scind the present convict labor laws of this State, as they now stand in competition with free and honest la bor. By Mr. McKellar: House bill No. 164, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend article 3929, title 86, chapter 9, of the Revised Civil Referred to Committee on State Af- Statutes of the State of Texas, relat By Mr. Love: House bill No. 167, a bill to be enti House bill No. 162, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend chapter 18, title tled "An act to amend article 193, chapter 1, title 7, of the Penal Code of the State of Texas, relating to disturbance of religious worship." (Provides a penalty of from $25 to $100 for in any way disturbing a Sunday school or any kind of religious worship.) Read first time, and referred to Judiciary Committee No. 2. By Mr. Carswell: House bill No. 163, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend section 5, article 4574, chapter 13, of an act entitled Railroad Commission of the State of Texas, Revised Statutes, page 917, relating to freight and passenger transportation on railroads." (Amends section 5 by prohibiting is suance of free transportation to any person or persons not excepted in said section.) Read first time, and referred to Committee on Internal Improvements. 27, of the Revised Civil Statutes of the State of Texas, relating to judg ments of Courts of Civil Appeals, and the manner of disposing of causes on appeal, by creating and adding there to article 1027a." (Provides that in considering all the facts of a cause the Court of Civil Appeals shall be of the opinion that the trial court failed to do substantial justice, it should reverse the judgment.) Read first time, and referred to Judiciary Committee No. 1. By Mr. Randolph: House bill No. 168, a bill to be entitled "An act to punish persons for wilfully turning out or permitting to run at large within a county or subdivision of any county in which the stock law has been adopted, stock not permitted to run at large." (Makes the offense a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100.) Read first time, and referred to Judi- tled "An act to amend article 4960, ciary Committee No. 2. By Mr. Wolters: House bill No. 169, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend article 3963, of the Revised Statutes of Texas, providing for the election of white and colored trustees of school districts by each race separately." (Provides that only white electors shall vote for white trustees, and only colored electors shall vote for colored trustees, and in no case shall any lector of any race vote for a trustee of the other race.) Read first time, and referred to Com mittee on Education. By Mr. Seabury: House bill No. 170, a bill to be entitled "An act to provide for the ap pointment and compensation of district court stenographers, and to define their duties." (Provides for the appointment of such stenographers by the judges of the district courts, and fixes their salaries at $600 per annum and certain fees additional.) Read first time, and referred to Judiciary Committee No. 2. By Mr. Schlick: chapter 4, of the Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, relating to estrays." (Provides that where estray stock are breachy, the county commissioners or any one of them, upon satisfactory proof, may proceed to sell said animals immediately after advertisement has been made by the county clerk,. and the proceeds shall be disposed of as other estrays.) Read first time, and referred to Committee on Stock and Stockraising. By Mr. Boyd: House bill No. 175, a bill to be entitled "An act to prohibit persons engaged in running pool tables, billiard tables, horse racing, or gambling in any form, hiring or permitting minors about their places of business without the written consent of the parent or guardian, and to provide a penalty herefor." (Makes the offense a misdemeanor, punishable by fine in any sum not less than $25 nor more than $200.) Read first time, and referred to Judiciary Committee No. 2. By Mr. Fisher: House bill No. 176, a bill to be entitled "An act to quiet titles to lands loHouse bill No. 171, a bill to be enti-cated and surveyed by virtue of land tled "An act amending article 868, of te Code of Criminal Procedure, preventing the execution of criminals in public." Read first time, and referred to Judiciary Committee No. 2. By Mr. Kimbell: House bill No. 172, a bill to be entitled "An act to prevent litigants from pleading the statutes of limitations in the county and district courts in cases appealed from justices' courts, when the same was not pleaded in the justices courts." Read first time, and referred to Judiciary Committee No. 1. By Mr. Bertram: House bill No. 173, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend article 3982, chapter 13. title 86, of the Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, adopted at the regular session of the Twenty-fourth Legislature, relating to the transfers of children in district schools." (It makes the application of the trustees of the district, as well as parent or guardian, necessary in making a transfer from one district to another.) Read first time, and referred to Committee on Education. By Mr. Mercer: certificates granted under the act of the Legislature of the State of Texas, entitled an act granting to persons. who have been permanently disabled by reason of wounds received while in the service of this State or of the Confederate States, a certificate for 1280 acres of land, approved April 9, 1881, and to validate patents issued on such locations and surveys." Read first time, and referred to Judiciary Committee No. 1. By Mr. Thompson: House bill No. 177, a bill to be entitled "An act to abolish the unorganized counties of Buchel and Foley, and to incorporate their territory in the county of Brewster, to provide for payment of certain bonds held by the State against said unorganized counties out of funds now on hand to their credit, and for the transfer and payment of the balance of said fund to the proper officers of said Brewster county." Read first time, and referred to Committee on Counties and County Boundaries. By Mr. Ewing: House bill No. 178, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend article 969, of title 18, of chapter 3, of the Penal Code House bill No. 174, a bill to be enti- of the State of Texas, adopted A. D.. 1895, so that an offer in good faith to nearly as the condition and necessity Read first time, and referred to Com the defendant to have the prosecution dismissed." Read first time, and referred to Judiciary Committee No. 2. By Mr. Green: By Mr. Hensley: House bill No. 184, a bill to be enti tied "An act to amend article 4759, of tae Revised Civil Statutes, by adding article 4759a, relating to public roads." Read first time, and referred to Committee on Agricultural Affairs. By Mr. Freeman: House bill No. 185, a bill to be enti House bill No. 179, a bill to be entitled "An act to repeal an act entitled tled "An act to amend chapter 5, of the Criminal Code, articles 514 and 517, relating to the protection of fish, birds and game." (Provides that it shall be unlawful to kill, trap or ensnare wild deer for a period of two years in any county in the State; also, adds March and October to the time in which the killing of quail is prohibited.) an act carrying into effect the constitutional amendment to article 7, section 5, transferring annually one per cent of the permanent to the available school fund, passed at the first called session of the Twenty-second Legislature, and approved April 12, 1892." Read first time, and referred to Committee on Education. By Mr. Neighbors: Read first time, and referred to Judi- amend section 16, article 16, of the House joint resolution No. 13, to ciary Committee No. 2. By Mr. Welch: House bill No. 180, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend article 5043, of the Revised Statutes of 1895, so as to exempt Maverick county from the provisions of title CII, chapter 6, relating to the inspection of hides and animals." Read first time, and referred to Judiciary Committee No. 1. By Mr. Alexander: House bill No. 181, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend articles 869 and 870, of the Penal Code of the State of Texas, relating to theft." (Changes the minimum for a penitentiary offense from $50 to $20.) Read first time, and referred to Judiciary Committee No. 2. By Mr. Kimbell: House bill No. 182, a bill to be entitled "An act giving a lien on property to persons paying taxes thereon at the written request of the owner, and pro Constitution of the State of Texas, relating to incorporating banks. (Provides that corporate bodies may be permitted to be made with banking and discounting privileges, with a minimum capital of $10,0000.) Read first time, and referred to Committee on Constitutional Amendments. Mr. Rogan offered the following resolution: Be it resolved, that the Speaker of the House be and he is hereby authorized to appoint one additional committee clerk, to serve the committees for thirty days at least. Read second time, and adopted. The above resolution was accompanied by the following petition: To Hon. L. T. Dashiell: We, the chairmen of committees of this House, seeing the necessity for additional clerks for committees, request that whose term of service is to continue one additional clerk be appointed, H. Rogan, R. H. Ward, John W. Robfor thirty days at least. (Signed: E. bins, Evans of Hunt, R. W. Martin, Evans of Grayson, Ben S. Rogers, Jas. Callan, A. C. Oliver, J. H. Bailey, Wm. A. Fields, T. B. Williams, W. R. House bill No. 183, a bill to be enti- | Bounds, S. P. Burns, J. Lee Carpentled "An act to amend article 4759, of ter, John M. Logan, B. B. Beaird.) viding for foreclosure of the same." Read first time, and referred to Judiciary Committee No. 1. By Mr. Hensley: chapter 5, title 97, of the Revised Civil Mr. Bailey offered the following resStatutes of the State of Texas, relat-olution: ing to the improvement of public roads." (Amends by striking out the following clause from said article: "As Resolved, that the Speaker be and he is hereby authorized to appoint two additional porters, who shall serve under the direction of the Sergeant-at Arms until discharged by the Speaker, and receive as compensation for their services the sum of $2 per day. Read second time. Mr. Drew moved to table the resotion, and the motion was lost. The resolution was adopted. Mr. Martin offered the following resolution: Whereas, Mr. Ed. Shands rendered five days service as Assistant Postmaster of the House prior to his appointment to said office as heretofore provided by resolution; therefore Resolved, That the sum of $15 be allowed him for said service, and that the Chief Clerk of this House be instructed to issue voucher for same. Read second time and adopted. Mr. Shelburne offered the following resolution: Whereas, It has been a custom of former Legislatures to compensate those who discharged the duties of Postmaster of the House during the first days of the session, pending the election of a Postmaster, and Frank Mullens having served the House in this capacity for two days without compensation for services; therefore be it Resolved, That said Muilens be allowed the sum of $8 for said services, and the same hereby ordered paid. Read second time and adopted. COMMITTEE REPORTS. By Mr. Ward, chairman: Committee Room, Your Judiciary Committee No. 1, to whom was referred House bill No. 77, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend article 2396 of the Revised Civil Statutes of Texas of 1895, by adding thereto the proviso that the proceeds of the voluntary sale of the homestead of a family shall not be subject to garnishment within six months after such sale." Have had the same under consideration, and I am instructed to report the same back to the House with the recommendation that it do pass. WARD, Chairman. Committee Room, Austin, Texas, Jan. 20, 1897. Hon. L. T. Dashiell, Speaker of the House. Your Judiciary Committee No. 1, to whom was referred House bill No. 78, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend article 1096 of 6-House. the Revised Statutes of the State of Texas, relating to district and county clerks in counties of 8000 inhabitants and less." Have had the same under consideration, and I am instructed to report the same back to the House with the recommendation that it do not pass. WARD, Chairman. Committee Room, Austin, Texas, Jan. 20, 1897. Hon. L. T. Dashiell, Speaker of the House. Your Judiciary Committee No. 1, to whom was referred House bill No. 82, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend article 878, title 17, chapter 9, of the Penal Code of the State of Texas, and to make the receiving or concealing of stolen property a criminal offense, and to provide appropriate penalties for said offense, and to repeal all laws and parts of laws in conflict with the provisions of this act." Have had the same under considera tion, and I am instructed to report the same back to the House with the recommendation that it be referred to Judiciary Committee No. 2. WARD, Chairman. Committee Room, Austin, Texas, Jan. 20, 1897. Hon. L. T. Dashiell, Speaker of the House. Your Judiciary Committee No. 1, to whom was referred House bill No. 94, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend article 1198, chapter 4, title 29, of an act passed at the regular session of the Sixteenth Legislature of the State of Texas, entitled 'An act to adopt and establish the Revised Civil Statutes of the State of Texas,' which article regulates the venue of civil cases in the district and county courts and justice courts." Have had the same under considera tion, and I am instructed to report the same back to the House with the recommendation that it do not pass. WARD, Chairman. Committee Room, Austin, Texas, Jan. 20, 1897. Hon. L. T. Dashiell, Speaker of the House. Your Judiciary Committee No. 1, to whom was referred House bill No. 33, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend articles 4666 and 4667, chapter 5, title 96, Revised Civil Statutes," Have had the same under consideration, and I am instructed to report the same back to the House with the recommendation that it do not pass. WARD, Chairman. Committee Room, Austin, Texas, Jan. 20, 1897. Hon. L. T. Dashiell, Speaker of the House. Your Judiciary Committee No. 1, to whom was referred House bill No. 112, a bill to be entitled an act to create liens in favor of employes and providing for foreclosure of the same," Have had the same under consideration, and I am instructed to report the same back to the House with the recommendation that it do not pass. WARD, Chairman. Committee Room, Austin, Texas, Jan. 20, 1897. Hon. L. T. Dashiell, Speaker of the House. Your Judiciary Committee No. 1, to whom was referred House bill No. 110, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend articles 2526, 2531 and 2532 of title 49, of the Revised Civil Statutes of the State of Texas, and to repeal article 2527 of said title, relating to forcible entry and detainer," Have had the same under consideration, and I am instructed to report the same back to the House with the recommendation that it do pass. WARD, Chairman. Austin, Texas, Jan. 20, 1897. Hon. L. T. Dashiell, Speaker of the House. Your Judiciary Committee No. 1, to whom was referred House bill No. 109, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend article 1814, article 1815 and article 1816, of title XXXVII, of the Revised Civil Statutes of 1895 of the State of Texas, relating to the time and manner of making returns to the Secretary of State of elections for electors for President and Vice-President, and of estimating the same and of the meeting of the electors." Have had the same under consideration, and I am instructed to report the same back to the House with the rec-| ommendation that it do pass. WARD, Chairman. Committee Room, Austin, Texas, Jan. 20, 1897. Hon. L. T. Dashiell, Speaker of the House. Your Judiciary Committee No. 1, to whom was referred House bill No. 87, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend article 4069, chapter 4, title 87, of the Revised Civil Statutes of the State of Texas, relating to county surveyors, requiring them to give bond," etc. Have had the same under considera tion, and I am instructed to report the same back to the House with the recommendation that it do pass. WARD, Chairman. Austin, Texas, Jan. 20, 1897. Hon. L. T. Dashiell, Speaker of the House. Your Judiciary Committee No. 1, to whom was referred House bill No. 76, a bill to be entitled "An act to provide for the printing of court records." Have had the same under consideration, and I am intructed to report the same back to the House with the rec ommendation that it do not pass. WARD, Chairman. Austin, Texas, Jan. 20, 1897. Hon. L. T. Dashiell, Speaker of the House. Your Judiciary Committee No. 1, to whom was referred House bill No. 75, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend article 881 of the Penal Code of the State of Texas, relating to theft of horses, asses and mules, so as to fix the punishment thereof at confinement in the penitentiary for not less than two nor more than ten years." Have had the same under consideration, and I am instructed to report the same back to the House with the rec ommendation that it be referred to Judiciary Committee No. 2. WARD, Chairman. Committee Room, Austin, Texas, Jan. 20, 1897. Hon. L. T. Dashiell, Speaker of the House. Your Judiciary Committee No. 1, to whom was referred House bill No. 67, a bill to be entitled "An act to amend article 635, title 20. of the Revised Civil Statutes of the State of Texas." Have had the same under consideration, and I am instructed to report the same back to the House with the recommendation that it do pass. WARD, Chairman. Austin, Texas, Jan. 20, 1897. Hon. L. T. Dashiell, Speaker of the House. |