The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1907-03-02

out the state will figure I'm the bout.
The present railroad committee OF the
house consists OF nine members.
Speaker Whelan deems II desirable
that the membership be increased to
nine The speaker gives MS his reason
for desiring the increased number the
unusual Importance and number OF
pending railroad bills and the advlsa-
billty OF having them considered by a
more representative committee.
Increase Will he Opposed.
Some less diplomatic persons claim
that, rs at present constituted, the
committee has too much sympathy
with the railroad interests and that
the railroad bills favored by the adj
ministraton will fare better II more
so-called reform members are added TO
the committee. Whatever the real rca-
son for the attempt TO increase the
committee II will be vigorously OPP
posed, and the result may In meas
ure indicate the probable lineup on the
pending railroad bills. the principal
one OF which Is that which seeks 10
reduce the passenger rate ITO . cents
per mile throughout the lower PENN
sula. Inasmuch, however, as two
thirds vote go Is necessary 20 author
lie the speaker 90 increase the com
mittee. whereas n majority vote OH
VIII pass bill, the defeat of the com
mlttee proposition would not neces-
sArlly portend the defeat OF the bills.
There are indications that the rail-
road companies have enlisted the aid
OF their employees In the fight against
the passenger rate and other bills ar
fecting their interests. The cry has
been raised that the passage OF these
measures Will necessltate decreasing
the wages OF employees, and these EN-.
ploycs are expected 90 protest through
committees representing their various
organized bodies against the passage
OF the bills. Already representatives
OF one or two organizations or classes
OF employees have been here 10 protest.
Danger IL Pointed Out.
The prosperous condition OF the state
coupled with the increasing needs OF
the various state institutions have
combined 10 induce the ways and
means committee OF the house 30 take
an early stand against lne danger OF
increasing the tax budget TO abnormal
figures. All the Institutions are ask
ing for more money and appropriations
are being requested for n large number
OF new projects Many OF the desired
appropriations are comparatively small
individually, but unless these matters
are carefully handled az the outstart
there Is danger OF heavy drain upon
the treasury before the absolutely nee
essary appropriations are considered,
thus resulting In a budget OF startling
proportions. Governor Warner recog.
nized this danger early IN the session
and warned the committees OF the two
houses 20 guard against II.
A start IN the direction or economy
was made last week when the ways
and means committee Of the house, OF
which Charles II. ward OF Shlawassee
county Is chairman, cut two approprl-
atoms already passed by the senate.
This committee reduced from $4,000
to $4,000 the appropriation FOR a
Michigan exhibit az the jamestown ex-
position. and fr1m $1,000 10 $4,000
the appropriation FOR state fair pre-.
mlums.
Anti-Saioon League Champion.
Senator Luke Lugers OF Holland APP
pears 20 be the legislative champion
OF the antl-saloon league this session.
Representative Hudson OF Kalamazoo,
who enacted this role two years ago.
not having become active this year.
Senator Lugers has introduced the first