The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-05-02
A VALUABLE SUMMARY.

From the university of the state of
New York comes state library bulletin,
number one, on the subject of legisla-
ton. Within the limits of it's eighty
pages, the pamphlet comprises a care
fully classified digest of state legislation
in 1890. OF necessity such a publica-
ton has its limits. 1t Processes to in
clude no more than new legislation, and,
when this has taken the form of amend
ments to existing laws, only those
clauses which add too, or materially
change old enactments, are cited. Pri-
vate or local acts Of any state, or those
adapted only to peculiar state institu-
tons or conditions are omitted. From
a similar lack of general interest, the
special legislative sessions recently held
in West Virginia and in Tennessee are
dlregarded. But within its scope, the
book contains SO much indispensable
reference matter to the state officer, the
business man, and the lawyer, that we
predict for it a hearty welcome from
every mar who wishes to be abreast of
the march OF legislation.
\ glance at the table of contents will
convince even the casual reader of it's
value, Public morals, education. CAPT
tai, labor, property, mines and mining,
sports and pastlmes, are a few among
the varied subjects referred to. The
references cover the laws enacted by six
teen states and n territory during the
legislative session of 1890. In nearly
every instance, the laws are not only
cited, but briefly summarized in accord
ance with the declared ann of the book
to present clearly and concisely material
for comparative study of the most re-
cent phases of state legislation on
all subjects of general interest.
Thus, under the head of mines and
mining, we learn that in the state of
New York mines on state lands may be
worked by dlscoverer on payment of a
royalty Of two per cent. Commission
ers OF land office may give permission to
erect buildings for working mines Oh
state lands, The unnecessary cutting
of timber Is forbidden, and further de
tails are to be found in chapter All of
the statute, approved May -. In
NORTH Dakota again, ID bill was passed
requiring railroad companies to build
side tracks a adjacent to coal mines, In
Ohio, guardians have been empowered
to lease the real estate OF minors for
mining purposes, and Utah has ron-
ierred a right Of way for development OF
mines, A penalty FOR changing samples
of ore or bullion has been fixed in Wash
lngton, while Iowa has provided for es.
cape shafts in its coal mines Washing
ton insists on the fencing of mines and
shafts; New York has passed a law for
the inspection of mines and the health
and safety Of employees.
This brief quotation will serve TO give
our readers some idea of the value and
coEclseness Of the compilation. The
frequent inquiries made Of Mr.. ". b
Shaw, the Legislative and sub.librarian
HIS to the legislation Of other states. in.
duced HIM to make on cards a classified
comparative summary Of legislation
with IA subject index, as fast as the SEES
sion laws came into hls department
Both summary and index proved s,
valuable IN the eyes OF men who wanted
to know at a glance all the recent
changes IN legislation on matters o.
general interest that the library author
tiles have yielded TO a widely espresso,
desire, and viii issue both in printed
form al the beginning of eaeE. ear
hey are SUR 10 command appreciation
and welcome.