The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1903-01-23

two houses, and nine-tenths of them
are purely local in their application.
The time may possibly come when
the people of the state of Michigan
will consent to change in the consti-
tuition which will leave this local legis-
latiOn to the legislative bodies Of the
respective localities where it properly
belongs, and thus cut the sessions of
the state legislature squarely in two.
Even as it is, only the representatives
of the respective localities which the
tention to these bills, but the expense
entailed by them is increased wonder
fully by the present system.
Vote for United States Senator.
Today the members Of each house
will, in accordance with the require
ment, vote for United States senator.
TOday's vote will be taken in each
house separately, the provision being
that it shall be so taken on the sec
ond Tuesday Of the legislative session.
Tomorrow ut high noon the two
houses will meet in joint convention
and the senators and representatives
will cast their votes for their choice
for this high Office. This will COM
plete the requirements, and General
Russell A. Alger will then have been
formally elected senator for the unex-
pired term Of the late James McMil-
Ian.
1t Is altogether likely that the legis-
lature will adjourn this week for ten
days. This is to enable the two
houses, or the committees thereof, to
visit the various state institutions. In
my first letter 1 predicted that the leg
lslature would go back to the old plan
OF having so-called junket, and it
was returned 70 by unanimous consent,
experience having taught those who
succeeded in having 1t abolished two
years ago that 1t is a saver Of both
time and money. This junket will take
place much earlier this year than in
previous sessions, the desire Of the
presiding officers being to have this
necessary business out of the way at
the earliest possible moment
Favors Anti Cigarette Law.
Mrs. Lucy Page CASTOR of the anti
cigarette league Of Chicago was here
last week and interviewed a number
Of legislators with view to having the
anti-cigarette law of Tennessee en-
acted in Michigan. This law provides
fine and Imprisonment for making,
selling or bringing into the state any
cigarettes. 1t is understood that Sen
ator Westover will introduce the bill
In the senate and that both the execu-
tive and educational departments of
the state will give it their moral sup
port at least.
If the recommendation of the state
court of mediation and arbitration,
which were made to the legislature
few days ago, are adopted there will
be enacted Il law which will require
the chief executive of each city and
village in the state to notify the court
promptly Of All labor troubles within
their respective jurisdictions, so that
the court may tender its services in
effecting settlement. The court does
not believe in compulsory arbitration,
deeming 1t an infringement of the con-
stitutional rights of the Individual
believe the assertion Is warranted that
the powers Of this court ought to be
enlarged, or the court should be abol-
ished. AT present it is just about as
useful as fifth wheel to wagon,
and no more. For n number of years
previous to the election Of Governor
Pingree successive executives paid no
attention TO this law. and purposely
neglected TO appoint members OF this
court. for The conceded reasons that
the law gave the court 10 powers
worthy Of the name.
Representative Kirk Of Tuscola, In