The Statutes of the United States were procured from among the pistols and opened at the proper page. Gascon Claiborne, upon another sheet of paper headed “Territory of Idaho, Council Chamber,” set about formulating some phrases which began “Whereas,” and Gratiot des Pères read aloud to him from the statutes. Ballard conversed apart with Hewley; in fact, there was much conversing aside.
“‘Third March, 1863, c. 117, s. 8, v. 12, p. 811,’” dictated Des Pères.
“Skip the chaptuhs and sections,” said Claiborne. “We only require the date.”
“‘Third March, 1863. The sessions of the Legislative Assemblies of the several Territories of the United States shall be limited to forty days’ duration.’”
“Wise provision that,” whispered Ballard. “No telling how long a poker game might last.”
But Hewley could not take anything in this spirit. “Genuine business was not got through till yesterday,” he said.
“‘The members of each branch of the Legislature,’” read Des Pères, “‘shall receive a compensation of six dollars per day during the sessions herein provided for, and they shall receive such mileage as now provided by law: Provided, That the President of the Council and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each receive a compensation of ten dollars a day.’”
At this the President of the Council waved a deprecatory hand to signify that it was a principle, not profit, for which he battled. They had completed their Whereases, incorporating the language of the several sections as to how the appropriation should be made, who disbursed such money, mileage, and, in short, all things pertinent to their bill, when Pete Cawthon made a suggestion.
“Ain’t there anything ’bout how much the Gove’nuh gits?” he asks.