Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-13
NEBRASKA PRESS COMMENT.

Hastings Tribune Governor Shallenberger
says he favors nonpartisan management OF
state institutions. Well. the governor has
had the opportunity Of putting his words to
action and demonstrating to all Nebraska
that he is sincere in his belief. But. well,
perhaps he has forgotten 1t.
Columbus Journal: The reform legis-
lature sent a junketing party of eighteen
member to inspect the Norfolk hospital
for insane. The little excursion cost the
state about $3.50. There isn't any difference
between a democrat and republican when
it comes to gadding about over the state
spending the peoples money foolishly.
Blue Springs Sentinel: or course a
lobbyist ought to be tagged. He ought to
have little silver bells hanging from his
ears so as to not only frighten away spooks,
but as a means of alarm as he approaches
the legislative member to awaken him from
his sleep to get up and prepare for bust.
ness. BY all means let the tagging bill
go through.
Columbus Tribune: The democratic news
papers of the state are kept busy apologize
ing for the present legislature and explain
ing its intent, but it is very evident that
49, " ~ ~ h1RN bheE ~ AAA1
to find or make new positions for some Of
the politicians. For a lot of reformers this
body seems to be the greatest fake of all.
We had hoped that they really meant what
they advocated before election.
Ainsworth Star journal: 1t is all good
and proper to adopt the Oregon plan for a
senatorial primary, as that cinches it. But
no one should forget that the republican
party in Nebraska has adopted that plan
! already and put 1t into practical effect
several years ago. The Oregon plan will
not change things very materially. but let
it go on the statute books-it is all right,
The people should rule, and the closer we
get nominations and elections to the people,
the better for all.
Culbertson Banner: The real test of the
character of legislation to be had from
this session will begin to show in the near
future, when each house has before it the
measures originating in the other and
passed by the other body. Such bills re-
quire only the approval of the governor to
make them laws and when that stage OF
the journey is reached. as it will be soon,
the evidence will be at hand as to what
may be expected from this session. The
political bias and intentions of the majority
are already displayed and the test of BUSH
ness intentions need not be long awaited
Beatrice Express: Constituents of mem
bers of the legislature would probably like
to know whether they are liable to be
arrested as unlawful lobbyists if they
journey to Lincoln to look on and admire
their lawmakers, and incidentally advise
with them as a matter of form and to
manifest friendly interest. It would be un-
pleasant to be dragged before the bar of
the house on a charge OF violating the law
which recognizes and logalizes lobbying,
especially IL there were no intent beyond
trying to make the members believe their
measures and parliamentary tactics were
thoroughly understood and had aroused
universal interest.
S~tromsburg News: II the present legis'
lature does not soon get down to real law
making the state will get the opinion that
they are there merely for partisan pur'
poses and spoils. Any lawmaker should
be ashamed to possess the narrowness to
introduce a bill to transfer a certain duty
from another officer to the governor simply
because 1t involves patronage and the gov
ernor is democratic and the officer who now
has the patronage TO bestow is a republic
year It benefits one party, the next year
It benefits the other. Laws covering special
cases should rarely be passed and laws OF
and for partisans. class laws and laws con
ferring special privileges never.