The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1905-02-23
NEWS AND GOSSIP FROM THE
STATE CAPITOL.
Feb. 20. 1905.


the line as to trace, color, or previous
condition of servitude" when it comes
to members of the legislature, unless
it be that the red man, the original
American, is barred from this great ~
privilege. As matter of fact, how
ever, there are at this session neither
red men nor black, but outside of
that there is hardly limit. There
are men in the legislature whose
parents came from nearly every
European nation-yes, there is even
a Finlander in the House, possibly
the first one of that nationality to
gain admittance. His name is Saari
and he halls from the iron range
district north of Duluth, and he's a
good man too. don't think there
are any Doweites, neither have l
heard of any Christian Scientists or
Mormons, but am reliably informed
that there are many who profess
Christianity in some form or other.
To classify the solons from the
religious point of view, however, is a
task that l am, not at all anxious to
undertake. AS to nationality might
mention that out of the 1872 legislators
there are Is Norwegians, II Germans,
8 Swedes, couple of Bohemians, a
good sprinkling of Irish, and-well,
l guess most of the rest of them are
Americans and a goodly number are
also Minnesotans. Briefly stated,
the legislature of Minnesota is quite
cosmopolitan in it's makeup and the
opinion is quite general that it is
fortunate that it is so.
The Germans, and to their ever
lasting honor be it Sid, have won at
least one signal victory in the mag
nificent new capitol. The cafe recently
opened in the basement of the north
wing is decidedly "Deutsch" in its
appointments, except as to the good
old lager which is-not served. The
walls and ceiling are literally plastered
over with German proverbs and say
ings, ranging from scripture quota
tons to "Noch einen gegen das bose
Wetter." As the chef himself cannot
even understand a word of German
the fact just mentioned is coming to
be considered as one of the "seven
wonders" of the new capitol.
Speaking of nationality reminds
me of another legislative classified
ton, namely that of occupation, but
as have not yet finished the job of
obtaining data along this line must
perforce leave that to future letter.
The lawyers have the best Of the
argument, of course, but the farmers
and bankers crowd them pretty close.
Even the doctors are pretty much in
evidence and so are the merchants
and editors.
Speaking of editors, and there are
several of them among the members
and more among the officers and
employees, / am reminded of the fact
that in the House the man whose
name heads the roll call is an editor
and very we'll known one at that
namely, Elmer Adams Of Fergus
Falls. Mr.. Adams attained certain
degree of notority few years ago by
acting political manager for thu
present editor of the Sank Centr,
Herald, and it is needless for m,
to add that he "made good" He il
doing the same as a member of tn,
House and though he is the first tt
respond on every roll call his vott
rings out loud and clear-there is ne
hesitancy, neither does there seem tt
be the least possible doubt as to thu
sincerity of Mr.. Adams vote, be il
aye or no. His influence under the
circumstances can hardly be over
estimated and there are already 6
number of his fellow members who
have come to the conclusion that it's
all right to vote as Adams votes-anc
this does not mean only those who
are naturally followers" either.
In every body of men, be it large OF
small, legislative body or otherwise
there are always two distinct classes
leaders and followers. The Minnesots
Legislature is by no means an excep
ton to this rule. To pick the leaders
however, is a rather difficult task anC
one that am not at all ambitious tC
tackle. When it comes to "leaders'
there is considerable difference
between our legislature and Congress
In the latter there is an undisputed
leader both of the majority party and
the minority. Such distinction can
hardly be made in the legislature in
either branch. know of no democrat
in the house, for instance, who can
be said to hold a position akin to
that held in the national house by
John Sharp Williams. Even were
to name the one who in my estimation
comes nearest to occupying such a
relative position I am SIRE that ths