The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1891-02-22
The Idaho Election Bill.

BOISE, Ida, Feb. 21.-1Special telegram
to The HERALD. There seems to be some
doubt of the governor approving the cleo
ton bill passed yesterday, as the provis-
ions are too sweeping. The general feeling
seems to be that this legislature has gone
too far, in not alone preventing Mormons
from voting, but also the blind and those
unable to read or write. This is believed to
be unconstitutional in going so far that
they will enacta law for past offense and
not alone future one.
In an interview with the Democratic
leader of the house, Representative Ballen
tine, in reply to a question as to his opinion
OF the bill, said: 81 believe it to be in
conflict with the constitution of the
United States and of Idaho. II
violates all the cardinal principles of
the Christian religion in that it holds out
no hope or reward for reformation, and
offers no inducement to any person either
now or hereafter-by which they can ever
exercise the right of suffrage. In its op-
GRAFTON reaching back to 1888 it is clearly
an er post facto law. 1t is political proscrip-
ton and enacted solely in the interest of
perpetuation of ring power. 1t virtually
empowers the registrar of election with
powers which are the Objectionable fea-
lures of the infamous force bill: makes If
impossible for blind man to vote: one
who can neither read or write is deprived
Of the right of suffrage; it is too expensive
in its practical workings for a new state.
costing not less than $4,000 more for each
general election expenses than has ever
been incurred under the old laws. The bill
was rushed through both houses without
consideration; the constitution and rules
were suspended, it was only read once and
was passed under the crack of the caucus
whip"
To-day the free school bill has been con-
sidered in committee, but no conclusion
was reached. 1t makes provisions as to
how the school funds are to be divided.
This viii create long debate, and will
come at the head of unfinished business
Monday.
A resolution passed both houses request
ing the Senators In Congress to vote and
work against the Conger compound lard
bill. This resolution was brought about
by lobbyists and printed matter, the latter
taking the leading part.
As several legislatures have passed such
a bill, bill has passed both houses allow
ing incorporated cities with over two thou
sand inhabitants to issue bonds for the con-
struction of waterworks, laying mains, etc.
The only towns this can benefit at present
are Boise and Pocatella.
4 Ii, mortal was also passed to provide an
amendment to the constitution so that Sen
at0rs shall be chosen by vote of the people
instead OF by the legislature, it being in
troduced by Senator White and is similar to
one introduced in Congress by Turpie.
The house passed the bill restricting alien
corporations in their right to ACQUIRE and
hold real estate, allows mining property 10
be sold to foreign corporations and il is
claimed if not enacted they would not in
vest Another passed was that defining
the duties of the state board of commission
ers and providing for the sale of land given
tothe state by the government.
The senate did little or nothing, passing
but one bill, that providing for the inspec-
ton OF metalliferous and coal mines.
If the present session acted or all the
bills now introduced, 1t would take nearly
two months, but they insist on adjourn
ment within ten days. Over one hundred
bills are yet 20 be acted on. An important
one is the revenue bill and there will be a big
fight 1t is long and if consideration is
given it, it alone will take week. Four
appropriation bills have already passed and
when those for the payment of current
state expenses are introduced there will be
fight by the Democrats against excessive
Legislation. Although greatly in the minor
ity, during the entire session they have
fought the enemy and routed them. The
brilliant record made by them will be sure
to be heard in the next campaign and with
out doubt the party viii recompense by
electing to some state offices.