St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-08-12


talking about the ACCESSIBILITY OF an extra
session of the legislature being called for the
purpose of passing another appropriation
BILL In this as in all other subjects there is
a difference of opinion. although it seems
as though the sentiments of the people is
clearly against the scheme. The politicians,
however, are sOlidly for il. One of the best
arguments yet presented against the extra
session idea was given by Hon John c.
Wise, of Man&ato, yesterday. Mr. Wise
SAID:
"The state constitution says the governor
may on extraordinary occasions convene
both houses of the legislature This is the
power sought TO be exercised to provide an
additional appropriation for the Chicago
worlds fair. Does the occasion come within
the limits prescribed by the constitution? 1t
is true that to some extent the judgment of
the governor must decide this matter but
can the emergency claimed to exist be
stretched even by his serviceable magma
ton to be extraordinary Had the llegis-
lature adjourned without considering
the subject there might be
slight pretense for calling all extra
session. That is not the case. however.
Both houses appointed committees. the mat
legislature reached definite conclusion and
appropriated $4,000 for the purpose. A ma
jOrity of both bodies thought the sum suf1i-
cient or within the available resources of the
state, and while portion of the citizens and
taxpayers may not be satisfied, the legisla-
tive branch is the arbiteT, and it has given
its decision. To call an extra session i'll the
face of what has been done would not come
within the constitutional provision. but it
would be an attempt by the executive to
coerce coordinate department.
-
This of itself ought to decide the matter in
the mind OF the goveanor. but when we re-
member that quite recently he called Out the
state militia for a purpose that was clearly
within the power of the civil officers of the
state, we can comprehend the dangers that
he may oyerstep the constitutional limta-
tons in this matter of the worlds fair APP
preparation. The governor should not forget.
however, in considering the proposition to
increase the appropriation that there is a
very large preponderance of citizens who
have not been heard and whose views have
not been sought who are opposed to it, and
who believe that the appropriation judi
ciously handled, is sufficient for the purpose.
He should also remember that the available
tieipated for the next two years. and there
remains but two practical means of reaching
the end-a temporary loan or an increase in
the rate of taxation. The former will draw
upon resources of the future to an extent
that is not justihable; while to increase the
rate of taxation after having already been
increased to point greater than ever before
in the states history, will be followed by d
merited rebuke at the next state election.
The last legislature increased the rate of
state taxes from one and seven-tenths to two
and two-tenths mills. and to meet the eX-
penses of an extra session and cover the in
creased appropriation will require at least
thIee-tenths, and possibly four-tenths of a
mill more. Is this the record Gov. Merriam
and his party are willing 10 make, and that.
too, when denying to legitimate and worthy
state institutions the appropriations neces-
sary to carry out their mission?
=
To the gentlemen who viii compose the
convention at St. Panl to consider this mat
ter we say, ponder we'll the consequences be-
fore recommending an extra session. The
programme as outlined by the worlds fair
commission looks like huge piece of politi-
cal jobbery. Instead of managing and super
intending the exhibit. they propose to appor
in amounts generally so largely in excess of
the needs as to warrant the belief that it is to
make places for a score or more of indiyidu-
ais, with good salaries, as rewards for past or
future services. If the superintendent, secre
tary and other paid officials already appoint
ed, do their duty, there is no need tor these
supernumeraries. Certainly. more unwise
thing than sending such horde of officials
to Chicago, to be maintained at state expense,
could not be DONE
In the cities there seems to be an opinion
prevalent that more money is needed for the
big Chicago exhibition, but the business men
are by no means in favor of an extra session.
In discussing this. j. T. Wyman of Mime
apolis, expressed himself in vigorous tyIe.
-
81 am decidedly opposed" he said ito the
calling of an extra session of the legislature
to appropriate more money for the worlds
fair exhibit. think such move would be
foolish. What are my reasons? have sew
eral of them. In the first place there is no
general demand for an extra session. Then
there is no reason to suppose that the mem
bers of the legislature have changed their
minds since last winter. They refused to
give more then; they would probably do the
same lDlQg again. L WANT 10 SEE hluHeSOed
have q good exhibit at the fair. but | think
the money necessary should be raised by
private subscription. We must remember
that the larger portion of the Legislature
comes from outside these two cities. Their
constituents are not demanding a larger APP
preparation The expense of an extra
session would be money thrown away"
Aid s. B. Loye does not quite agree with
his fellow townsman, although he wants the
fair to have more money by means Of spe-
cial session if the legislature will promise to
nothing else. Il am heartily in favor of
increasing the worlds fair fund said he,
"and would favor a SPECIAL session of the
legislature if its powers would cease with
thatappropnation. Buff that body shall then
have power to go on and transact other bust
ness say don't call it together again, for If
those fellows don't do anything worse they
will run up big expense bill for the state to
pay"