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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Feb 15, 1897
Page
4
In a heated Capitol debate Western Kansas lawmakers spar over a bill to consolidate western counties and tax relief. Representative Ury argues for passage amid protests from Tapscott and farmers groups, while amendments to aid blacklisted workers face stiff opposition and a calendar placement fight.
Representative Fairchild assails farmers from both parties in a Saturday house session. He accuses them of duplicity on labor interests while urging passage of a bill he calls right. He challenges constitutional objections and warns against “buncombe farmation” and evasion of responsibility.
A delegation from the state agricultural college led by President George T. Fairchild Prof J D Walters and Thomas E arrived in Topeka to seek a 20000 appropriation for better classrooms and laboratories. Prof Walters urged fair treatment of the college alongside the state university noting outdated basement quarters two thirds underground poorly heated and ventilated with musty walls and rotted floors.
Republican members of the state board of charities abandon a plan to appoint Frank Pyle to the asylum steward position. The move followed a Supreme Court ruling on term officio provisions. Hayes, who planned to resign to allow Pyle’s election, altered course and will stay in office, leaving no vacancy.
The measure authorizes county superintendents to disorganize depopulated districts and attach territory to neighboring districts. A district is depopulated if residents fall below ten, and action requires a majority petition. final approval rests with the county commissioners. If eight or fewer directors remain, commissioners may direct action without a petition.
The measure directs county commissioners to annually levy taxes to cover interest and a sinking fund for indebtedness in the altered territory. Floating school district debt is to be paid via a property tax levy not exceeding 30 mills per dollar of assessed value, with changes not binding surrounding districts. Introduced by Mr Giessler of Logan and advanced as a general law after committee review.
The judiciary local committee led by Chas L Brown has reported a substitute bill for 63 townsite vacations. It adopts an agreement to consolidate related bills into one general measure. Vacations include Johnstone Franklin Steele’s Prairie Dale and Hardis addition to Topeka, with land restored to original description. Numerous towns named for action include Cherryvale Garden City Great Bend Oak City Fargo Springs Springfield Hodgeman Center Osage City Larned Russell Osage City and many others.
Tomorrow afternoon the House of Representatives will address the resubmission resolution introduced by Seaton of Atchison. The measure, already passed by the senate, is slated as a special order along with Hackney's constitutional convention resolution and the initiative and referendum proposition introduced by Mr. Welles. Supporters foresee defeat but deny it publicly, hoping to block a two thirds majority for the measure.
The house committee on charitable institutions recommends passage of Senator Householder's bill aimed at introducing civil service to all state charitable institutions. Amendments were accepted by Mr Householder who appeared before the committee. the bill likely moves to the floor next week for full consideration.
The senate committee on district apportionment reports against abolishing the Ninth judicial district presided by Judge Simpson. Senator Field introduced the measure, Senator Lupier notes abolishing it would crowd adjacent districts and be bad politics.
A Senate committee on fees and salaries plans to save the state a few hundred dollars annually by drafting a bill to recreate and reduce salaries of officers and employees in state institutions. The measure was introduced by Senator House.
The article reports broad protests in Washington County against William Rogers as a member of the state university board of regents, with open letters and Topeka efforts to block his confirmation. It notes university supporters praise Rogers as a longtime ally of the institution and mentions proposals to reform salaries for state officers. It also covers Speaker Street’s goals in the Sixth District and hints at implications for his congressional bid tied to past senatorial race activity.
Representative Ravenscroft bill aims to let stock shippers ride free with shipments. Senate committee on railroads recommends passage. House committee favors Senator Forrey bill to require lawful fencing of railroads, removing paragraph 17. Mrs J Wood advocates hypnotherapy prohibition for children. Meld Armstrong appointed state treasurer guard in death vacancy. salary set at 1000 per year.
Gov John P St John declares Harry C St John died in Oklahoma City and was buried in Geneva after fall 1900. He offers $1000 reward for proof of body or life, cites physicians undertaker and neighbors as witnesses. He rebuts reports of Harry alive, demands verification and accountability.
A North Topeka column lists local names and events from Kansas avenue bakeries to church services and childbirth. It notes Ira Corminn in Emporia, J. J. Heverly ill with Rin, and Charles Charleston awaiting a daughter. It mentions Neale & Co bakery ads, a fire near the Union Pacific line, and a Mason lodge funeral arrangement for B. J. Stickney. Community notices include a born child at Edwin Edwards’s address and a request for Siloam lodge attendance.
Journal reporters toured Topeka marking seven inches of rapid snowfall that beautified trees, houses, cemeteries, and bridges. Photographers snapped scenes from Misros Street lights, cemetery statues, and river bridges while residents admired and documented the alabaster scenery across the city.
Arie Taurae and Pegasus snow plows assisted by electric cars cleared tracks on the Topeka line after a heavy snowfall. Plows, described as modern with double blades and retractable wings, operated from 2 PM to nightfall under Assistant Superintendent Mixon. An incident near the depot saw a wheel momentarily lift from cobbled tracks but no severe damage occurred.
The report describes a snowbound scene where heavy snow and ice hindered traffic. A wright and a car crew attempted to clear the roadway, with a wheel plow struggling as magnets failed briefly but recoveries allowed plows to proceed. Officials adjusted a wing and pushed snow to the roadside to maintain the track.
Washington reports United States Consul Monaghan notes German weavers facing pressure to double loom counts as England does. He says mills push extra work to stay competitive, risking physical strain eye damage and job losses among workers. The practice is described as a debt of life for workers, thoughconsul considers it misguided.
Sam C Garrand announced as candidate for city clerk, finishing near Mr McFadden in a five person race two days before the primary. A thirteen year city resident and veteran of the late war, he has held clerical positions with trusted service. He also notes membership in Lincoln Post G A R.
Swedish aging officials and delegates review plans for a Swedish presence in the United States. The American Swedish committee held a festival in New York and Chicago to discuss a Sweden bound delegation, with references to king and exp0ration efforts.
Washington reports a sharp increase in American lumber exports to China with February figures showing substantial shipments and a related surge in grain exports to Europe. Officials note ongoing shipments from Philadelphia and other ports, while weather and snow challenge inland transport.
The iron works, renamed operations today, saw the puddlers accept the company offers of 22 75 per ton. About one hundred then add boys are employed. Lectures and events noted include a talk on education at Second Presbyterian Church and a grand opening program at Fourth and Adams with 15 cent admission.
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