The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1897-02-04
IT'S A GOOD THING
G.CH THE CONCLUSION OF THE
STATE LEGISLATURE

G.CH THE CONCLUSION OF THE
STATE LEGISLATURE
Regarding Arbitration in the Abstract.
In the Concrete 1t May or May Not Re
Gored-An Interesting Debate-Salary
Reductions enderson's Tramp Def1ni-
Amendments.
ST. PAUL, Feb. Especial. 1T is
a great relief to members of the legis-
lature to turn aside from such petty
affairs as the consideration of road and
bridge bills, or the contest for subordi-
nate legislative offices, and for a time
give themselves up wholly and unre-
servedly to craftsmanship in its highest
degrees. Such relief has been enjoyed
by both houses during the past few
days, and the minds Of the statesmen
scared far above the trivialities of Leg
islative routine as they listerEd to and
joined in the consideration Of the prin-
ciple of arbitration, and the golden age
that it's adoption by the nations of the
earth betokens. The greater portion
of three or four days, in one or other
Of the two houses, was given up to the
subject, and the result was somewhat
unique. There had been much oratory,
the ages had been ransacked for illus
m Of f,paiv,
nationalities were contrasted and even
personalities were INDUCED in. The
senate amended it's own resolutions
and later agreed to further change in
them suggested by the house. AS finally
adopted, the resolutions announce
that the Minnesota legislature favors
and would like its senators
to approve arbitration in the abstract
and to vote for an arbitration treaty
providing such resolutions be not con-
strued into approval of pending treaties
and if exceptions be made to keep any
such treaty from trespassing on the
Monroe doctrine. In other words, ar
bitration is a good thing and we favor
it if it does not affect US.
During the arbitration debate in the
house Mr.. Donnelly made his most
characteristic speech of the session.
His knowledge of history was drawn
on to an unusual extent and before he
finished his great power as an invective
manipulation was brought into play, to
the apparent delight Of both floor and
gallery. His analysis Of the nationality
of the officers and members of the
house as evidenced by their names was
another entertaining part of this speech.
It is amusing to watch those veteran
warriors of the house, Donnelly and
Hicks, who are on the opposite sides of
the house in more ways than by the
location Of their seats. Thus far it has
happened that in most of the impor-
tant debates they have opposed each
other, and already when one begins to
speak on any subject the other seems to
brace himself for the fray. And some
thing lively usually soon follows, for
they draw each other on and out in the
n ost pungent fashion.
In view of the general business de-
preston, Mr.. Heimerdinger thought
salaries of public officials should follow
the course of those in private business.
Hence his resolutions favoring 20 per
cent reduction in official salaries Sew
eral amendments were made, and as
finally adopted they favor an investi-
cation Of the subject of some reduc-
ton. During the debate Mr.. Shell,
who seldom talks on the floor, though
he does effective work in the commit
tees, presented an amendment increas-
ing legislative per diem from S. to 81. so
per day, in that way seeking to show
up the unselfishness of those legisla-
tors who are always willing to cut all
sa aries except their own. He did not
ask a vote, and none was taken on the
amendment
It is semi-oficially given out that
Mr.. Heimerdinger does not belong to
the knockers club, )" Notwithstanding
his name and his salary reduction res
olutions.
Definitions are not always sufficient
ly explicit. even whom found in the die
tionaries, but the definition of a tramp
or vagrant as given in Mr.. Henderson's
bill seems to cover all the ground. He
defines the tramp or vagrant to be an
idle, lewd, lascivious person in speech
or behavior; persons without visible
means to maintain themselves; those
out of employment and not wanting
work, and all common drunkards that
neglect to care for their families. This
bill authorizes justices of the peace to
commit tramps and Migrants to the
county Jail, where they shall perform
hard labor from 10 to 80 days, the sher-
if being directed to compel such to
work on the roads or streets 10 hours
day.
Politicians can usually be trusted to
look after their own interests, but if
the suspicious Of legislators be well
founded some of their predecessors
made a mistake in this way. Mr.. Don
nelly has introduced a resolution,
which will undoubtedly be adopted,
calling on the state auditor for inform