THE
BREVIER LEGISLATIVE REPORTS.
VOLUME
TWENTY.
INDIANA LEGISLATURE.
SPECIAL SESSION.
IN SENATE.
FRIDAY, March 11, 1881--10 a. m.Rev. G. F. Culmer offered prayer.
Leaves of absence were asked and obtained for a number of Senators from noon till Wednesday morning.
ROOMS FOR COMMITTEES.
The Special Committee appointed heretofore to secure rooms for the use of Senate Committees during the special session reported that it had contracted with the proprietor of the Grand Hotel for the same rooms used during the regular session, at two-thirds of the amount paid for their use during said regular session.
The report was concurred in.
ASSESSMENT FOR TAXATION.
The consideration of the bill [H. R. 204] for assessment and collection of taxes was resumed, commencing at Section 113.
Mr. VIEHE moved to amend the bill by adding a section preceding the last section of the bill, as follows:
"Notwithstanding the provisions of any other laws of this State during the present year, the Assessors shall have all the authority and perform all the duties on and after the 15th of April, and before the 15th of June, which, without the provisions of this section, he would have or be required to discharge on and after the 1st day of April, and before the 1st day of June. All statements required to be deferred to him, or to the Assessor, before the 1st day of June may, during the present year, be delivered before the 15th day of June. The Board of Equalization in each County, in the present year, shall meet on the 16th day of June instead of the first Monday of June, and notice thereof shall be given as required in this act, and immediately on the adjournment of the Board of equalization the Board of Equalization shall meet, and at such meeting, or at any special session held in said month of June, shall determine the amount of tax to be charged on each poll and on each $100 worth of property for County expenditures, and do all acts in reference to taxation which it might do at the regular June session; and all officers not authorized to do any acts, or or required to discharge any duty in regard to the levying of taxes at the June session of the Board of Commissioners may do the same act and shall discharge the same duty at such meeting or session of the Commissioners herein provided for."
On motion by Mr. GRAHAM it was referred to a Special Committee of three, which the Chair made to consist of Messrs. Graham, Viehe and McCartney.
Mr. VIEHE proposed a substitute for Section 114 of the tax bill, providing that all tangible property of Building, Loan, Fund and Savings Associations shall be listed, assessed and taxed as the like proprty in other cases. The Secretary of any such Association shall, between the 1st day of April and the 1st day of June in each year, furnish to the Assessor a statement under oath, with reference to the 1st day of April of the current year, showing: (1) The amount of money on hand or on deposit. (2) The amount and value of debts due the Association. (3) The amount due from the Association, if any. The Assessor shall then assess the fair cash value of the intangible property of the Association. Should any Association fail to furnish the statement, the Assessor shall make the assessment from any information he deems reliable. The taxes shall be assessed against the Association and be paid and collected as in other cases, and any Director who shall consent to any loan of its funds or to making any other disposition thereof, when the taxes then assessed shall remain unpaid, shall be personally liable for the payment thereof, and the shareholders shall not be taxed.
Mr. KRAMER moved to strike out Section 114. It would levy a double tax upon such Association. They never have any money on hand, at least not more than $200 or $300. The members are taxed on their personal and real property, and for the amount they pay in. This feature is covered sufficiently by other features in the bill. The shares in such Associations must be given in under other sections of this bill. When enough accumulates in the Association in sufficient page: 27[View Page 27] amount it is loaned out to members. The capital stock ought not to be taxed like banks which have capital stock on hand.
Mr. VIEHE spoke in favor of his substitute for Section 116. The section as it is now is neither just nor practicable. It makes no provision for any reduction. These Associations are sometimes compelled to take property to save debts, then it would be easier to collect the tax from the corporation than from the individual members. These corporations divide no profits--their operation is the reverse from banks--this section contemplates the tax shall be paid from dividents or profits, which is impracticable.
Mr. COMSTOCK--In order to make it consistent with other portions the section should remain in the bill.
Mr. HENRY favored the substitute amendment, which makes the collection of taxes much more simple.
Mr. KRAMER opposed the substitute, because it contemplates the assessment of mortgages due, which would be a listing of the same property of poor men twice. These substitutions should be fostered and not crushed by unjust taxation, as they are a great benefit to persons of small means, furnishing a plan under which they can make savings of little sums at a time, which eventually enables them to possess homes.
Mr. WILSON regarded the substitute as proposing a good feature. If this class of corporations could be constitutionally exempt from taxation it ought to be done.
Mr. HENRY--Though looking fair on its face the substitute would really work an injustice, as he proceeded to show. It is not the poor man that pays in the money, but the poor man that borrows from these institutions.
The substitute was agreed to.
Mr. SHAFFER read a motion that the amendments proposed by the Senate Committee to the bill under consideration be concurred in; that the amendments made thereto by the Senate be ordered engrossed and that the bill be placed on the files for the third reading.
Mr. CHAPMAN and other Senators (in their seats): "We must have the yeas and nays on that motion." "Yeas and nays."
Mr. SHAFFER saw no necessity for spending any more time on this bill. The Committee recommendations are about all that will do any good or tend to improve the bill one particle more than if we go on and read the bill section by section. He believed it would be an advantage to the Senate--to the Senate and to the people--to cut short this bill in this way. He hoped that this motion would carry and that the bill will be now ordered engrossed for the third reading.
Mr. CHAPMAN--'Yeas and nays."
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR--Of course Senators understand that if the yeas and nays are called we will have to stop right here. Unanimous consent was given to read this bill by sections, and to change that order it will take a two-thirds vote.
Mr. SHAFFER--I will withdraw my motion if requires a two-thirds vote.
On motion by Mr. VIEHE, it was ordered that the further consideration of this tax bill be postponed from the adjournment of noon to'day till Tuesday afternoon.
Mr. CHAPMAN made an ineffectual motion to increase the per diem of Township Assessors from $2 to $2.50.
Mr. KRAMER moved to amend Section 115 by making the election of Assessors for a term of two years, and at the spring instead of the fall elections, when there is less party feeling. As the compensation fixed will not tend to get the best men, in case a poor man is selected two years is long enough, and too long to serve. At the spring election voters will not pay as much attention to politics as at the general election.
The amendment was rejected.
Mr. SAYRE moved to strike all after the word "thereto" in the following section:
Section 126. In making out his list, the Assessor shall place opposite to each tract of land or lot listed the value without improvements, and also in another column opposite the value of the improvements erected thereon or affixed thereto, and opposite to each city, town, or village, lot, or part of a lot, the value, without improvements, and the value of improvements erected thereon or affixed thereto.
The motion was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. WILSON, Section 125, which prescribes the rules to govern the Assessor in ascertaining or deterining the quantity of land in the several tracts in his County; and Section 127, in relation to the return Assesors shall make to County Auditors, were both referred to a select Committee consisting of Messrs. Viehe, Chapman and Menzies.
Messrs Kramer and Smith offered amendments which were referred to the same Committee without reading.
The Committee amendment to Section 138 being read--
Mr. BELL doubted the propriety of adopting this amendment. If adopted, the Board of Equalization will be constituted without the Assessors, and there is great propriety in having Township Assessors members of this Board. They know why a certain valuation is placed on property. The Board does not sit long anyhow.
Mr. MENZIES said the Committee had restored the law as it is in Section 277 of the present statute. The Committee's view was that to have a Board of Equalization, with every Township Assessor a member of it, would make it too cumbersome. It would be something in the nature of a Convention instead of a Board of Equalization. They they are, to a certain extent, an adverse party to the land-holder. They put a valuation on his land, and they have a private opinion, to say the least, of the value of the land. The land-holder appeals from the judgment of the Assessor to the Board of Equalization, and ought this interested party to be a member of the Board and have a vote to sustain his own judgment in case of such appeal?
Mr. COMSTOCK--The Assessor may be called in to consult with the Board in cases of dispute.
Mr. BELL--This is a matter of some considerable importance. I don't want to call the yeas and nays upon it. It had better be passed over for the present.
Mr. URMSTON--I will demand the yeas and nays.
Mr. CHAPMAN--I move to adjourn till 2 o'clock.
The motion was agreed to.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
ALLOWING SEINING OF FISH.
Mr. HENRY introduced a bill [S. 336] to amend Section 1 of an act for the protection of fish, approved February 21, 1871 [so as to allow seining in the month of November], which was read the first time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS.
Mr. CHAPMAN offered the following:
Resolved, That petitions, memorials and remonstrances may be filed by any Senator, at any time, with the Secretary of the Senate, and referred to such Committee as the Senate may designate, and so entered upon the journal of the proceedings of the Senate.
Which was laid over one day under the rules.
POLICE JUDGE FOR INDIANAPOLIS.
On motion by Mr. VAN VORHIS, the bill [H. R. 34] to provide for the election of a Police Judge in cities of 60,000 or more inhabitants, was referred to a Special Committee, viz: Messrs. Van Vorhis, Marvin, Chapman, Kramer and Shaffer.
page: 28[View Page 28]REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES.
Unde a rule of the Senate, Committee reports are placed on the files to be considered when the bill comes up on the second reading.
Mr. SHAFFER, from the Committee on Rights and Privileges, returned Mr. Graham's bill [S. 258--see pages 135 and 183] to provide for orphan and abandoned children, with a report substituting new matter therefor.
Mr. WOOD, from the Cosmittee on Insurance, returned Mr. Coffey's bill [S. 304] to increase the taxes paid by foreign Insurance Companies, with a recommendation that it lie on the table.
On motion by Mr. COMSTOCK, his bill [S. 306] concerning the Richmond and Liberty Turnpike Company, was read the second time and ordered engrossed for the third reading.
BILLS READ THE SECOND TIME.
On motion by Mr. WOOD, his bill [S. 220--see page 114 of these reports] in relation to highways purchased by the State of Indiana, and legalizing sales of such to Street or Horse Car Railway Companies, was read the second time and ordered engrossed.
On motion by Mr. GRAHAM, his bill [S. 81--see page 51] defining the manner in which certain lands and other property within the limits of incorporated towns and cities may be taxed, etc., was read the second time and ordered engrossed.
On motion by Mr. WILSON, his bill S. 254 for the protection of fish, defining certain misdemeanors, and providing penalties for the viololation of this act, was read the second time.
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR was about to put the question, as usual, without waiting for a motion, to order the bill engrossed for a third reading when--
Mr. BROWN objected to ordering the engrossment of bills, thus placing them beyond the reach of amendments without a reconsideration of the vote, with so slim an attendance of Senators.
On motion by Mr. CHAPMAN, his bill [S. 164] to amend Sections 6 and 16 of the act of February 8, 1836, incorporating the Indianapolis Insurance Company, was read the second time. He said this bill refers to the Bank of Commerce, the successor of the Franklin Insurance Company, which was organized when the Senator from Johnson (Mr. Brown) and myself were boys. The only change in the charter this bill proposes to make is allowing the Directors to be elected by the stockholders on the same basis that prevails in all other corporations--each stockholder having one vote for each share of stock--in that respect changing the old law, which did not allow stockholders to vote the whole amount of their stock. Another change is, that instead of using the phraseology that every stockholder shall be liable equitably, the bill makes every siockholder liable in three times the amount of stock--in that respect making them liable once over again from what stockholders in National Banks are. National Bank stockholders are liable once over again more than the amount of stock held by them. These are the only changes, and they affect only the stockholders in the Bank of Commerce of this city.
Mr. BROWN was always glad to accommodate the Senator from Marion (Mr. Chapman) and on this occasion would not only refuse to object to passing an order for the engrossment of his bill, but if the Senator so desires would also move to suspend the constitutional rule. [Laughter.]
The bill was ordered engrossed.
On motion by Mr. KAHLO, his bill [S. 219] to protect freight and freight care, definng a felony and prescribing punishment therefor, was read the second time and ordered engrossed for the third reading.
On motion by Mr. GRUBBS, the bill [H. R. 340] to legalize ordinance No. 53, passed by the Trustees of Edinburg, Johnson County, was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Mr. YANCY--I insist that the business we have done this afternoon will all have to be done over again--
Mr. BROWN (interrupting)--I make the point of order that the Senator is not in his seat.
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR--The point is well taken.
VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATIONS
Mr. CHAPMAN moved that the House amendments to Senate bill No. 32, to amend Section 2 of the voluntary association act be read for information, and if there be no objection that the House amendments may be concurred in. He said the bill contemplated an amendment to the present law so as to admit the organization of Companies for the purpose of dredging and ditching of rivers and creeks and the improvement of harbors; and all the House did was to add clauses allowing the formation of Hotel Companies, and Companies for the purpose of dealing in real estate, limiting the capital to $100,000.
The motion was agreed to, and the House amendmendments being read--
On motion by Mr. LANGDON, the bill and the amendment were referred to the Judiciary Committee.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY.
On motion by Mr. LANGDON, his bill [S. 177] relating to the endowment fund of Purdue University and providing for the re-investment thereof, was read the second time.
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR was putting the question as to whether the bill should be engrossed, when--
Mr. YANCEY interrupted by saying: This is not a Senate proper, and I object to ordering the bill engrossed for a third reading.
Mr. LANGDON explained that this University was founded upon a grant of our Congress of land script which realized $212,000. The Trustees, by careful management, have increased that fund to $340,000. An act of Congress provides that these funds can be invested only in certain specified securities, drawing not less than 5 per cent. interest. This bill asks authority for the execution to the University of a non-negotiable bond for some moneys that will be returned to Trustees on the 1st of April. That is all there is in it.
Mr. YANCEY withdrew his objection.
The bill was ordered engrossed.
INTEREST ON JUDGMENTS.
On motion of Mr. WHITE, his bill (S. 94) to amend Sections 1 and 2 of an act concerning interest on money--to make judgment follow a contract for 8 per cent.--was taken up.
Mr. BROWN objected to reading this bill the second time, and made the point of order that two-thirds of the Senators present did not vote to take up the bill out of order, as the rules required.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Henry in the Chair).--The bill was taken up by consent.
Mr. BROWN insisted that he was objecting the whole time.
The PRESIDING OFFICER--The Chair so decides.
Mr. BROWN--I appeal from the decision of the Chair.
Mr. YANCEY--I move to adjourn.
The motion was agreed to.
And so an adjournment was had under an order heretofore adopted until Tuesday at 2 o'clock p. m.
page: 29[View Page 29]HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FRIDAY, March 11, 1881--9 a. m.The session was opened with prayer by Rev. S. H. Mitchell, member from Washington County.
Mr. FANCHER offered a resolution that a Committee of Five be appointed by the Speaker of the House on phraseology of bills and resolutions.
Mr. FANCHER thought it was necessary to have a Committee of this kind as the Committee on Enrolled Bills have no right to make any changes, and frequently find them necessary.
The resolution was adopted.
PRESERVATION OF TIMBER.
Mr. CABBAGE offered a resolution instructing the Ways and Means Committee to inquire what modification of our revenue laws, by the exemption timbered lands from taxation, would be calculated to promote the public welfare and report by bill or otherwise. The preamble of the resolution recites that scientific investigation and actual experience justified the opinion that the growth of forest trees and the preservation of wood lands are of the highest climatic and sanitary importance, and that the rapid decline in our timbered area, now nearly 12 per cent. of the original growth, is sufficient cause for public concern, and that it is the duty of the State to encourage the preservation of the timber. In his remarks upon the resolution. Mr. Cabbage stated that the denuding of hill sides of the trees had dried up the surface springs and rendered valueless large tracts of country. He also stated that fences were an expensive luxury, and advised ditching instead as tending to improve soil. "The want of today," said Mr. Cabbage, "is not more land to cultivate, but wiser cultivation." He read from manuscript a statement setting forth the necessity of encouraging the growth of timber in this State, both to agricultural and climatic improvement, etc.
On motion by Mr. THOMPSON, the resolution and the paper read was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Mr. NEFF made an ineffectual effort to refer the resolution and manuscript to the Committee on Agriculture.
NEW PROPOSITIONS.
The following described bills were introduced, read the first time and referred to appropriate Committees:
Mr. KENNER [H. R. 456]: To amend Section 117 of an act for the settlement of decedent estates. [Executors, administrators and guardians may at any term of Court present their accounts for examination to the Clerk of the Circuit Court who shall file the same, and interested decedents may file exemptions to the report.]
By Mr. WALZ [H. R. 457]: To amend Section 14 of an act for the incorporation of towns.
By Mr. O'NEAL: The bill [H. R. 458] to legalize mortgages given by guardians.
By Mr. BENHAM [H. R. 459]: For an act supplementary to an act to authorize cities and towns to negotiate the sale of bonds to procure means with which to erect suitable school buildings; to purchase any grounds or buildings for school purposes; to pay debts for the erection and completion of buildngs, etc., approved May 20, 1879.
By Mr. WALZ [H. R. 460]: To authorize the town of New Harmony, Posey County, to hold an election for town officers.
The Special Committee on Enrolled Bills reported that they had examined the bill [H. R. 453] and find the same correctly enrolled.
SEWER CONTRACT.
On motion by Mr. STEWART, the bill [H. R. 436] to authorize a contract with the city of Indianapolis for the construction of a sewer from the Deaf and Dumb Institute and the Reformatory for Women and Girls (appropriating $40,000) was read the second time.
JOINT RULES.
The Senate concurrent resolution that the joint rules for conducting business in the two Houses of the General Assembly during the last session be adopted as the general rule for the special session, was read and adopted.
THE HOUGH LIBRARY.
The Senate concurrent resolution that the State Librarian is authorized and directed to purchase for the use of the State the collection of books, etc., known as the David David Huff Library, providing that the same can be had at a cost not to exceed $1,000, being read--
On motion b Mr. FRAZER, the resolution was referred to the Committee on Public Libraries.
UNIVERSITY SQUARE.
The Senate concurrent resolution that a Committee of Five [two Senators and three Representatives] be appointed to inquire into the propriety and advisability of selling the University Park in Indianapolis, being read--
Mr. BUSKIRK--I do not think that resolution ought to prevail, for this reason: That any action of the House would not amount to anything. This property belongs to the State, and I do not see what the Legislature wants to do with it. It is out of the hands of the Legisture. There is no use disguising the fact that the jurisdiction of the General Assembly does not extend to such disposition--they should not interfere with the matter at all.
Mr. NEFF thought it would not do any harm to appoint a Committee. It is well known that it is a disputed question as to the authority of the Legislature in this respect. He thought the State had some rights in the matter, and did not know of a better way to find them out than to appoint a Committee to report,
Mr. BUSKIRK--I do not think the Legislature should take any steps in this matter as it is not a question to be settled by that body.
Mr. THOMPSON--This is a question that always comes before the Legislature by resolution otherwise. There are parties in this city who want to purchase this land. The General Assemblies hereto fore always failed to sanction the sale of that land. I think the concurrent resolution unnecessary and unwise.
The resolution was rejected.
Mr. Fancher's bill [H. R. 150] to amend Sections 16 and 17 of an act concerning inclosures, trespassing animals and partition fences being read the third time--
Mr. FANCHER said: "This bill proposes to amend Sections 16 and 17 of the law pertaining to partition fences. As the law now stands one adjoining land-owner may compel the other to repair a partition fence already existing or repair it himself and collect what it costs, but the of the amendment is to apply the cases where there has never been a partition fence, so amending said section as that one adjoining land-owner may serve the ordinary notice to constrct a new fence and recover the cost of the same as when there has existed a fence. It does not apply to land unoccupied."
The bill failed to pass--yeas, 36; nays, 39.
NOXIOUS WEEDS.
Mr. Miles' bill [H. R. 172) to require Railroad Companies to cause the destruction of Canada thistles and other noxious weeds along the railroad lines, being read the third time--
Mr. MILES said there was no other statutory provision that applied especially to this case, the bill which passed the other day being for the removal of rubbish, etc., but not for the destruction of this weed.
Mr. COTTON--As the statute now stands(of 1859), it provides that all persons shall destroy page: 30[View Page 30] Canada thistles whereever found, with a special provision that the Supervisor of Roads see that the act is enforced. I think this bill necessary.
The bill passed--yeas, 71; nays, 0.
BILLS READ THE THIRD TIME.
Mr. Gibson's bill [H. R. 193] to amend an act providing for the settlement of decedents estates, prescribing rights, liabilities and duties of officers, etc., approved June 17, 1852, was read the third time and passed--yeas, 72; nays, 0.
Mr. Kenner's bill [H. R. 195] to enable two Agricultural, Horticultural or Mechanical Societies to consolidate with each other, and conferring upon the consolidated Companies the same rights and powers as those of the original Societies, was read the third time and passed--yeas, 71; nays, 0.
Mr. Ryan's bill [H. R. 226] concerning pardons [making the Secretary Auditor and Treasurer of State a Board to consider pardons], was read the third time.
Mr. FRAZER--The bill provides that notice shall be given of the application before such pardon can be granted.
The bill failed to pass--yeas, 32; nays, 48.
Mr. Ryan's bill [H. R. 227]--see page 97 of these Reports--to amend Sections 3, 8 and 11, and repealing Sections 5, 6 and 7, of an act to provide for the election of Electors for President and Vice President, approved May 10, 1852, was read the third time.
Mr. NEFF--I hope the bill will not meet with the same fate as the bill preceding this one. This is also a bill introduced by Mr. Ryan, prepared by the Revision Committee for the purpose of amending the law in regard the manner of collecting the votes of electors at Presidential elections. You all remember we had some trouble in the State at the last election. This bill has been carefully prepared, and I hope that every Member will support it.
The bill passed--yeas, 70; nays, 0.
STATE LANDS.
A communication from the Attorney General was read, relating to the State's claim to certain lands, and--
On motion by Mr. LINDLAY, it was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, with instructions that they report upon the same to this House, also upon a former communication from said officer.
STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
in pursuance to a resolution heretofore adopted by the House, the Trustees of the Terre Haute Normal School submitted a report of its financial condition--amount of money expended for repairs and improvements, what proportion furnished by the city and what by the State.
PAY OF EMPLOYES.
Mr. KENNER moved that the employes of the House receive the same pay for the special session that was fixed by the report of the Committee on Mileage for the regular session, and that the Speaker draw his warrant for the amount as heretofore.
The motion was agreed to.
Mr. Gibson's bill (H. R. 237] concerning landlord and tenant was read the third time. [The bill remedies defects in the old law. It provides, among other things, that a landlord may have a lien upon one-half of the tenant's crop.]
Mr. GIBSON--This bill seeks to improve the old law. For instance, what constitutes a proper notice by the landlord to remove a tenant this bill corrects. It also meets the case where the renter removes crops without the landlord's consent. This is a very carefully prepard bill, one that merits passage.
This bill was favored by several members who were landholders, one gentleman stating that under the old law it was almost impossible to remove a bad tenant, and consequently the business of renting land had almost ceased.
The roll was called for a vote on the passage of the bill, and there not being a quorum present, further action was deferred until some future time.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Mr. FRAZER moved that the civil code bill be referred to the Revision Committee, with instructions to print the new revised matter for the use of the House.
The motion was agreed to.
RELEASED CONVICTS.
The following described bill was read the first time and referred:
By Mr. Davis, [H. R.461]: Concerning the discharge of convicts from State Prisons. [At expiration of the time sentenced the Warden of the Prison shall take the prisoner to the County from whence he came, and pay him the amount of money allowed by law ]
MEDICAL LEGISLATION.
By unanimous consent of the House, Mr. FRAZER offered the following amendment to the bill[S. 74] regulating the practice of medicine, as follows: At the end of Section 6, add: Any physician who is entitled to practice medicine, surgery and obstetrics according to the provisions of this act, shall appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court, in the County in which he or she intends to practice medicine, and make affidavit that he or she has practiced medicine in the United States twenty years continuously previous to the passsage of this act.
The amendment was adopted and ordered engrossed.
RULES, LIST OF MEMBERS, ETC.
Mr. SCHWEITZER moved that the Clerk of the House have 300 copies of the Rules of the House, the Standing Committees, and a list of Representative Districts, the names of members for each, and the Constitution of the State of Indiana, printed in pamphlet form, for the use of the members and officers of the House.
The motion was agreed to.
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES.
The Committee on County and Township Business, to whom was referred the bill [H. R. 332] for the fencing and repairing of public cemeteries in this State, reported the same back, recommending its passage.
The Committee on Cities and Towns reported back the bill [H. R. 144] amending Section 2 of an act in relation to County Auditors, approved May 31, 1852, recommending its passage with amendments.
The Committee on County and Township Business reported back the bill [H. R. 338] requiring semi-annual settlements of County Treasurer with the Board of County Commissioners, fixing the time when Treasurers shall take possession of their office, recommending is passage with amendments.
The Committee on Cities and Towns reported on the bill [H. R. 428] authorizing cities and towns to disannex territory, recommending its passage.
These reports were concurred in, the bills were read the second time and severally ordered engrossed.
The Committee on County and Township business submitted a report on the bill [ . 212] concerning ferries, recommending its passage.
The same Committee reported on the bill [H. R. 135] providng for the letting of bridge contracts, and recommending its passage with amendments.
The report was concurred in, and on motion by Mr. THOMPSON 200 copies were ordered printed.
The Committee on Benevolent Institutions reported the bll [H. R. 384] amending an act to page: 31[View Page 31] organize and establish an Asylumn for Feeble Minded Children, recommendng its passage.
The Agricultural Committee reportd on the bill [H. R. 208] concerning estrays and animals running at large, recommending its passage.
The Committee on Agriculture reported on the bill [H. R. 173] relating to the construction and repair of partition fences, recommending its passage with amendments.
These three reports were concurred in, the bills were read a second time and ordered engrossed.
The Committee on Education reported on the bill [H. R.109] legalizing the sale of lands mortgaged to the State of Indiana, recommending its passage with amendments.
On motion by Mr. Buskirk, the report was laid on the table until Tuesday next, awaiting the presence of Mr. Ryan.
The Committee on Temperance reported on the bill [H. R. 110] prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors, recommending that the bill lie on the table, for the reason that the state Constitution, in its present form, will not allow the passage of a prohibitory law.
The report was concurred in.
A majority of the Committee on Temperance reported on the bill (H. R. 420] licensing druggists, recommending its passage.
The House agreed to postpone the disposition of the report until Tuesday next.
The Temperance Committee reported on the bill [H. R. 63] prohibiting the sale of gum opium, strychnine and other intoxicating drugs, recommending that the bill be laid on the table.
The report was concurred in.
The Temperance Committee reported that from day to day over eighty petitions have been received containing the names of 11,230 voters [a copy of the petition was read to the House] praying the General Assembly to enact some measure tending to lessen the sale and use of liquors.
The Committee on Cities and Towns reported. On the bill [H. R. 345] to provide for the transfer of the school library of Center Township, Marion County to the County Library, recommending its passage.
The report was concurred in. The bill was read the second time and ordered engrossed.
Also, on the bill [H. R. 362] to amend Section 29 of an act repealing the general laws for the incorporation of cities and towns, recommending its passage.
The report was laid on the table.
Also on the bill [H. R. 380] amending a section to authorize cities and incorporated towns to construct and maintain water works, recommending its passage.
The report was concurred in, and the bill was read the second time.
Mr. McCORMICK believed the bill should not pass. Since the law of 1879 was passed, many towns and cities have increased the rates of water works over 40 per cent. He made an ineffectual effort to indefinitely postpone the bill.
The report was concurred in and the bill was ordered engrossed.
The same Committee reported on the bill [H. R. 241] to amend Sections 1 and 2 of an act legalizing the assessment, equalization and collection of municipal taxes for 1872 and 1874.
The report was concurred in. The bill was read the second time and ordered engrossed.
Also on the bill [H. R. 325] legalizing the elections held in the years 1878, 1879 and 1880 in Elizabethtown, Bartholomew County, recommending indefinite postponement, for the reason that House bill 280 covers the same ground.
By consent of the House, Mr. McCormick withdrew the bill.
Also on the bill [S. 245] enlarging the powers of incorporated towns, recommending its passage.
The report was concurred in and the bill was read the second time.
Also, on the bill [S. 57] authorizing incorporated towns to contract with Water Works Companies, recommending its passage.
The report was concurred in and the bill was read the second time.
Also, on the bill [S. 16] to amend Section 79 for the incorporation of cities, recommending its passage.
The report was concurred in.
Also, on the bill [H. R. 395] platting, additions and subdivisions of Terre Haute, etc., recommending its passage.
The report was concurred in, the bill was read the second time and ordered engrossed.
Pursuant to a resolution adopted this forenoon, the Speaker made the Committee on Phraseology to consist of Messrs. Fancher, Gardner, Cauth rne, Gregory and Cole.
The Speaker added to the Committee on Enrolled bills Messrs. Baker and Hottell.
Then the House adjourned to meet on Tuesday, March 15, at 2 p. m., in pursuance of a concurrent resolution heretofore adopted by both Houses.
