The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1903-01-10
Lawmakers Gather at Lansing for
the Opening of the State
Legislature.
SESSION LIKELY TO Be A QUIET ONE.
No Important Measures 10 He consid-
cred Joint Republican Caucus
Kensfn ases Gen. AIger To Fiji Out
Unexpired Term of the Late SEN
aaor Mcmillan.
Ispeclal correspondence.l

Lansing, Jan. 5.-With the opening
of the session of the legislature this
city has again become a Mecca OF
politicians and officeholders from all
parts of the state.
Gen. Russell A. Alger will be elect
ed by the Legislature, on January 20,
as United States senator TO fill out
the unsepired term of the late Senator
Mcmillan, who died at Manchester,
Mass, last August. This is fore
gone conclusion, since the republican
majority in the legislature is over
whelming, and because at the joint re-
publican caucus Tuesday night the
general, who is now serving IN the sem
ate by appointment of Gov Bliss, was
unanimously nominated for that
honor. There were no other candi-
dates suggested. A dozen secunding
speeches followed that of State Sena-
tor Simons, of Wayne, placing Senator
Algcr inmomination, and the selection
was made amid great enthusiasm. The
senator was notified, and, on making
his appearance at the caucus, received
an ovation. He made brief speech OF
acceptance.
Separate caucuses were also held
Tuesday night by republicans of the
senate and house, and officers were
nominated TO serve throughout the
session. Senator Orlando Il. Fuller, of
Delta, was nominated for president
pro TEN. of the senate. +. V. Chilson,
of Ingham county, was nominated for
secretary. At the house caucus, John
j.. Carton, of Flint, the present speak
err, was nominated for the second
term. Lewis NJ. Miller, who has been
clerk of the house for n quarter OF a
century, was retired and the nomina-
ton went TO Charles S. Pierce, of Os-
coda.
So far as legislation Is concerned.
present indications are that the scs.
sion of 1908 will start off very quiet
ly. No important general measures
ms to taxation or railroad rates, such
as kept the legislatures Of the last
six years in constant turmoil, are
az yet apparent.
Senator-elect Burns, OF Grand Rap
ids, is preparing a bill calling for
constitutional amendment for the sep
aration of state and county taxes, ac-
cording TO a plan proposed by the at
torney general and Representative
Dingley during the last session. Rep
resentative Dingley secured the pas
sage through the house Of a joint reso-
luton amending the state constitu-
ton so as to accomplish this separa-
ton; but the resolution failed Of pas
sage in the senate on the last day Of the
session.
Thursday, January ], was inaugu-
ration day, and the ceremonies were
attended by large audience of resi-
dents of Lansing. Gathering i'm the
parlors OF the executive Office at the
state capitol at noon. Gov Bliss and
the state officers took the oath ~
Office Go support the constitution OF
the state and nation and To discharge
the duties OF their respective Offices
60 the best of their ability. There
were present besides the state officers,
Justices of the supreme court, a mum.
Der of appointive officers, depart.
ment clerks, public men and citizens
OF Lansing. The oath was admins
tered by Chief Justice Hooker, OF the
supreme court, to the officers in the
order in which their names appeared
ON the ballot. Gov. Bliss was fol-
lowed by Lieut. Gov. Maitland, Score
tary OF State Warner, State Treasur.
er Mccoy, Auditor General Powers.
Attorney General Blair, Land Conn
missioner Wildey and State Superir-
tendent OF Public instruction Fall.
The members of the state board OF
education were not present. At the
conclusion OF the swearing-in cere-
mony, Gov. Bliss turned Co his fellow
officers and spoke briefly, asking for
their loyal support. Then followed 4
pleasant and informal reception, the
officials and citizens present extend
ing their congratulations 60 the gov
enor and his fellow officers.
JASON.
poor Families suffer.