The Washington herald., 1907-07-22

Fort Worth. Tex, July 21.-The new
laws enacted by the thirteenth legisla-
ture OF the State Of Texas are now for
the most part in full force and effect
The drastic tendency Of those laws ana
the radical provisions Of some Of them
have attracted a great deal Of adverse
criticism. not only at home, but in other
States interested in the material progress
and prosperity of the Lone Star State.
That the last legislature would enact
some radical measures was fully un-
derstood in Texas prior to its assem-
blage for it was apparent the new State
administration would seek 10 make good
its ante-election promises in every pos
sible particular. Gov. Thomas NJ. Camp
bell made hh campaign on radical issues,
and in the flush OF political success, and
when accepting the nomination by the
Democratic party Of this State he pro-
/ claimed from the public rostrum that
every platform pledge uDon which he was
nominated should be enacted into law II
he had to keep the legislative proboscis
continually TO the grindstone during his
entire term OF Office.
Insurance Companies Quit State.
Members Of the legislature resented
/ this assertion on the part of the execu-
tive 10 a considerable extent, from the
/ fact that the average Texas legislator
prefers 10 operate Independently OF the
/ executive, and for a time It appeared as
/ II a serious clash were imminent. Sew
eral OF the governors pet measures were
held up, With indications that they would
be ruthlessly slaughtered; but that gen
ueman was possessed Of sufficient
strength 10 not only get the situation well
in hand, but to carry those measures
. through under whip and spur and finally
witness their enactment into law.
Some Of the most radical measures en-
acted are as follows.
Under the terms Of the Robertson Law
life insurance companies doing business
IN this State are required 70 deposit IS
per cent Of the reserves on Texas bust
ness in the State and pay tax Of per
cent on gross premiums collected. This
investment must be . per cent now, fol-
lowed by 30 per cent more before January
l. This law has resulted in the with
drawal Of nearly all the larger life insur-
ance companies from the State and the
closing Of hundreds Of offices heretofore
devoted to Insurance purposes.
While numerous smaller concerns have
applied for permission TO do business I'm
the State. the exodus Of the larger com
panies is regarded as a serious mat
ter, and the prediction is made that the
law viii be promptly repealed by the
next legislature. One Of the larger com
panles has remained and intends TO con-
test the law.
New Liquor Law Gives Satisfaction.
The growth of the prohibition senti-
ment in Texas. as reflected in the con-
stand spread Of local option. is one Of
the things that has caused much com
ment, and is doubtless responsible for
the effort that has been made 10 regu-
late the liquor traffic under the pro-
visions Of the new Baskin-McGregor law.
which is now In effect. and which
threatened at one time, under the ruling
Of the attorney genera! OF the state. TO
create a period Of enforced prohibition
throughout the State BY closing all the
saloons.
Under this law licenses for selling re-
tail liquors are raised from 500 to 500
year. and license can only issue 10 per-
sons more than twenty-one years Of age
and who have resided in the county more
than two years. No person convicted Of
felony can procure license, and saloons
cannot be situated in the same block
with church or where a majority of
the block is OF a residential character.
No music or games is allowed in any
saloon. or screens Minors, habitual
drunkards, and lewd women are not
permitted to enter a saloon and saloons
must close at y o'clock every night, re-
naming closed until ) o'clock the next
morning, closing at midnight Saturday
night and opening at 5 o'clock Monday
morning. Penalties and punishments are
made more severe and this law is gener-
ally regarded as a good thing.
Railroads Like Anti-pass Law.
The new anti-pass law. which was
Democratic State platform demand. is
now in fun force and effect. Under its
provisions the free list is practically sus-
pended, only railway employees, INDECENT
persons. victims Of accidents, and Fed
eraI employees being allowed free trans
poFtation. This law will, according to the
opinion of Railroad Commissioner Col
quit, who was a leading candidate for
governor, save the railways the sum of
S3.000OCO yearly. through the cutting out
Of 100000 miles of free transportation
every year.
The effect Of the law is that no man
VINO is in public service shall ACCEPT free
railway transportation, and this has al
ready resulted in the resignation OF sew
eral leading members Of the legislature
which enacted the law. Members of vari- |
Gus city councils in the employ of rail-
ways have also resigned, and the effect
seems to be to thoroughly smoke out the
railway influence that has long been com
planned of in the public service.
Railways are well pleased with the new
law, as it has enabled them 10 cut off /
many persons to whom passes have here |
tofore been issued as a mere matter of
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