The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-07
THE LEGISLATURE.

1t is probable that every member of the
state legislature viii be on hand today TO
take part in the business of organization
at Olympia. Most of the members have
been at the capital for several days,
drawn chiefly by natural interest in
the senatorial contest, but even
in the excitement of this fight
they have not forgotten that there is much
TO be done besides electing a senator, and
there has been very general comparison
of views on the leading general subjects of
legislation. Perhaps the most important
of these subjects relates to legislation af-
fecting the management and operation of
railroads operating in this state. The peo-
pie of the great wheat-growing district
shamefully treated. In their efforts to
promote the interests of certain elevator
companies the railroad managers have dis
eliminated in an open and shameless way
against the producers of the country. The
result has been that thousands of
their money and their labor in the
seasons crops, and having reaped a
bountiful harvest have been totally unable
to get their product to market, and thus
realize upon it. In the great Palouse
country, especially, there is and has been
for many weeks positive financial distress,
brought about by the inaction, the stu
pidity or the connivance of rail-
road managers. The natural result
of this condition is manifest in
the discomfort of the people and
this is reflected in the attitude of their
representatives at Olympia. There will be
demand for legislation designed to
remedy the determinations and the injus-
tice which our people are now suffering,
and this demand viii be backed by united
delegation from east of the mountains
But this is not question in
are interested. The counties west of the
mountains have if not an equal, at least a
very lively interest in this matter, and
they viii be found ready TO support any
reasonable proposition that may be pre-
scented. Just what form the railroad legis-
manifest, but that it will be positive and
definite in the interest of the people as
against the greed OF the corporations, there
is no doubt.
Another subject which already has been
much discussed at the state capital is that
of appropriating fund for representation
of the state at the Worlds Fair. An in
formal demand on the part of those who
have the matter in hand has been made for
$4,000, but it is not at all likely that
this great sum viii be appropriated.
X is not to be doubted that the state can
be creditably and even notably represented
for fraction of this sum, which would put
very severe burden upon taxpayers at
large. 1t is, we believe, the universal
wish that Washington should have a fine
and thorough exhibit but we believe also.
that all that is necessary or desirable can
be accomplished for sum much smaller
than that proposed. This appears TO be
the general feeling among the members of
the legislature.
The senatorial contest is, of course, the
chief subject of interest AZ this time. The
two leading candidates are on the ground,
each supported by strong personal fol-
lowing, and there is apparently very hot
fight in progress; but appearances all
| point to one result, viz, the reelection of
Senator Squire. This is demanded by
every consideration of justice, interest and
; propriety. There seems to be really no
doubt that II viii be accomplished, prob
| ably on the first ballot, which will occur
on the Goth inst, one week from next
| Tuesday.
1t seems 10 be a foregone conclusion
that Hon. Eugene Wilson, of Kittitas
county, viii be chosen president of the
Senate. Either Candy, Plummer, or Shaw
is well fitted for the speakership of the
House, and so far as the general interests
| of legislation are concerned il will matter
little which is elected. There is every in
| dication that organization will be effected
without a contest serious enough 10 breed
enmities damaging 10 the public interest.
The members of the legislature will do
we'll TO remember that for every day they
are in session the taxpayers of the state
must yield about si.eeo for current ex.
| penses. With this fact in view diligence
in the business of legislation is a positive
duty. There should be no dallying. The
thing 20 do is 10 get down to business AZ
/ once, and 20 use the time 10 the best sd.
| vantage.