The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-01-18

investigate the state labor bureau
marked the first investigation of the
session, and gave rise to a spirited de-
bate, for the investigation shows that
the senate has no hesitancy in allow
ing the public to gain full knowledge
of how the departments are managed.
There have been sixty-eight bills in
troduced since the opening of the ses-
sion, and the most important refer to
banking, taxation, insurance and cleo
ton laws. AS rule they aim to cure
defects or add powers that seem to be
necessary in the light of practical ex-
perfence. According to the rules of the
senate, all bills asking an appropria,
ton of money will be considered by the
finance committee, and there is an evil
dent disposition to carefully scrutinize
all measures and allow no expenditure
which is not fully justified. The sena-
tors seem to favor a wise and judicious
economy in order that the burdens Of
taxpayers may be made as light as pos
sible. This Is evident in the employ
ment of clerks and subordinate officials
as we'll as In the scrutiny of bills.
A long list of appointments has been
sent by the governor TO the senate for
confirmation. Only a few have been
confirmed, on account of the adoption
OF a rule providing that all appoint
ments shall lie over three days after
being sent to the senate. Tuesday l..
G. Powers was reappointed labor COM
missioner, Nathan C. Kingsley as a
member Of the grain and warehouse
commission, and John E. Coleman and
T.. H. Titus, trustees of the state hos
pitfalls for the insane. Friday the SEN
ate held an executive session to con-
slider other appointments, but after
confirming two members Of the board
of health, split over the appointment
nf I'D 81
Tuesday morning. The appointments
in all state departments are almost
identical with those Of two years ago,
and the candidates expect confirmation
without any trouble.
DUNN-DAY CONTEST.
The Dunn-Day contest has been a
fruitful subject for speculation, and lit
will be some time before it is settled.
The special committee on elections met
Wednesday and organized. Another
meeting was held Friday afternoon and
the taking of testimony commenced.
There is every probability. however.
that the senate itself will discuss and
finally decide the most important points
at issue.
The senate being a body holding
over from the last session. presents
fewer surprises than the house, be-
cause the members are all acquainted
with each other and accustomed to
their committee work and the col
leagues of the last session. The chair
manships have been arranged differ
emily this year, but those most con-
cerned seem we'll satisfied with the
makeup of committees and ready to
get down to business without delay.
The judiciary committee, by dint Of
daily sessions, has reported some bills
already, and the other committees will
be able to meet this week and dispose
of the measures intrusted. to them.
Among the special committees, that to
investigate the beet sugar industry ex-
poets to begin it's labors this week.
Altogether, the week has been an in
teresting one in the senate; there was
a disposition to push routine business
along as fast as possible, but this did
not interfere with a number Of interest
ing debates.