The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1907-03-14
LATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION
AS Seen Through the Eyes of
Another Correspondent

The Legislative Session closed at
1917 p. m, on Friday. In many ways
this session has been unique in the
history OF South Dakota legislation.
Never before has there been gathered
together type of men such as
composed the Tenth Legislature. The
great moral awakening of the people
that was so strikingly evidenced by
the complexion OF congressional legis-
lation during thepast two years is also
evidenced in the work of many OF the
| state legislatures this winter and South
Dakota has not been inconspIcuous in
this respect.
1t is true that the opening Legislat-
ure gave some promise OF radical enact
ments and freak legislation but this
did not come to pass and the laws now
on the statute books oftbe state are con-
| servative, fair and based on the endur-
ing princiipalt that with justice only will
the people rule. 1t is certain too that
the stalwart element of the Legislature
which made up most vigilant minor
ity had much to do with the tempered
fairness OF the enactments but it is
also true that it is to the reform
element that the people owe the
primary, the anti-pass, the anti-lobby,
the "a cent rate, and those other acts
relating to the supervision and control
OF public service corporations.
This session has been a busy one
and there has been a great deal OF hard
work and study on the part OF both
houses. The friendships formed
among the members though brief have
been pleasant and marked by a strong
fellowship, Not once has a member
been called to order nor has any man
uttered one word in public speech
against his fellow membeas. This
good feeling was strongly in evidence
during the last few days when it was
realized that the session would soon
be over.
The senate met last Thursday even
ing just for fun for there was nothing
to do in the way OF real work. The
lobbies were crowded and nearly every
member was present to join in the pro-
gram OF horseplay that made the
Chamber seem more like an assem-
blage of college students than grave
and gray haired statesman.
The same spirit appeared in the
House chamber at its closing session
Friday morning. While the Speaker
was signing the last bills and winding
| up llc hUdlTS OI IDe sebSlOn, various
members were called to the chair and
the rulings OF the presiding officer
were often the subject of considerable
hilarity. Members attempting to give
one last twist at the eagles tail in
OratOrical flight were rudely interrupted
by cries Of louder" until the din was
terrific. The bald headed sergeant at
arms pacing up aEu down the aisies
would be greeted with good-natured
INSTRUMENTATION and even compelled
to flee for his life among shower OF
books, waste baskets and other furni-
ture not nailed down. Several House
members responded to call for a
Dutch song and one scandinavian
member as Chairman insisted upon
making all rulings in his native
tongue neCessitating the appointment
of Representative Simonson OF Brook
ings to act as Interpreter,
Some one suggested a Norwegian
song at the close but it was Mr..
SimOnsOn who addressed the Chair
requesting that the House close its
labors by singing together that beloved
song OF the new fatherland, America.
The enthusiasm with this was accept
ed and the vigor OF the last chorus OF
voices made the hearts OF those present
warm at the thought that this is not
country second to any fatherland but
first in the hearts OF every South
DakOtan, the sweet land OF liberty.
M,