DRAINAGE COMMISSIONERS.
The SPEAKER announced the special order to be the bill [S. 214--see page 253 of these Reports, vol. 19] concerning drainage. The bill was the third time.
Mr. GILMAN said a bill passed a few days ago covering all the ground provided for in this bill. He could not see the necessity of two bills on the same subject.
Mr. FRAZER said: This bill was prepared by the Revision Committee. We have had a great deal of trouble in our portion of the State on the subject of ditches. They are built, a few people get the benefit of them, and a large number of land owners surrounding its location are obliged to help pay for its construction. The old bill pro- page: 136[View Page 136] vides that in case of dispute on settlement or assessment, etc., the matter is referred to the County Commissioners for dispositian. This bill provides that you can go before the Circuit Courts, and they settle the matter. I do not see anything in this bill that the House should object to. It does not make it obligatory, but simply says those can go who want to; and I hope the House will pass this bill. It will not do any one any harm, and certainly do a great deal of good.
Mr. EDWINS thought the bill an expensive one, as it took the law out of the hands of the County Commissioners and put it in the hands of the Circuit Court, thereby creating a new Commission. He opposed its passage.
The bill passed--yeas, 73; nays, 9.
