Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1897-02-26
A BUSY WEEK
In the State Legislative Halls
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY
SEVEN BILLS INTRODUCED IN
A SINGLE DAY.

Speaker Gordon was forced 10 be away
the last of the week, and so the legis-
lators had more than bushel of fun
with the speaker protein. Representa-
tive Bates had introduced bill to pro-
mote morality and was much chagrined
to hear an amendment read with 1t
exempting the Governor of Michigan
and Mayor of Detroit from fine i'll case
of the use of profanity, and that under
great provocation, the commissioner OF
railroads shall be exempt from its pro-
vision. On a protest from Bates, the
bill was returned to the committee on
state affairs.
In a jocular spirit, Representative
Harris offered the following resolution
which brought forth a storm of applause
and laughter:
Whereas, refined sentiment seems
to call for the adoption of state flower;
and
Whereas, the Irish potato is the most
universally grown of all our vegetable
products and has lately gained great
political notoriety, and being blossom
ing plant universally grown III this
state; therefore
Resolved, by the senate and house of
representatives of the state of Michigan,
that the Pingree peach blow blossom be
designated as the state flower of the
state of Michigan.
Numerous bills of like purport were
introduced before this spirit passed
away and the members settled down to
business.
A bill forbidding the opening of pho
tograph galleries or Sunday has been
noticed i'll the house. The fine is fixed
at not less than $500, nor more than
$1,000.
Representative Oberdorffer of Menom-
inee, wants the act providing for a
bounty for killing English sparrows re-
pealed. He says the birds destroy
young grasshoppers and other insects,
and are valuable in agricultural dis
tricts. His own county is paying about
$500 year a III bounties.
Senator Covell introduced a bill to
force Gov. Pingree to nominate his
choice for labor commissioner before
the session adjourns, sine die. 1t pro-
vides that when the term of state
officer expires during the legislative
session, the governor must make the
appointment to office, otherwise the in
cumbent will hold over until the next
session.
If the bill passes, it means the COVER
nor can't wait until adjournment and
then nominate Prof. Bemis.
Representative Harris has bill to
$77,000.00 to the State
Home for the feeble minded at Lapeer.
The bill provides for the building of
three new cottages and a number of
other incidental expenditure which it is
claimed are greatly needed.
Moore has introduced a bill which
should certainly carry. 1t is to appro-
pirate 100000 to the State Board of
Health to comply with the act, provid-
ing for the teaching in public schools
commune able diseases are spread. Too
much care cannot be taken in regard to
this very important function of the
health officers, and they should not be
crippled for lack of funds.
With view to instlling more deeply
into the hearts of the youth, the spirit
of patriotism, Representative Kimmis
introduces bill compelling the display
of the national colors over the school
houses during school days. In the
portions of the city where the foreign
children are in so large majority this
cannot help having its salutary effect.
A new phase of the liquor question is
the bill to empower township boards to
fix the time for closing saloons.
:
Another good bill is the one to pro-
hibit the shooting or hunting of game
on Sunday, and providing heavy
penalty therefore. This bill is a good
one
Senate Bill lsl is to provide for the
punishment of all persons who shall
entice, allure or persuade any male
child under the age of sixteen for the /
purpose of taking indecent liberties.