Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-05-29

quires the successful candidate 10 poll
10 per cent. Of the total vote cast.
The nineteen senators who voted
q gainst the bill because II aid not con-
tain this provision did not discuss the
question at all. but simply voted. That
their solicitude for the 20 per cent
provision alta ches principally or solely
to nominations for governor and lieu
tenant governor seems to be evidenced
by the fact that one OF their number
has, since the above vote was taken,
introduced bill providing for the
nomins ton by simply n plurality vote
at primaries OF candidates for United
States senator. Beth sides are max
ing strenuous efforts 20 win over one
vote. that being all Gat is necessary
to land q victory IL is possible that
the events OF this week will determine
he ultimate fate o. me Mn.
May Affect Other Measured.
An unfortunate feature of the situ-
arion Is tne chance that the sharp d.
vision on the primary bill may have
its effect on other measures. the con-
troversy having apparently engen-
dered much feeling. The senate has
passed a bill making an appropriation
for new prison In the upper PENN
sula. while the house has passed the
prison binder Irvine bill. The oppos-
Ing factions on the primary measure
In the senate are arrayed against each
other in their support OF these two
bills. II the feeling continues. there
is danger that one bill will be held of
a ga inst the other and both fail. There
are other important measures I'm this
same condition. IL will be seen. there
fore, that the effect Of the division
may possibly be far reaching.
Railroad Commission Bill.
II Is expected that today will wit
ness the conclusion OF the hearing be-
fore the senate railroad committee on
the bill providing for the creation OF
n state railroad commission with very
extensive powers OF regulation Of rail
road companies. Two hearings have
already been given. the time on eacl
occasion being fully occupied by rep
resentatlves of the companies which
unanimously and most vigorously OPP
pose the bill. This opposition is based
on every conceivable greun6. The
~e1Sf1Ss-s sss~+-e AsS Re tsn 70 -
drastic in its provisions that IL prac.
tically provides that the management
of their business he turned over to the
pronosed commission. They also claim
that certain provisions OF the bill are
unconstitutional inasmuch as they del
egate to the commission legislative ana
judicial powers. The friends OF the
bill are not greatly disturbed by these
attacks. claiming that precisely the
same tactics are being resorted 10 by
the cOmnanes i'm this case as I'm all
other cases where states have sought
to enact restrictive and regulative leg
islation.
Commercial Fishing Question.
The commercial fishing question
promised to engage the attention Of the
legislators in the near future. All the
tugs used by the fish trust in their OPP
erations are equipped with steam ap-
pliances for lifting their nets Senator
Mlng'S bin requiring the owners 10 pay
license fee for every rug so equipped
has been favorably reported by tho
committee ana viii be considered by
the senate rs n special order tomorrow.
Representative Campbell has secured
the approved by the house Of his bill
prohibiting the sale Of any fish taken
in any Of the inland lakes Of the state,
and Senator Bland has introduced p
bill wholly prohibiting the taking OF
fish from the Michigan waters of the
great lakes for period of FIVE years.
The claim is made that nonresident
fishermen are rapidly depicting the
supply Of fish.
Cigarette Bill.
The regular biennial fight over the
bill to prohibit the sale of cigarettes
In Michigan has been ut" for the pres
ent session and as usual. tho victory
Is with the opponents Of the bill. The
opponents OF the bill contended that
the present law is ample to protect the
youth OF the state and objected 70 cell.
ING grown M men that they should no.
smoke what they pleased. The law
now on The statute books prohibits the
sale OF cigarettes 10 minors under IL
years OF age There were. however
thirty one members Of the lower house
WIN believed that the law should he
extended and they voted against the
slaughter OF the bill.
The deadlock. or rather the disa gree
meht. between the two houses over the
provisions OF the bill for. conven-
ton 10 draft the proposed revision of
the constitution will probably be dis
posed OF within few days. The
questions at issue will be adjusted 10y
4 conference committee. The senate
representatives on this committee have
slrcady been appointed. Speaker
Whelan will name the house members
today. The house hill calls for a con
vention OF 100 members while the sen.
ate bill provides for but sixty mem
bers.
JAMES v. BARRY.