TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION.
Mr. SPANN called up the special order, being the joint resolution [H. R. 7] proposing an amendment to the Constitution forever prohibiting the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors except for scientific, medical, mechanical and sacramental purposes. He moved for a suspeusion of the constitutional rule that the joint resolution page: 143[View Page 143] may be read the second time by title, the third time by sections, and put upon its passage.
Mr. MENZIES raised the point of order that the Constitution did not require joint resolutions to be read three times, and therefore this motion is out of order.
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR overruled the point of order.
Mr. MENZIES appealed from this decision, being joined by Messrs. Spann and Foster.
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR--As I understand it has been the custom of the Senate since the adoption of the Constitution to read joint resolutions three several times on three several days, certainly that has been the custom of the last and of the present Senate. My attention has been called to this question heretofore and I can see no reason for it except the precedent. If it is the desire of the Senate to change this rule of practice and have read but once measures proposing to change the fundamental laws of the State, as far as I am concerned I am willing to voice the majority of the Senate.
The decision of the Chair was sustained.
Mr. COFFEY demanded the previous question.
The demand was seconded by the Senate and under its operation the motion to suspend the constitutional rule failed--yeas, 33; nays, 13--for of two-third affirmative vote.
On motion by Mr. SHAFFER, after the joint resolution was read the second time, it was made a special order for 10 o'clock to-morrow, as were other proposed amendments to the Constitution pending in the Senate, extending the right of suffrage to women, etc.
On motion by Mr. KAHLO, the bill [H. R. 53] to amend the law requiring railroads to sound their whistles at crossings, was read the third and passed.
