HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
MONDAY, January 31, 1881--2. p. m.The session was opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Rothwilder, of he German Methodist Church, of this city.
The reading of the Journal was commenced when--
On motion of Mr. FANCHER, the further reading was dispensed with.
Mr. KENNER moved, that the constitutional rule be suspended and the bill [S. 158] authorizing the Board of Revision to employ a clerk, be taken up.
The motion was agreed to by yeas, 59; nays, 0.
No quorum voting.
Mr. THOMPSON demanded a call of the House.
Mr. NEFF--We can proceed to the reception and reading of reports from the Judiciary and other Committees, and we can call for and read bills from the Counties that are not yet in. I have a little bill myself, and I am awful afraid I will lose it. We can get along with the public business in this way. Many members were excused, and I think it is better that some of them are not here for there are several who take up the time of the House occasionally as I think unnecessarily.
The call of the House discovered but sixty members present and answering to their names. There being no quorum present, a motion for adjournment was made and lost.
Mr. FANCHER made a motion, which was agreed to, that the further call of absentees be suspended.
The House then proceeded to the reading of reports from Committees.
Mr. NEFF, from the Committee on Judiciary, a returned the bill [H. R. 197]: To amend an act touching the relation of guardian and ward, recommending its passage.
On motion of Mr. NEFF, the bill was ordered engrossed and passed to the third reading.
Mr. KENNER submitted a report from the Judiciary Committee on the bill [H. R. 202]: In relation to the amendment of Section 126 of the Justices act, with the recommendation that the bill do pass, which report was concurred in.
The Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill [H. R. 199] to amend an act approved May 31, 1852, prescribing who may make a will, reported the same back with recommendations that the bill pass.
The report was concurred in.
The Judiciary Committee, to whom was referred the bill [H. R. 191] in relation to Justices of the Peace, reported the same back with a recommendation that it pass, which report was concurred in.
Mr. KENNER submitted a report from the Committee on the Judiciary, recommending the passage of the bill [H. R. 192] in relation to the amendment of Section 8 of the Justice of the Peace act.
The report was concurred in.
Mr. WRIGHT submitted a report from the Judiciary Committee recommending the passage of the bill [H. R. 122], concerning elections in cities and towns, with certain amendments. The report was concurred in and the bill ordered engrossed.
Mr. RYAN submitted a report from the Judiciary Committee on the bill [H. R. 198] on the subject of Lodges and Societies, recommending its passage.
The report was concurred in and the bill ordered engrossed for the third reading.
Mr. BUSKIRK submitted a report, which was concurred in from the Committee on the Judiciary, to which was referred the bill [H. R. 194] in relation to ownership of property held for school purposes.
Mr. TETER rose to a point of order and read from page 42 of the rules which says that "Two thirds of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may meet, adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of the absent members;" also, "When less than a quorum is present no motion shall be entertained except a motion for an adjournment." He said he did not want to work when he was under the impression that it was unlawful, unconstitutional and against the rules of the Houses.
The SPEAKER was of the opinion that the point of order was not well taken.
Mr. CARTER submitted a report from the Committee on the Judiciary recommending the passage of the bill [H. R. 112] concerning the jurisdiction of Justices in civil cases.
The report was concurred in.
On motion by Mr. CARTER the bill was read the second time by title, and passed to the third reading.
Then the House adjourned to meet to morrow at 9 o'clock a. m.
