Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1907-11-02
Work for the legislature.

The tenor of public discussions now
under way, coupled with the known at
titude of the Governor-elect, and edi-
torials expressions in the state press,
have outlined the most important mat
tcrs to be brouget before tho legisla-
tive session. With considerable GER
tainty it may be asserted that the fol-
lowing will be the most notable sub
ject before the lawmaking body.
Constitutional prohibition, accom-
panied by "a statutory measure to be
operative until the constitutional
measure can be made part of the or
ganic law.
An elective Judiciary system.
Curtailment of gubenatorial appoin-
tive power by increasing tee number of
elective Offices.
Re-apportionment of legislative rep
resentation by giving the southern
counties larger percentage of mem
bers.
Enactment Of two-cent rate law
applicable to passenger traff, and
statutes comforting more power on the
railroad commission in the regulation of
freight rates by making that body d
court Of record.
A more equitable method of distribu-
ting the common school fund by making
school terms Of equal length in all the
counties.
Establishment of a state normal and
training school for the teachers, and
appropriation of at least sl0O, 900
therefor.
Revision of thr statutes pertaining to
assessments, ana creation of a state
board of equalization.
Appropriation for the establishment
of state charity hospital in Jackson.
Amendments to the primary election
law safeguarding the ballot and pro-
viding different dates for state anG
county elections.
Comforting Presidential suffrage on
women.
Correction in the numerous errors in
the new annotated code caused by legis-
lative oversight and carelessness.
1t is not expected, of course, that all
of these matters will be enacted, but
they will be largely in the public eye, op-
position to certain of the changes above
outlined having already developed.
For instance strong sentiment is be
ing asserted in opposition to hostile leg
islation affecting the railways, many OF
the lawmakers feeling that at this pc.
Rod in Mississippi's development, wher
mauy new railway lines are being pro-
posed, the state can i'll afford to as
sumo hostile attitude.
1t is believed that feeling of con-
servatism will be developed during the
early part of the session, and the law.
making men will content themselves
with the enactment only of sucl
measures as are deemed necessary for
the political and industrial welfare Of
the commonwealth; finish the work
quickly and go home. A glance at the
personnel of the lawmakiug body shows
that neither branch will be lacking in
the men capable of assuming leader
ship and directing thoughtful consider
alton and intelligent action.
The radicals, of course, are expected
to assert themselves. Like the poor.
they are always with us, seeking to
bring themselves into The limelight Of
publicity by all sorts Of spectacular
stunts. but, unless the judgment of this
writer is greatly in error, the radicals
will be very much in the minority, and
will not succeed in attracting undue at
tention to themselves, or engrafting on
the statute books dangerous and I'M
wise legislation.
Governor-elect Noel is a conservative
statement, and common sense and cor
servatism should be the keynote of his
administration. Commercial Appeal.