The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1909-04-30


~ this import subject.
VI since the conencement Of the ses-
sioh the gener subject of reforesta-
ron and the PIPER manner OF hand
ns the tax hds Of the state has
oeen the caus,of sharp disagreement
Y among legislajrs. The disagreement
was more esp ially as to the method
VI handling he lands, it being the
4oite general idea that an advanced
s.ep should be taken In the line Of
eiorestation. However, the latter
proposition has been swallowed up by
.ne former, and in order that the
e!siature may not wholly lose sight
-, IL and adjourn without taking ac-
lion, Governor Warner addressed to
the two houses a special message on
| this subject. The chief executive
called attention to the fact that with
in the past few years the general gov
eminent and many of the states OF
the Union have taken an active in
terest in measures designed to con-
serve our natural resources and re-
place as far as possible the inroads
the present and past generations have
made upon our forests. In the opin-
ion Of the governor forestry legislation
should be both preservative and con-
structive. The legislature will doubt
less take action on this subject before
adjournment.
Are Fair Appropriations Wrong?
For a number of years the legisla
ture has made a biennial appropria-
ton for the benefit of the state and
west Michigan fair associations. The
necessary bills are now before the
legislature and have been for some
weeks, but there has been opposition
to their passage, due to a fear that
the appropriation would be unconsti-
tutional. Were 1t not for this fear
the bills would doubtless have been
passed ere this. Present indications
are that they will be eventually passed.
the understanding being that a case
will be made and the question of con.
stitutionality submitted to the su.
preme court for determination before
any money Is paid out of the state
treasury.
The senate, in spite Of the opposi-
ton Of the railroad companies. has
passed the Kline bill which requires
such companies to publish accurate
time tables in all towns through which
their trains run. This bit of important
information has been withheld from
the public for several years through
agreement between the companies.
An effort to defeat the bill in the
house will be made.
On the other hand there is said to
be marked sentiment in the senate
to grant the railroad companies the
right to require passengers who fail
to purchase tickets at stations TO pay
an additional fare of 10 cents when
they ante up on the trains.
Legislation For Militia.
The house has finally agreed to the
military bill which provides for pro-
motion by seniority and embodies
other features asked for by the mill
tiamen of the state. Provision is also
made for increasing the allowance OF
Detroit companies for armory rental.
some Of the companies falling behind
IN their payments because of the in.
adequacy OF the present allowance.
The bill increases the states contri-
button toward fund for the erection
of armories from $4,000 to $4,000,
but provides that no more than two
armories shall be erected with state
assistance in any one year.
If bill agreed to in the house be.
comes law the per capita tax for the
support OF the state naval reserve will
be increased from twothirds of a cent
to one cent. On the basis Of the pres.
ent population this will increase the |
annual appropriation for the purpose
named from $4,000 to $4,000 per
annum.
Railroad Taxes Due.
Before the close of the present |
month the railroad companies operat- |
ing in Michigan will be required 20 |
contribute about S2,75OOOO to the
state treasurer, that being the balance |
Of taxes for the current year It will |
be recalled that when the state was
hard up financially several months
ago the Michigan Central, Chicago &
Northwestern and Pere Marquette
companies advanced an aggregate of
$75O000 on this account.
The insurance committees of the
two houses held joint hearing last
Wednesday evening on the so-called
uniform or adequate rate bill for the
government of fraternal beneficiary
societies. 1t is apparent. however.
that the bill stands very little, If any.
show of becoming law.
The house has passed the bill pro.
viding for the township unit system
of school government. AS agreed to.
however, the bill embodies a referen-
dunn clause, so that the system cannot
be foisted upon any township without
the consent OF majority Of the elect.
Ors thereof.
During the latter part of last week
A -