AFTERNOON SESSION.
LEGALIZING ACTS OF NOTARIES.
Mr. Cotton's bill [H. R. 251], to legalize acknowledgements and the recording of certain instruments, was read the third time.
Mr. CARTER--This bill simply legalizes acts of Notaries Public where their commission has expired without being aware that such was the case.
The bill passed--yeas, 37; nays 11.
RAILROAD FREIGHT TARIFF.
Mr. SKINNER moved to reconsider the vote by which the bill [[H. R. 138--see page 61 of: these Reports] regulating charges of railroads, was passed. He said: There has been considerable talk over the bill and it is thoroughly understood. The reason I make this motion is because there was some misunderstanding in reference to its construction. The bill provides that Companies shall not charge a greater price for carrying freight a short distance than it does for a greater distance. The only question is whether the word "price" has any reference to rates. Some admit that this bill does not apply to rates, while others contend that it does. I submitted this bill to a railroad man this forenoon. His opinion as to the construction of the words "price" and "rates' is that they are synonomous terms, but by the wording of the bill it is questioned whether a Railroad Company can charge more for hauling a larger amount of freight a short distance than a small amount a long distance.
The SPEAKER--The bill is in the Senate and can only be returned by a demand of the House.
Mr. SKINNER--Then I withdraw my motion to reconsider.
WHIPPING POST.
Mr. CUMMINS' bill [H. R. 202-see pages 143 and 144 of these Reports] to provide for the punishment of certain assaults and batteries committed by the husband upon his wife, was read the third time.
On motion, the vote on the passage of the bill was deferred until more members are present.
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES.
The Judiciary Committee reported on the bill [H. R. 333] in relation to Companies obtaining judgment against persons who have obtained money wrongfully, recommending its passage.
The report was concurred in, the bill was read the second time, and ordered engrossed.
Also the bill [H. R. 404] for the examination of a surviving party to a suit at law, recommending its passage.
The report was concurred in, the bill was read the second time, and ordered engrossed.
LIABILITY OF EMPLOYERS.
The Judiciary Committee returned the bill [H. R. 246] in relation to the liability of employers. A majority recommending the bill lie on the table, and a minority recommending its passage.
Mr. DAVIS--I hope the minority report will prevail. It simply provides for the use of proper precaution, in order that operators may be protected. This bill work no hardship to anyone. It may prevent accidents even to the employers themselves, and obviate numerous serious accidents to the employes.
Mr. BUSKIRK said if many different kinds of machinery were even slightly guarded, it would avoid accidents to persons, and not incur much expense to the owner. The bill ought to pass. It certainly can do no harm, and the chances are favorable to its working good results.
Mr. RYAN--This bill is merely to require employers and operators of machinery to place the proper safeguards about it in such a manner as to avoid as much as possible accidents. I believe such a measure is in the interest of employer as well as the operator.
Mr. FLOYD thought this bill in the interest of humanity, but he doubted the accomplishment of the purposes designed. It is to the interest of the employer as well as the operator, in a pecuniary way, to avoid all accidents. That being the case, every precaution is now used to avoid accidents. Therefore, he thought this bill would fail in its results.
Mr. GIBSON--The words "all possible safeguard" are very indefinite, and would bring about much litigation. If the bill is amended so as to define what a proper safeguard is, I will support the bill.
The further consideration of the bill and re- page: 60[View Page 60] ports was postponed until Monday on account of the slim attendance of Members.
GRAND JURY DUTIES.
A majority of the Judiciary Committee reported on the bill [S. R. 160] defining the jurisdiction of the Grand Jury, recommending that the bill lie on the table, a minority recommending its passage.
Mr. BUSKIRK--The object of this bill is to take away from the Grand Jury these many small cases of felony and misdemeanor, and assault and battery cases, and confer jurisdiction to Justice of the Peace. Every lawyer knows that about one-third of the time in Courts is taken up with the trial of misdemeanors and disturbances of the peace. These cases are usually contested, and take the better part of the day. My object in this bill is to get rid of this class of cases as much as possible.
The minority report was adopted, and the bill was read the second time.
Mr. CARTER--This Grand Jury duty ought not to be swept away in this manner. The way to inquire into crimes, is through the Grand Jury, and the only way in which a great many persons can be prosecuted. It is in secrecy, and does not require a person to file an affidavit. I think it is dangerous to take away this power from the Grand Jury.
The bill was ordered engrossed--yeas, 22; nays, 28.
LIBRARY EXEMPTION.
The Judiciary Committee returned the bill [H. R. 431] in relation to exempting private libraries from taxation, recommending indefinite postponement, for the reason that the Committee considers the bill an unconstitutional one.
The report was concurred in.
ANOTHER LEGAL HOLIDAY.
The Judiciary Committee returned the bill [H. R. 44] declaring the 22d of February a holiday, recommending its passage.
The report was concurred in, the bill was read the second time and ordered engrossed.
GUARDIAN AND WARD.
Also, the bill [H. R. 000] concerning guardian and ward and regulating suits on bonds of guardians, recommending its passage.
The report was concurred in, the bill was read the second time and ordered engrossed.
Then came an adjournment.
