THE SPECIFIC APPROPRIATION BILL.
The Committee on Ways and Means reported on the bill [H. R. 439], making specific appropriations, recommending its passage with amendments.
The report was concurred in and the bill was read the second time.
Mr. FULLER moved to amend the appropriation bill by striking out the $300 allowed John A. Finch.
Mr. KENNER-Two years ago the Legislature created a Commission to codify the insurance law and we find the law before us now. This body authorized the employment of these men to do this work and Mr. Finch was employed in consequence of that law. He went on and codified the law and files his claim before the Committee on Claims, and my recollection is that it was favorably reported. They find that $300 is a much smaller sum than he asked before for doing it, and the House concurred in the report.
Mr. FULLER said: I have nothing to say for or against this measure more than this: If a man is appointed to do the work that Mr. Finch was and can not give us something better than this insurance bill, he ought not to be paid.
The amendment was adopted--yeas, 40; nays, 29.
Mr. WALKER moved to amend by striking out the ninth clause, which allows David R. Munson $5,128.
Mr. EDWINS moved to substitute a clause giving him (David Munson) $600. He said: I do not believe that all of this claim ought to be allowed. This subject was thoroughly investigated two years ago and shown that this was not a just claim. The Commissioners so determined last session, and concluded that $600 should be allowed, and I think the House ought to make that the amount.
Mr. CARTER could see no reason why the House should object to this claim from the fact that is was a valid one directly contracted for by the Superintendent of the institution for the Insane. He thought there was a contract, and the House ought not to repudiate it.
Mr. MITCHELL was opposed to allowing this claim, on the ground that it had been fully investigated at the previous session, and the claim was refused; and for the further reason that lightning rods are a humbug.
Mr. THOMPSON thought this or any other claim legitimately contracted for by the Representatives of the State in any of the Public Institutions for which value was received, should be allowed
The substitute was rejected and the amendment was adopted--yeas, 43; nays, 35.
Mr. MORGAN moved to amend the bill by inserting after the word "building" the followng: "and for the purpose of library, or philosophy, chemical and other apparatuses and teaching of the natural sciences." He said: This section appropriates $8,000 for the purpose of purchasing a boiler and other heating appliance to be used in heating the State Normal School building. You will observe that the money could be used for no other purpose. To secure proper heating apparatus for this building may not require more than $4,000. The proposed amendment simply provides that any of this money not necessary for the purpose named herein, may be used by the Trustees in buying apparatus to teach the natural sciences and for the purchase of a library. The Institution is badly in need of apparatuses of this kind. The amendment proposes to appropriate no more money, and I hope and believe no gentleman will vote against its adoption.
The amendment was agreed to.
Mr. FULLER moved to strike out all the claims for swamp-land ditching in Tipton County.
Pending which the House adjourned.
