The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1901-02-01

Der Of justices from five to seven, and
the term Of Office from 10 to IA years,
but has not yet reached any conclu-
sion. Through an erroneous publica-
ton the impression has been created
that the bill seeks to increase the
terms OF the justices now on the
bench. This, of course, is not the
case, as such provision would be
clearly Invalid Inasmuch as the
constitution, which provided for the
creation of the present supreme court
as the successor Of the old court
made up OF circuit judges, provided
that the term of the members should
De eight years, many persons were of
the opinion that the legislature could
not legally provide for longer term.
1t appears, however, that this question
was raised In 1897 when the member
ship OF the court was increased from
four to five and the term from eight
to ten years, and the unanimous opin-
Ion OF the lawyers and court at that
time was that the constitutional provf-
sion mentioned related only to the first
eight years of the life of the court.
In response to the request Of the SEN
ate made on motion Of Senator Helme,
Attorney General Oren has within the
past few days officially expressed a
similar opinion. The fate of the bill
Is problematical, legislators being OPP
posed to the change proposed.
or Interest TO Farmers.
The farmers of Michigan will be in
terested in some of the demands made
by the Michigan Millers' Association
at their annual meeting here few
days ago. The members spent much
time in discussing the probable cause
of the short crops Of wheat which
Michigan has produced in recent
years. Some attributed it to soil ex-
haustion due to lack Of fertilization
and care on the part Of the farmers,
while others were of the opinion that
the introduction of strong foreign
grades Of wheat would overcome the
difficulty. The association, therefore.
formally requested the legislature to
make an appropriation Of not to exceed
81 900 with which to defray the ex-
penses Of an expert to be sent abroad
for the purpose of selecting varieties
OF wheat to be experimental with at
the Agricultural College experiment
station with n view to determining
which are best adapted TO Michigan
soils. The question Of adulteration Of
mill feed was discussed at length, the
statement being made that fully 65
per cent of the feed shipped into the
state by the oat meal trusts is adul-
terated, and the legislature was asked
to provide for the inspection Of feed
by the dairy and food commissioner.
The introduction OF so-called health
foods has made such inroads on the
sale Of -four that the association de-
I b. al cI,p vi
pamphlets setting forth the food value
of wheat bread.
Aid for the State Fair.
Another effort is being made this
winter to secure state aid for the state
fair. 1t has been several years since
this matter has been brought to the
attention of the legislature, but little
Roadway having been made on previ-
Gus occasions Other states help the
fair association very materially. The |
officials of the Michigan fair are ask
ing for annual appropriations Of $4,000 |
to be offered as premiums for Michi- |
gan products. The association Is now |
out of debt for the first time in years, |
and wants to remain so.
Michigan will make an exhibit at |
the Pan-American exposition. This |
much has been settled by the enact |
ment of a law appropriating $4,000 |
and providing for the appointment by |
Governor Bliss Of five commissioners
to arrange for the exhibit. The bill pro-
vides that $4,000 of the amount shall
be used in constructing Michigan
building, and the balance for the ex-
hibit. Governor Bliss will exercise
great care in selecting the commission,
his desire being to secure the service
Of representative men who can secure
the possible exhibits In the vari-
Jus lines of horticulture, agriculture.
mining, etc.
All hope that the present legislature
would change the method Of compen-
sating legislators has been abandoned,
several attempts to have the house
pass the Dingley joint resolution pro-
posing an amendment to the constitu-
lion to effect this change having
proved unsuccessful. AS finally amend
nent the resolution provided for
salary Of 81 900 for the term in lieu Of
per diem, mileage and all extras. 1t
g barely possible that another attempt
o pass the resolution might be sue
essful, but 1t is doubtful If it is made.
The SUNDAY Marriage Industry.
The ministers ana Otner cltlZenS |
Who are opposed to the Sunday marri-
lge industry as 1t flourishes at st.
Joseph during the summer excursion
eason, have made a start toward its
Representative Lugers
having introduced their bill which re-
Iuires that marriage licenses be pro-
ured at least five days in advance Of
he solemnization Of the marriage. |
Of the sections which
'rofit by the industry will work hard
or the defeat of the bill. They insist |
hat the situation as regards the al
eyed evils Of the system has been
realty overdrawn and misrepresented.
The anti-imitation butter and oleo-
Margarine bills are making satisfac.
Dry progress to all appearances. 1t
vas only one day last week that Rep
sentative Waterbury introduced his
i'll prohibiting the manufacture and
ale of imitation butter of any de.
the bill, however, not apply.
lg to oleomargarine In its natural
Dior and sold In a manner as to ap-
rise the purchaser of its nature. In
,ss than thirty ?slx hours the house
Dmmittee on state affairs had made a
aport recommending the passage Of ,
1e bill which is now on the general ,
rider and will be considered at once. !
his bill has the endorsement Of the {
tate Dairy association. Senator Tob-