preaching about piety and virtue, was so veiled because both hideous in appearance and libertine in conduct. No harm and much good may come from requiring such publicity. These are all of the provisions of the bill, and no one of them would seem to be uncalled for, unjust or unduly harsh. Since the Constitution of this State, in its declaration concerning liberty of the press, directs that there shall be responsibilty "for the abuse of that liberty," and since the test is that publications shall not be "maliciously or negligently made," it would appear to be in entire accord with that instrument that newspapers should be held accountable in damages for negligence. Some technical objections are made to the bill. It is urged that since weekly newspapers are nowhere mentioned, it offends against that provision of the Constitution which prevents special legislation. A careful examination shows that the enacting clauses are in general words, "each and every newspaper" and "any newspaper," and that the enumeration of the different kinds of newspapers is mere description and unessential. The omission of the word "weekly" was unwise but in no sense fatal. If hereafter a newspaper should be issued every other day or twice a day, and thus not be included in the descriptive words used, it would, as well as the journals published weekly, be covered by the general enacting words, and be subject to the provisions of the bill. All of the provisions relate to one general subject and appear to be sufficiently described in the title. It is further urged that the bill ought not to become a law because not read upon three several days in the House of Representatives before its final passage. If it was not so read, then undoubtedly there was a failure upon the part of the House to perform its duty. Whenever, however, the bill is signed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, it is an official certificate that it has been passed in accordance with the constitutional requirements and the rules governing the action of those bodies. But little thought is needed to see that the Governor has no responsibility for, and can exercise no supervision over, the manner of the deliberations of the Legislature. He has no part or parcel in them, he has no place on the floor, and save by report and unofficially has no knowledge of what occurs there, except as they give it to him. The two houses constitute a separate branch of the government, and were he to interfere it would be an encroachment and lead to untold commotions. He can no more dispute their certifications than could they inquire into his motives for signing a bill or withholding his approval. If they should assert that it was properly passed and he should as sert to the contrary, who is to decide the disputed question of fact, he who officially knows nothing about it, or they who are given the power? If it is proper legislation in correct form, how could he justify himself in disapproving it on the ground that the motives were impure or the manner of passing it informal? In the case of Kilgore vs. Magee, 85 Penna. 412, where it was alleged that the bill had not been read three times, the Supreme Court said that the duty of seeing that this mandate was observed was solely that of the members, and further: "In regard to the passage of the law and the alleged disregard of the forms of legislation required by the Constitution, we think the subject is not within the pale of judicial inquiry." This furnishes a safe rule to follow. The purpose of the reading upon three different days is not to allow time for those interested to impress their views upon the legislators, but to insure that the legislators have the opportunity for hearing and voting advisedly. In the present case there was more than the usual opportunity given for preliminary discussion by the people. Some such legislation was recommended in the Inaugural address. A bill concerning cartoons was introduced early in the session and widely published. This bill was read three times in the Senate and once in the House. A similar bill had been read twice in the House when the present bill was substi tuted, so that if the allegation of irregularity be correct, at least we can be assured that the action taken was preceded by numerous forewarnings. The proposed legislation has been regarded by a large proportion of the reputable press with great misgivings. It is natural that this should be the case. The future is ever uncertain, and the easy way to avoid the dangers ahead is to stand still. This is nevertheless not a wise course. The boy conscious of many lapses, who is invited by a stern father into a private room, enters with a vague dread, and yet the purpose may only be to arrange for the coming holidays. When the gardener comes with his hoe into the garden which has been left to run wild, it is safe to say that it is the mullein and not the pea which is likely to suffer. This bill may not be the best possible legislation, but the purpose is commendable, and should experience show it to be defective, something better may be devised. It ought to be cordially and cheerfully accepted by the reputable press, for they have a special interest in its becoming a law. Where the tares occupy the ground, the wheat perishes. It threatens them with no danger. Seeking to utter the truth and not the falsehood, what have they to fear? Into our courts where learned judges administer the law with fidelity and juries are drawn from the masses of the people well fitted to determine who is the wrongdoer, they are not likely to be summoned, or if summoned they may go with entire safety. This much is certain. Since the laws of God and nature are immutable and inexorable, unless means are found to uproot some of the tendencies of modern journalism confidence already badly shaken will be utterly lost, and the influence of the press, which has been so potent an agent in the development of civilization and in securing civil liberty, will be gone forever. With a serious sense that the event is of more than ordinary moment, with full knowledge of the importance of the press and of its value to mankind through all past struggles, and with the hope and belief that the greater care and larger measure of responsibility brought about by this law, tending to elevate the meritorious and repress the unworthy, will promote its welfare while benefiting the community, I approve the bill. SAML. W. PENNYPACKER. No. 266. AN ACT To amend article nine, section one, of an act, entitled "An act to provide for the health and the safety of persons employed in and about the anthracite coal mines of Pennsylvania, and for the protection and preservation of property connected therewith,' approved June second, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one; also to amend section seventeen of an act, entitled "An act relating to bituminous coal mines, and providing for the lives, health, safety and welfare of persons employed therein," approved June thirtieth, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-five. Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That the first section of article nine of an act, entitled "An act to provide for the health and safety of persons employed in and about the anthracite coal mines of Pennsylvania, and for the protection and preservation of property connected therewith," approved June second, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one, which reads as follows: Section 1, article IX, act of June 2, 1891, "No boy under the age of fourteen years, and no woman or girl of any age, shall be employed or permitted to be in any mine for the purpose of employment therein. ment. Nor shall a boy under the age of twelve years, or a woman or girl of any age, be employed or permitted to be in or about the outside structures or workings of a colliery for the purpose of employment, but it is provided, however, that this prohibition shall Employment of boys under certain ages, and of all females, forbidden. Except for office or clerical work. Section 1, article Employment of boys under certain ages, and of all females, forbidden. Except for office or clerical work. not affect the employment of a boy or female of suitable age in an office or in the performance of clerical work at a colliery;" be amended so that the same shall read as follows: No boy under the age of sixteen years, and no woman or girl of any age, shall be employed or permitted to be in any mine for the purpose of employment therein. Nor shall a boy under the age of fourteen years, or a woman or girl of any age, be employed or permitted to be in or about the outside structures or workings of a colliery for the purpose of employment; but it is provided, however, that this prohibition shall not affect the employment of a boy or female, of suitable age, in an office or in the performance of clerical work at a colliery. Section 2. That the first section of article nine of an act, entitled "An act relating to bituminous coal mines, and providing for the lives, health, safety and welfare of persons employed therein," approved June thirtieth, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-five, which reads as follows: "No boy under the age of fourteen years, and no woman or girl of any age, shall be employed or permitted to be in any mine for the purpose of employment therein; nor shall a boy under the age of twelve years, or a woman or girl of any age, be employed or permitted to be in or about the outside structures or workings of a colliery for the purpose of employment, but it is provided, however, that this prohibition shall not affect the employment of a boy or female, of suitable age, in an office or in the performance of clerical work at a colliery," be amended so that the same shall read as follows: No boy under the age of sixteen years, and no woman or girl of any age, shall be employed or permitted to be in any mine for the purpose of employment therein; nor shall a boy under the age of fourteen years, or a woman or girl of any age, be employed or permitted to be in or about the outside structures or workings of a colliery for the purpose of employment; but it is provided, however, that this prohibition shall not affect the employment of a boy or female, of suitable age, in an office or in the performance of clerical work at a colliery. Approved-The 13th day of May, A. D. 1903. No. 267. AN ACT Making an appropriation to the Chester Hospital, at Chester. Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That the sum of eighteen thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and the same is hereby specifically appropriated to the Chester Hospital, at Chester, for the two fiscal years beginning June first, one thousand nine hundred and three, for the purpose of mainte nance. Approved-The 13th day of May, A. D. 1903. Maintenance. No. 268. AN ACT Making an appropriation to the Hospital of the University of Maintenance. Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That the sum of one hundred and ten thousand dollars, or so much thereof Appropriation. as may be necessary, be and the same is hereby specifically appropriated to the trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, for the use of its hospital for the two fiscal years beginning June first, one thousand nine hundred and three, for the purpose of maintenance; and the further sum of ten thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, for the establishment of a new laundry. And the further sum of twenty-five thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, for the establishment of an isolation ward; and the further sum of thirty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, for the establishment of an X-ray and light-plant. Approved-The 13th day of May, A. D. 1903. SAML. W. PENNYPACKER. Laundry. Isolation ward. X-ray and lightplant. No. 269. AN ACT Making an appropriation to the Western Temporary Home of Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That the sum of three thousand dollars ($3,000), or so much thereof as may Maintenance. |