The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1907-01-09
Alleged to Be Unconstitutional.

to circumyent the provisions of the
state constitution relative to appro-
rriations for the governors office in
1903 and 1904, the total sum being
$9,8G0. In 1905 the amount for the
same Office was $780, the money be-
ing for private secretary, stationary,
stenographer incidentals and the con-
tingant fund. From 1890 to 1901 the
apEropl iation for the same office
amounted to about $4,000. The con-
tingent fund has been paid to the
governor in equal monthly Install
ments and without any itemized vouch-
er being fled with the state auditor.
The governor declares that such APP
preparations are not in accordance
with the provisions of the state con-
stitution and that the officers who re-
ceive this money can be required to
give an accounting for 1T in civil ac-
zion. He will request the attorney
general 10 carefully examine this fea-
lure of the case.
He says it is the duty of the legis-
lature to omit any such provision from
the appropriation acts of 1907 for the
expenses of the governors office or
that of any other officer of the state.
Platform Pledges Must BE Kept.
The dominant political party In this
state, which is entrusted with the re-
iponsibilty for its government and
zach of the other political organiza-
tions in the state, have, by platform
resolutions, emphatically declared in
tavor Of the enactment of the follow
Ing laws:
First-The enactment of law max
ing it a penal offense In this state for
any person, or corporation to give to,
or for any public officer, party dele
gate or committeeman to receive any
free pass or free transportation over
any railroad within the state or any
telegraph, telephone or express frank.
Second-The enactment of a law
that -~.ill prevent representatives of
corporate and special interests from
attempting to influence legislation ex-
cept by open and public oral, written
or printed argument before public
meetings of legislative committees.
Third-The enactment of COM
prehensive and practical primary elec-
ton law for the nomination of all con-
gressional, state, judicial, legislative
and county officers by direct vote of
the people.
Fourth-The enactment Of laws pro-
hibiting corporations from making
contributions in any form to any po-
litical party
Fifth--The enactment of a law re-
Quiring an accurate record Of all cam
paign contributions to be kept sand
publication of the same to be made.
They have also declared that the in
reference of public service corpora
tions in the politics of this state shall
be entirely eliminated.
These pledges must be redeemed by
thoroughgoing and effective legisla-
ton.
Anti-Pass Law.
Regarding an anti-pass law, the
governor advocates one similar to that
enacted by congress, as the national
law only affects interstate transporta-
ton and does not reach the giving of
such favors within the state. The In
fluence of the pass evil Is everywhere
felt, says the governor, and the evil
should be abolished root and branch.
The Legislative Lobby.
The legislature of the state Of Wis
,rtr ar aI q HET fyDO
years ago defining the rights and
limitations of persons desiring to be
heard upon measures pending before
the legislature Of that state and pre-
scribing penalties for violations there
Of Governor Folk of Missouri has
recently recommended identically the
same measure to the legislature of
that state, and | am pleased to recon-
mend the same measure to you.
This act makes 1t unlawful for any
person employed for pecuniary con-
sideration to attempt personally and
directly to influence any member of
the legislature to vote for or against
any measure pending therein other
wise than by appearing before the
regular committees thereof when in
session, or by newspaper publications,
or by public addresses, or by written
or printed statements, arguments, or
briefs, delivered to each member Of
the legislature, provided, that before
delivering such statement, argument
or brief, twenty-five copies thereof
shall be first deposited with the sec
retary of state. All persons appearing
for private or special interests, or for
public service corporations, must first
register, giving their names and ad-
dresses and the name Of their en-
ployer. No officer, agent, appointee,
or employe in the service of the state
Is permitted to use his influence with
a member of the legislature to vote
for or against any measure pending
therein affecting his pecuniary interest
except In the same open and public
manner. Persons appearing for spe-
cial interests for a pecuniary con-
sideration whether ex-members of the
legislature. or not, are not allowed to
go upon the floor of either house re-
served for the members thereof, ex-
cept upon the invitation of such house.
The violation OF the act Is made a
misdemeanor punishable by imprison-
ment in the county jail not exceeding
six months, and by fine not exceed