Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-01-10
JOHNSON WANTS NEW LAWS
Governor of Minnesota sees Many
Changes Needed in Exist
ing Statutes.

ST. PAUL, Jan. 9.-Governor Johnson's
message to the legislature declared that
the recent reductions of railroad freight
rates had not gone far enough, since rates
in other states and Canada show what can
be done to aid the people without being
unjust to the railroads.
The governor advocated a uniform 2-cent
per mile passenger rate law; adjustment of
all railroad passes excepting those to rail-
road employees and members of their fami-
lies, and legislation to enforce reciprocal
demurrage charges
Governor johnson recommended enact
ments requiring standard life insurance
policy, abolition of deferred dividend
schemes of insurance prohibition of po-
litical contributions from insurance inter
ests. regulation of the companies invest
ments and the officers salaries, and clear
annual company reports.
New Taxation Laws Desired.
The governor commended the primary
election principle, but desires that the pri-
mary law be amended. He recommended
removal of the non-liabiity of masters for
Injuries sustained through negligence Of
fellow servant. suggests a labor inspector
for each congressional district, giving them
authority of truant officer, recommended
registry and income tax on mortgages
and advocated a permanent state tax COM
mission and substitution of county tax
commissioners for the present assessor
system.
Other taxation RECOMMENDATION were: In
come taxes on royalties on mineral rights,
increased tax on iron production. higher
tax on sleeping car companies, penalties on
telephone companies for nonpayment of
taxes, better system of taxing express COM
panies. railroads to pay taxes semi-an-
nually, annual license tax on all corpora
tions present fixed tax on mineral leases
to be raised to minimum Of 50 cents per
ton on sliding scale. general increase of
state revenue from iron ore sources.
Governor johnson asks that an appropria-
| ton be made to enable the attorney gen.
eral to prosecute those responsible for
alleged extortionate increase in prices Of
| lumber
RecOmme datiOns by Deneen.
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.,, Jan. 9.-The forty
fifth general assembly convened a few
minutes after noon today with a large
crowd Of spectators present Governor
Deneen in his message to the legislature
recommended insurance legislation along
! the lines OF the laws of Massachusetts,, in
cluding a yearly apportionment of accrued
dividends; a statement of surplus to be
furnished the policy holders each year; dis
elimination by life companies a mis-
demeanor and thorough examination of
the affairs OF every company at least once
every five years.
He also urged that the insurance super
intendent be made the attorney for service
in this state for all insurance companies
authorized TO do business in Illinois, while
any liability remains outstanding against
such companies. He recommended law
prohibiting any insurance company from
owning the stock Of another.
There has BEEN he said. a general demand
for a more extended supervision OF the
banking business of skststate. not with ths
view OF interfering with. OF impairing the
conduct of sound business institutions, but
to prevent the unsound conduct of busi'
ness. All in banking business he said
should be treated alike and all be subject
to inspection by the federal or state govern
ment.
He pointed out the Importance OF the ex-
tension of a deep waterway from Lock.
port ILL.,, to St. Louis and recommended
legislation prohibiting the increase of capi'
tai stock bonded and other Indebtedness oi
railroads without regard to the actual value
of the road and also a law abolishing rail
road passes.
Ask Removal of Tarin on Lumber.
TOPEKA, Kan, Jan. 9.-In the senate
here today F. Dumont Smith introduced
concurrent resolution calling upon tho
Kansas delegation in congress to use al
honorable efforts TO secure the immediate
removal of the tariff upon lumber and
such reduction OF the tariff upon iron and
steel and the products thereof will pre-
serve a reasonable protection of the Ameri
can laborer and at the same time relieve
the American people from the excessive
and exorbitant prices now demanded and
received by the Steel trust and other pro
ducers of iron and steel and it's products"
The Kansas delegation also is requested
to secure the immediate enactment Of a Law
giving the president authority to conclude
such reciprocal trade agreements with for
eign countries as shall open for the agri
cultural products of this country, and
particularly beef and pork, those markets
now practically closed to them by reason
Of the tariff war existing between this anC
foreign countries.
Bills providing for a maximum freigh
rate on wheat and corn; a 2-cent passenge
rate and calling for the taxation of fran
chises were among the other measures in
troduced in the senate.
Needs of wyoming Set Forth.
=
B. Brooks in his message 10 the legislatur
today recommended a state depository law
E a primary election law, reapportionmen
. and a new banking law, and said that tn
3 railroads are not paying their just shar
E of the taxes. He called attention TO tn
r fact that the Ute Indians, whose Journe.
, across Wyoming last summer caused som
! excitement, are lawful citizens, and h
5 urged the legislature TO take measures I
5 prevent a recurrence OF such migrations
Irrigation" the message said has mad
= more progress in the last two years tina
in six years previous" and various sug
! gestlons are made for legislation which Wi
q encourage settlement and discourage litign
b | tion.
E An appropriation of $4,000 for wolf boun
, ties was recommended.
r DEvLIN ENDS CONFERENCE