Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1897-01-22
FROM THE REALMS
OF LEGISLATION.
A WEEKS Do1NGs AT PIERRE.
A Weeks Happening Among Our
Law Makers as Seen By
Our staff Correspondent.

There was lively tilt between Glass
of Codington and the speaker Thursday
afternoon. The question under discus
sion was on the passage of the joint reso'
luton providing for legislative COM
mittee to settle with the treasurer and see
that the state funds were available and
getat-abe. The senate passed the reso-
luton almost unanimously, and like
action was expected in the house, as it
was not thought any Republican would
oppose a measure which is needed TO
protect the public funds. Had Governor
Sheldon used like precaution at the end
of Tayor's first term, the treasury would
not have been looted. Gov. Lee does not
propose to be captured and deceived by
the honied words of any man. He means
to protect the people and discharge his
duties according to law, no matter who
comes under the enforcement of this
principle.
When the resolution came up IN the
disposition to defeat the measure in any
manner possible. but the firmness of the
speaker and his knowledge of the rules
knocked the opposition into hole and
the klckers were defeated. Some Repub-
ncans who voted against the measure,
when It passed. changed their votes so
as to show on the record that they were
not opposed to settlement with the
state treasurer.
A lively scrap over the resolution of
censure introduced by Judge Palmer,
took place in the senate Friday afternoon.
| Tomlinson and Cavalier were the parties
| aimed at in the resolution, and when the
committee reported the resolution back
| Friday, and a motion to amend by in
the same back to the committee for
further action brought out the wrangle.
After quite a spirited discussion the
amendment and reference carried. A
system of journalism which includes
INSTRUMENTATION, falseh0od and deliber-
ate slander cannot be overlooked by any
body of men who admire truth and fair
play. There is nothing to be gained by
MISREPRESENTATION and falsehood. and the
arrows of malice generally return to
wound the man who shoots. Judge
Palmer is perfectly justified in his ar
raignment of correspondents who over
step the bounds of decency in corre-
spondence, because a law maker has no
other recourse than to expose the false
hoods sent broadcast. 1t has been the
aim of Republican newspaper corre-
spon>ients to belttle the Populist party
and Gov. Lees administration. No one
complains of just and fair criticism, but
every honest man should condemn the
wilful newspaper liar.
A great hue and cry has been raised
about Populist desire to crowd Treasur-
er Phillips out of Office in case he does
rot produce the funds within the time
prescribed bv law, and non.approval Of
his new bond within ten days. Gov.
Lee said he would reappoint Mr.. Phillips
treasurer IN case OF non-arrival Of funds
within the prescribed time, and to make
1t doubly safe, Judge Palmer introduced
a resolution to extend the time ten days.
and the resolution was rushed through
both houses and was the first act signed
by Gov. Lee. Republican newspapers
must feel mighty cheap after their
thunder over Populist methods to rob
Republicans of their offices.
There has, up to this time, Friday,
Jan. Is, been three contests decided
against Populists who were contesting
Repub blican seats. This will not be noted
with any degree Of Republican enthusi-
asm because the Populists were fair and
can be fair. If the LEADER is not great
| ly mistaken, the present Populist ma
jority will prove the fairest body of men
ever sent to Dakota legislature. The
railroads are given every opportunity to
be heard and will be heard to the end.
NJ man favors undue haste or a desire
to take snap judgment against man,
|
company or corporation. The Populists
will be fair throughout, although they
realize at the minority is bent on dill
atory action, and a desire to create con-
fusion. That much was expected.
The vice president of the Northwestern,
Mr.. Burke and Gen. Traffic Manager
Bird of the Milwaukee, were heard by
the railroad committees Of both houses
Friday morning.
The political situation is in Il decided
state of uncertainty today, Monday. No
man seems to be able to tell what to-
morrow will bring forth, STILL before this
letter is in print, the senator may be
named. and the lightning rods taken
down and housed.