GREEN RIVER ISLAND.
On motion by Mr. Rahm, his bill [S. 281] to amend Section 2 of the act of March 14, 1877, authorizing the acquisition of Green River Island, was read the second time
Mr.RAHM--The effect of this bill would be to have clearly defined the boundary line between this State and Kentucky. This subject was before the Legislature in 1873, and an act passed. The matter was referred to in the Governor's message in 1877, and an act passed in that year, but no appropriation was made to carry the law into effect. There is trouble there because nobody knows where the line is. It is better to pass the bill, and be done with the matter. The money recommended to be expended is $3,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary to establish the line.
Mr. CHAPMAN insisted the State Attorney General should perform the duties required in this bill. He opposed passing an act appropriating $3,000 to be expended in this case. This bill should not be passed in this hasty manner. In all probability this will only be the beginning of the evil, and other claims for attorneys fees will follow.
Mr. VIEHE without advocating or opposing this bill made some statements concerning the tract of land referred to, and insisted the question of jurisdiction shou d be settled.
Mr. COMSTOCK moved to amend so as to instruct the Attorney General to institute proceedings, but making no appropriation of money.
Mr. GRUBBS believed the amendment proposed would render the bill useless, and besides it is in substance already provided for in the act of 1877. This matter cannot be proceeded without an appropriation.
Mr. BROWN understood counsel can be had in this case for their simple expenses, but money must also be had to obtain testimony of old river Captains and pilots.
Mr. CHAPMAN had no objection to the bill if amended so as to appropriate money only for expenses other than attorney's fees.
Mr. RAHM said the last Attorney General was requested to bring suit, but refused for want of means to procure testimony. The Governor had no money to appropriate for that purpose, and an appropriation was necessary.
The amendment was rejected.
Mr. OWEN moved to reduce the appropriation from $3,000 to $1,500.
The motion was agreed to.
On motion by Mr. CHAPMAN, authority to employ counsel was stricken out.
The bill was ordered engrossed.
