PAWNBROKERS' LICENSE.
The substitute for Mr. Van Vorhis' bill [S. 110] to regulate the licensing of pawnbrokers, being read the third time--
Mr. SPANN called upon the author to explain the necessity for this bill.
Mr. CHAPMAN stated the necessity to be to place pawnbrokers under control, and to raise revenue. The main object is to place them under control. This bill is fraimed under the laws of Missouri and Maryland--the most carefully provided laws discovered. It requires them to keep a list of their articles subject to inspection of the Chief of Police. They are licensed in most of the large cities of this country; the rates are lower than in either of the States referred to, and lower than the pawnbroker's rate of interest.
Mr. BROWN was sure there is a necessity for a bill of this kind. The poor and dejected classes of society came an easy prey to these pawnbrokers. He would speak no more against this business in this city than elswhere, but it is of such monstrous character and is carried on in such a way that the Legislature should prohibit it by license.
The bill passed by--yeas, 40; nays, 1.
