The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1907-02-07
THE STATE LEGISL ATURE
Transactions in the Senate House Representatives

in the house Saturday bills were
introduced providing that the counties
shall pay for the keeping at charitable
institutions of destitute and parent
less children; compelling railroads to
maintain stations at all sidings where
shipments of grain and merchandise
are made; providing an indemnity by
the state for horses Killed in eradica-
ting glanders and other infectious dis.
eases: repeating the mechanics lien
law.
A 2-cent railroad fare bill was re.
ported favorably, also that requiring
the stoppage of all trains at county
seat stations.
A bill to license railroad men was
killed.
In committee of the whole the house
recommended the passage of q bill
limiting the terms Of county officers
to two terms Of two years each except
superintendent. Similar action was
taken on a measure for hard labor for
by county Jail prisoners.
In the senate very little was done
beyond hearing arguments in the
Washburn-C Crane contest. In commit
tee of the whole that body sat two
hours in the morning and two in the
afternoon, when the committee took a
-ecess without action until Tuesday.
The senate was flooded with resolu-
lions Monday, among them being an
Endorsement of President Roosevelt's
stand in dismissing the colored SOL
diers at Brownsville, for better grain
inspection at terminals, or elevators
will be urged to be built and maintain
ed by the bankers and farmers of this
state. and for the drainage of the Red
river valley by national aid.
The bill making the possession of a
government tax stamp prima facie evil
dence of blindpigging was up for pass
age, but after considerable sparring
was referred back to the judiciary
committee on the plea that it might
not be constitutional, which is thought
to be only a scheme to kill it in the
interest Of the piggers.
The bill compelling certain num-
Der Of trees to be planted each year on
school grounds was passed.
Senate bills introduced: Appropri-
ating $4,000 for an industrial school
at Glendale; for a state board of
equalization, to be composed Of three
members to be appointed by the gov
ernor. and machinery for the same;
making the antitrust law constitution.
al by repeating the section excepting
agricultural products from the law;
assessment of grain in warehouses;
state superintendent to fill vacancies
in school boards if not filled within
thirty days by the board.
The house had its usual set.to. It
vas over a resolution of johnson OF
Ward, ordering the committee on ap-
preparations to hold a meeting and get
busy. Almost every one took hand
in the debate and brought out the fact
that a great deal of quiet sparring is
going on over the matter of appoint
ment, the valley counties striving to
prevent a loss of representation by
reason of the remarkable growth in
the western counties. 1t appears that,
while the committee has not had for
NAL meeting. the members have got
together and have outlined that which
Gontemplates an increase of four men,
pers in each house. but as the appoint
lnent is unjust to the western counties
mendments will undoubtedly be made
hoforc it is passed, if ever presented.
Among the bills introduced were:
Compelling railroads properly to light
their depots; constitutional amend
nient reducing the rate of interest
from 6 to per cent on land purchased
from the state, and providing an OPP
cion of paying for the land at five in.
stead of twenty years; apportionment
bill increasing the senate eight mem
hers. but leaving the house un'
changed; $4,000 for improving the
state militia grounds at Devils Lake.
Bills passed: Vacancies on boards
.f county commissioners to be filled
by election instead of by appointment
ny board. The bill making it unlaw-
!ul to solicit orders for intoxicating
liquors in the state went through with
only seven dissenting votes. the Dill
maxim gthe antitrust Jaw constitution
al, as outlined in the senate mention
nf similar bill; house bill 43, main
enance of railroads. requiring public
nfrce in the state for same and stock
books to be open for inspection; re-
curing all passenger trains to stop at
county seats. House bill 10, maximum
rate bill, 2-cent fare and demurrage
went to committee of the whole for
discussion Tuesday, but from the de-
hate ON this motion it is apparent the
house will pass this or very similar
The senate met Tuesday morning
again in committee of the whole on
the Washburn-Crane contest. The
argument of Senator Purcell of Rich
land county was the feature of the ses-
SIGN. Mr.. Purcell took up the case for
Contestant Washburn and spoke for