The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-01-29
Legislative Notes.

| Two weeks gone and PRACTICAL,
nothing don Elm fact nothing can b.
properly considered until the senator.
ial fight is settled.
The House indefinitely tabled the
bill introduced by Representative
Hicks, providing tor the publication
of the laws in supplement form ant
distributing them through the news
papers within thirty days after the
session closes. The appropriation ask
ed for was $4,000, and the price allow.
ed the newspapers was TX cents a
copy. The legislature could not pass
better bill, very small proportion
of the people can afford to buy copy
of the session laws, yet they are en-
titled to know what their Legislature
has done, and to have the opportunity
of posting themselves upon the ordin-
airy laws. Our populist Legislature
could show their friendship for the
people in no better way than to place
the laws within the reach Of all.
There are a number of good sensible,
level-headed men in the lower house,
but they are not often in evidence
About the windiest pair of gas-bags
On the floor are Baker, of Pierce, and
the young man known as "Silver
Dick" Warner, who is commissioned
to hold up the west end of Snohomish
county,-and both think they are fit
for Senator They monopolize the
time of the entire house, and are al
ways on the floor.
Speaking of the "third house," or
lobby, Our populists have always howl
ed about that iniquity. Farmer Todd
is prominent member of that body,
but it is not known just what it is he
is pulling for, although his services
seem to be in demand. The N. P. has
no lobby at the capital, but the I1waco
oyster combine, the fsh-trap men,
number of the small railroads and a
host of senatorial candidates are rep
resentated in the lobby, which is lafg-
er than ever. None of the prominent
or democrats are in evil
dence, 1T is strictly populist gather
ing and is being left to work out it's
own salvation. So far, there appears
to be little harmony in the work, each
man is full of his own ideas of sena-
toria1 and Legislative matters, and is
f1ocking by himself.
The Editor spent last Friday in
Olympia watching the legislature at
work, or trying to work. The Senate
fairly we'll with that of last
session, but the personnel of the house
is below that standard, and it is lack
ing the proper number of balance
wheels to keep it in proper order.
Editor Freeman, who considers him
self the Nestor of populisrn, but has
not received airy vote for Senator, calls
it kindergarten. He is On the ground
and ought to know, but we hope as
many of our people as can will visit
the Capitol to see for themselves.
1t was confdentially given out that
this legislature would be for economy,
but already its friends are crying tears
IF disappointment over its extrava-
yance. There are just as many clerks
and employees, and their salaries are
just the same,-in fact, none were
willing to forego the taking of cent.
Smart, too, in a way. While other
took chances with other
people in cashing their warrants, the
first bill passed this session provided
that the tide land fund should be avail
able, and the boys get their cash.
Joe Gale and about 156 other fellows
who think they ought to be the next
isk Commissioner, are up in Olympia,
fostering the governor. We think
Zoe is the best qualified of the list for
he position, and it may be he could
help us get fish hatchery for the
river.