Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-02-20
LEGISLATIVE DOINGS

Lansing, Mich, Feb. 19.-The COM
mittee OF five commissioned officers OF
the Michigan National Guard which
has been working for several weeks
ON a tiIl thoroughly revising the laws
governing the states military estab-
lishment has completed its work. The
state military board has - over the
proposed bill, has made minor amend
ments here and there. and will have
the measure presented to the legisa-
ture at once. Two OF the principal
features OF the bill provide for state
armories In the various cities where
companies OF the National Guard are
located and for the payment OF enlist
ed men for attending drills.
Power TO Erect Armories.
The armory section confers upon the
state military board authority to erect
state armories In such cities as il
deems necessary, or to purchase ar
mories now in use. The cost of armo-
ries Is limited to $4,000 for a single
company. $27,5O0 per company for
from two to four companies, $4,000
per company for regimental armories.
Provisions for the payment of the cost
or these armories will be a bond issue.
bonds to run for maximum period OF
fifteen years and bear per cent in
terest. These bonds are to be retired
by the revenue from a one-twentieth
Of a mill tax during the term of the
bond issue. The expense OF maintain
ing these armories will devolve upon
the companies occupying them. all rev.
enue from rentals for any purpose to
60 into the maintenance fund.
The bill provides for paying the en-
listed men and officers for attending
not more than forty drills per year.
the minimum rate OF compensation be-
Ing 20 cents per meeting for privates.
the rate increasing with the grade OF
the soldier. Like amounts are TO be
forfeited for each unexcused absence
from drill. 1t is proposed to encour-
age craftsmanship by providing for
adding a certain percentage of the
above compensation to those soldiers
In the craftsmanship and sharpshoot-
or class.
IOT E-TOfnOtiOn
II Is proposed to do away entirely
with the present system OF electing
officers above the grade OF second lieu
tenant. all promotions TO be governed
by seniority and the fitness OF the can
dIdate. The existing law empowers
the governor to appoint the brigadier
general from among the officers ABOVE
the rank of captain. The new bill pro-
vides that this selection shall he made
by the governor from among the colo
nels OF the brigade. Even second lieu
tenants will no longer be elected II
this bin becomes a law. but will be
chosen By competitive examination
Chair-NIaking at Ionia.
Following the decision Of the SUI
preme court that the broom making in
dustry at Jackson is being carried on
In contravention OF the convict labor
provision of the state constitution. an
attack has been made on the reed chair
industry at the Ionia reformatory. The
defense is that this industry does not
conflict with any community the chief
supply OF which is manufactured In
Michigan. Warden Fuller states in
his annual report. just issued. that this
contract Is the most satisfactory one
ever entered into at the Ionla prison.
IL gives employment to 422 prisoners
whose services yield the state 5000
per month. In addition TO this the
convicts, Ivy accomplishing more than