Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1901-02-06
ST. PAUL LETTER.

ST. PAUL, Feb. S.
This week has been comparatively
busy one for the lawmakers. Some
novel features have entertained the
disinterested observer, and some
"knotty'' problems have been solved
in style peculiarly the majority's
own.
The joint re-apportioament COM
mittee has embarked upon it's voyage
for the discovery of new congressional
districts and senatorial courtesy is
likely to be bit weather-beaten when
the mariners land-most of them
high and dry. There are many am
bilious members, who are hoping to
dissolve the congressional trust to
their own advancement. By the way,
there are three democrats on that
joint committee of thirty -one, and it is
said that the minority members
are lonely. However, they are being
consoled with the thought that the con-
gressional situation may, just as like
ly as not, be improved from demo-
cratic point Of view.
Amends have been duly made to
Lowry for the loss of that toga. He
may find little sweetness in the Bit
terness of defeat, for the majority has
refused to approve three of the recess
appointments of Governor Lind, these
being hold.over officials. Two of the
three, John E. King of Mobiles county
and A. 81. Hendrickson of Todd coun-
ty, were members of the state board of
equalization, whicn raised the as
sessed valuation of Mr.. Lowry's rapid
transit company, about $4,000, 900.
Three other members of the board re-
tire this month, and at the next meet
ing the board of equalization will be
controlled by the administration
party. The temerity of that 'raise"
is avenged, and Mr.. Lowry is doubt
less happy.
With regard to the case of Vandi-
yer. The Miller resolution dispens-
ing with his services as clerk of the
re-apportionment committee was con-
sidered in the senate today and was
lost by good vote. The joint reap
portionment committee met later to-
day and decided to employ a clerk
from among those who are holding
sinecure positions in the house. The
committee has repudiated Mr.. Vandi-
yer, after the senate had just endorsed
him il1l There will be another chapter
to the case, which promises Is contain
the climax and an interesting one at
that.
Senator DAILY, in voting for the
resolution stigmatized the matter of
procedure as cowardly, as the real
charge against Mr.. Vandiver, namely
his connection with the Molly Morris
pardon scandal, has been left un-
spoken, although every newspaper
reader in Minnesota knew we'll that
the basis of the suggestion for his re-
moyal rested in that silently implied
accusation.
II do not think his services are
needed. We, 1.-The minority members
of this body, left to the judgment of
the majority members the selection of
all clerical help. They assured us
that this man was needed. We did
not demur at his appointment. They
suddenly find that he is not needed.
On the score of economy, 1 will vote
against him, but I must protest
against him being made q scape-goat
to shield the governor, whose relations
to the Morris scandal, the state has
the right TO know"
The Vandiver matter is far from
settled,
Upon request of Senator Barker,
and at the same time that the Senate
refused to concur in the nominations
of John E. King and A. n. Hendrick-
son, members of the Board of Equali-
zatiOn, the senate also refused to con-
cur in the nomin nation of Rev. Gustave
Wahlund of Isanti county, as men,
Der of the state board of charities and
corrections. Senator Barker spoke
of the reverend gentleman, who, by
the way, is pastor of the Swedish
Lutheran church at Spring Lake, as
being slow of speech and action, as
being persona non grata to the other
members of the board, rankly often
sive partisan, and as being grossly
unfit for the Office which he has held
with honor for some time past, under
Governor Lind's administration.
Senator Stockwell (Dem.) retorted
that the gentleman had been his col
league in the house, that he had
known him as an upright, honorable,
worthy gentleman, a deep and potent
thinker, and added that he was quick
enough of word and action to make it
almighty hot for the senator from
Isanti in his race for the Office he now
holds. He scoffed at the idea of q
minister of the gospel such as was the
Rev. Mr.. Wahlund, being ignorant,
This brought some warm retort
from the Senator from Isanti, but he
made no charges and the Minnesota
''House of Iords'' voted down Mr..
Wahlund, on strict party lines, with.
out advancing any valid objection
against him. z \. III :s. ]. {.