The Norfolk weekly news-journal. (Norfolk, Neb.) 1900-19??, 1907-02-22
RAILWAY RATE MATTERS
STATE LEGISLATURE WILL GIVE
POWER TO COMMISSION.
MEN WHO MAY RIDE ON PASSES
Lawyers Who Draw $500 Per Year
From the Railroads, Surgeons and
caretakers of Live Stock - Vote
Against Tipping.

caretakers Of Live Stock - Vote
Against Tipping.
Lincoln, Neb., Feb. 16 - The rail
way commission bill must go through
the legislature with a hop, skip and
Jump. There is no doubt that the
measure will be fastened. The mem
bers of the legislature are anxious to
make some proof of their party loyal
ty and it is thought that the measure
will receive nothing radical in the way
of an amendment on the way through
the house and senate. Thursday after
noon the house wrestled with the ques-
ton and the bill was sent on its way.
It Is expected that the measure will be
out OF the senate in a few days. The
bill confers all powers concerning the
regulation of railway, express, tele-
graph and telephone companies on the
commission. Rates must be revised
within sixty days and the railroads
must go to the commission with their
protests. The railroad attorneys were
given hearing but they made no pro-
|
"Who Is a caretaker of stock?" This
is the question that has been raised
concerning the anti-pass bill. Care
takers" can ride free along with rail-
road employees and the surgeons and
attorneys who draw. $500 per annum.
1t is probable that the bill will be so
amended that the names of the per-
| i toti nn
will be filed with the railway commits
sion for the inspection of the public.
The bill is expected to pass the house
and senate without the least friction.
The primary bill, outlined by Senat-
or Aldrich and several of his col
leagues, will make some radical chang
es in the elections and the measure
will be first tested next fall. There is
no doubt of the disposition to pass the
bill favoring a statewide primary. The
bill provides that the primaries of all
parties shall take place on the same
day. The right to vote will be based
on party Affiliations and the voter must
affirm that he voted with a certain
party at the last election and means
to vote for majority of its nominees
at the next election. The officials Of
the regular election act at the pri-
mary. The ballots are printed and the
vote counted similar to the canvass
after a regular election. Candidates
for state offices pay 500 while the To-
cal aspirants dig up" $40 each. This
fund is applied on the primary expens-
es and the various counties must raise
the balance. At present it is planned
to elect the state central committee of
each party and the state central COM
mittee outlines the platform. Concern
ing the cost of the primary no authent-
ic figures have been cited.
The child labor law is scheduled for
early passage. This bill prohibits all
child labor in sweatshops and facto-
ries and insists on the enrolment of
children in the public schools A
state position is created which must
be filled by appointment.
Senator Gibson's liability bill was
recommended for passage in the SEN
ate committee of the whole without
the least opposition. There was little
oratory and the promised fight did not
develop. The bill is aimed at the Bur
lington relief and the measure applies
to the operating departments of the
railroads. Senator Burns championed
liability bill including all classes of
laborers. The fight will now be trans
ferred to the house.
The senate will pass without dis
senting vote a measure to place the
tipping practice within the list of
crimes. Fines of from S. to $50 are
prescribed by the provisions of the act
for both the man who gives and the
individual who receives a tip. The
bill was outlined by the senate judi
ciary committee and is supposed to be
law proof.
County option may be revived
There is a plan to introduce a bill
making each county a voting unit and
eXempting all cities of 5000 or more
from the provisions of the law, such
cities to hold their own elections. The
verdict of majority settles the wet
or dry" proposition for a period OF
five years.
Senator Sacketts bill to prevent
pooling in bridge contracts was en-
dorsed by the senate by unanimous
vote. All combinations, pools or agree
ments among county bridge builders
are declared criminal and against pub
lie policy. Severe penalties are out
lined. For those who will give evi
, dence an Immunity bath" is allowed
and they will not be punished for theil
share in the deal.
Bills to abolish the death penalty
{ have been voted down in both the sen
ate and the house. 1t is now absolute
; ly certain that there will be no modifi
cation of the death penalty law. Or
, the other hand it is believed that bills
: will be passed compelling all hearings
: for pardons to be made public.
2 Woman suffrage has been voted