speaker of the House or Lieutenant Governor worth any more than that of the Members. The Members who occupy their seats upon the floor and those working in Committees labor from 9 a. m. in the morning until 10 and 12 p. m. at night. They are doing the work of the House. As a general thing, men are remunerated according to the work which they perform. Mr. McSHEEHY--It is a well known fact which every reasonable person will admit, that the duties of the Speaker of the House are greater than that of any other member. He is compelled to study night after night upon questions of parliamentary usage. Even with all this study it is sometimes difficult for him to decide questions. The Constitution plainly says that the per diem of the Lieutenant Governor shall be the same as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and clearly indicates the fact that the intention of that instrument was that the Speaker should receive more than other members of the House. I am heartily in favor of this bill.
Mr. COLE demanded the previous question, which was seconded by the House, ad under its operations the bill passed--yeas, 51; nays 29.
Mr. COLE made a motion, which was lost, that the regular order be suspended and that the Committee on Agriculture be requested to report immediately on the bill [H. R. 417] to encourage the destruction of birds that kill poultry, and that the House go into Committee of the Whole thereon.
Senator Van Vorhis' bill [S. 93. See pages 83 and 199] to establish a State Board of Health to consist of four members to be appointed by the Governor, was read the third time.
Mr. EDWINS said this bill simply provides for a Board of Health to be appointed by the Governor. Such Board are to receive no pay during their term of office with the exception of their expenses. The expense of the entire Board was only $5,000 a year--the cheapest Board of Health in the land. He said the bill was a facsimile of the one in operation in Michigan, with the exception of Township Boards.
Mr. LINSDAY said there was a great deal of misunderstanding about this bill; that it created no County expenses,as is supposed by some.
Mr. CAUTHORNE moved to reconsider the vote by which the time to adjourn was fixed from 12 o'clock to Monday at 10.30 a. m.
The motion to reconsider was agreed to.
Then came the recess till 2 o'clock.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Mr. STEWART moved that the House concur in the Senate amendments to the bill [H. R. 309--See page 243] lowering jurors' fees, striking out the title and substituting a new one, etc.
The amendment was agreed to.
Senator Van Vorhis' bill [S. 93] establishing a State Board of Health, passed--yeas, 66; nays, 20.
page: 274[View Page 274]On motion by Mr. EDWINS, the Speaker appointed Messrs. Edwins and Frazer to constitute the Conference Committee on the part of the House to confer with the Senate Committee in regard to the Speaker's salary bill [S. 241.]
Mr. COLE moved that the Agricultural Committee be instructed to report on Mr. Cabbage's owl bill [H. R. 417] instanter.
The motion was agreed to.
The Committee on Agriculture thereupon returned the bill [H. R. 417] encouraging the destruction of such birds as prey upon poultry. Acting upon the request of the author of the bill, the Committee recommend that it be made a special order for next Monday at 10 o'clock a m.
Mr. BERRYMAN submitted an amendment as follows: "Add to the bill ground hog or any other hog that kills young goslins."
Mr. CABBAGE, by request, referred to the objects of and benefits to be expected from his bill, if passed. He said this bill was prepared in the interest of the poor people. The Legislature generally has been enacting laws in behalf of the money class. This measure is in the interest of the poor people of the country who are asking you to favor them, to give them a law to encourage the killing of destructive birds, etc. That the rich class of people must have all the legislation is ridiculous. This bill gives the power to the County Commissioner to pay a premium for every bird destroyed. I am certain there ought not to be any objection to this bill.
Mr. COLE moved to amend so that no hen be entitled to the benefit of this act unless it can be shown by two competent witnesses that she is laying at least four eggs per week during the months of January and December.
Mr. WALKER moved to amend by adding "the woodpecker" as one of the birds of prey.
The amendments wer rejected.
The report of the Committee was concurred in.
[H. R. 165]: To legalize the Greentown and Jerome Gravel Road Company, Howard County, was taken up, read the third time and passed--yeas, 67; nays, 1.
The Committee on Conference reported a unanimous recommendation that the House recede from its amendments, to the "Speaker's salary bill."
The report was not concurred in.
Mr. FANCHER entered a motion to reconsider the vote by which the bill [S. 180] concerning the breaking of Sabbath was passed.
Mr. FANCHER moved to reconsider the vote by which the bill [S. 132] appropriating $6,000 to remove a sand-bar in the Calumet River was ordered returned to the Senate.
Mr. CARTER thought it would not be treating the Senate with proper respect to say that we will refuse to return this bill. He said a refusal to return this bill might result in its defeat. If there is anything good in the bill, let the Senators amend it as they think proper. He appealed to this body not to treat the Senate with contempt.
Mr. CAUTHORNE thought to return this bill was a courtesy that the House should extend to the other branch of the Assembly.
Mr. MOODY thought the bill should be returned; that it was a mere matter of business, regardless of the prejudices of an individual member of the Senate. It could do no harm, and it might do a great deal of good.
The motion was rejected by yeas, 38; nays, 22.
On motion by Mr. RYAN, the House took a recess until 7:30 p. m.
NIGHT SESSION.
Mr. CARTER obtained leave of the House to introduce the following bill:
By Mr. CARTER--Bill [H. R. 440] in regard to paying of labor in State Prisons was read the first time.
On motion by Mr. CAUTHORNE, the bill [S. 180] was ordered to be returned the House.
The bill [S. 333] relating to the State Fish Commissioner was read the first time.
Mr. McSHEEHY submitted a report from the Committee on Affairs of the City of Indianapolis on the bill [H. R. 391] authorizing a tax to be levied for the erection of market house, etc., recommending the passage of the bill.
The report as concurred in and the bill second time.
Mr. White's bill [S. 25], repealing an act and providing for a Coal Oil Insector, was read a first time.
The Committee on Ways and Means reported on the bill [H. R. 103], relating to the listing and taxing of property, recommending indefinite postponement.
The report was concurred in.
Mr. Mason's bill [H. R. 221], for the relief of Wade, Smythe, Vale and others, in Portage Township, Gibson County, was read a second time and ordered engrossed.
Mr. Traylor's bill [S. 331], defining the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Indiana, was read a first time.
Mr. Hostetter's bill [S. 209], legalizing acts of Notaries Public whose terms have expired, was read the first time.
Mr. Comstock's bill [S. 192], legalizing proceedings of School Trustee of Milton County, was read the first time.
Mr. Menzie's bill [S. 155], concerning acknowledgments, was read the second time.
Mr. Hostetter's bill [S. 84], amending Section 8 of the election law, was read the first time.
Mr. Linsday's bill [H. R. 339], relating to bridges and the erection and repair thereof, was read a second time and ordered engrossed.
The Committee on Township and County Business reported with amendments to the bill [S. 10], authorizing County Commissioners to convey cemeteries, and providing for their interment.
The Committee on Federal Relations reporting on the whipping laws, recommending its passage.
The report was concurred in.
The Committee on Corporations reported on the bill [H. R. 418] amending Section 54 of an act relating to the incorporation of cities and towns, recommending its passage.
Report was concurred in.
Mr. Menzies' bill [S. 156], relating to partitions, was read a second time.
The Judiciary Committee reported on the bill [H. R. 414] legalizing the records of the Circuit and Common Pleas Courts of thi State, and the bill was read a second time and ordered engrossed.
By Mr. CARTER, the bill [441], providing that the 22d of February be a legal holiday, was read the first time.
The Committee on Township and County Business reported on the bill [S. 130] in relation to the education of pauper children, recommending its passage.
Report was concurred in. The bill was read a second time and ordered engrossed.
The bill [S. 245] enlarging the power incorporated cities was read a second time.
The bill [S. 114] permitting amendments of defective bonds, being supplemental to existing laws, was read a second time.
The Committee on Ways and Means recommended the indefinite postponement of the bills [H. R. 259 and 289] relating to drainage and a bill upon the same subject recommended for passage.
Concurred in.
The Judiciary Committee reported on the bill [H.R. 433] relating to wills, and recommended its passage with amendments.
Concurred in.
The Agricultural Committee reported favorably on the bill [H. R. 400] to encourage the improvement of live stock.
The bill was read a second time and ordered engrossed.
page: 275[View Page 275]The Judiciary Committee reported favorably on the bill [H. R. 433] relating to Street Railroad Companies, recommending its passage.
Report was concurred in, the bill was read the second time and ordered engrossed.
The same Committee reported on the bill [H. R. 434] amending Section 15 of an act providing for the incorporation of Railroad Companies, recommending its passage.
Report was concurred in, the bill was read the second time and ordered engrossed.
The Committee on Affairs of the City of Indianapolis reported on the bill [H. R. 166] relating to prostitution, recommending indefinite postponement.
Report was concurred in.
The Committee on Agriculture reported on the bill [H. R. 390] relating to surplus tax fund.
The bil1 was read a second time and ordered engrossed.
The same Committee reported on the bill [H. R. 364] relating to useless and sheep-killing dogs, recommending its passage.
Concurred in. The bill was read a second time and ordered engrossed.
The same Committee recommended the passage of the bill [H. R. 231] relating to partition fences.
Concurred in. The bill was read a second time and ordered engrossed.
The same Committee recommended the passage of the bill [H. R. 208] relating to estrays, etc.
Report was concurred in. The bill was read a second time and ordered engrossed.
The bill [S. 67] in relation to terms of Trustees was read a second time.
The following described bills were introduced, read the first time and severally referred:
By Mr. RIDPATH, the bill [H. R. 442], an act in relation to the removal of the principal office of corporations.
By Mr. FRAZER, the bill [H. R. 443] to legalize the incorporation of the town of Syracuse, Kosciusko County.
By Mr. FRAZER, the bill [H. R. 444] to legalize the incorporation of the town of Silver Lake, Kosciusko County.
By Mr. GARDNER, the bill [H. R. 445] to amend Section 22 of an act of the fee and salary bill.
Then the House adjourned until l p. m. Monday.
