The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1909-03-05
NJ freight affected by the advanced

usual, irregular or exorbitant, ana the
commission may then hold meeting,
and of the charge is found 10 De wei
founded the commission may deter
mine what would have been a reason
able rae, and tkereupon the company
or carrier may make the necessary
refund based on the finding of the
commission without beng subject TO
the charge of discriminating.
In case of the refusal of the COM
pany to make the required refund, tho
shipper may bring an action in court
of competent jurisdiction, the finding
of the commission making prima
facie case in support of his conten-
ton, and upon the trial the company
may not avail itself of the defense
that the shipment was made in accord
ance with the published tariff.
This particular section of thesEpro-
posed law is modelled after the. Wis
consin statute and is intended to af-
ford relief asked for by both COM
in charges made. The bill further pro-
vides that the railroads of Michigan
shall transport members OF the CON-
mission and their inspectors free of
charge when travelling on official bust
ness.
Speaking of the Ormsby liquor bill
1t may be said that the opposition that
has grown up has rather effecutally
disposed of 1t in the form in which it
was introduced as mentioned in these
columns last week. 1t will at least
be amended so that it's passage would
not affect any of the present local op-
ton counties or any counties that may
adopt local option at the approaching
spring election.
Dickinson Primary Bill.
The senators devoted an afternoon
last week to the discussion of the
Dickinson primary election bill and
the general subject of primary elec-
lions. The discussion was very gen.
eral in its nature, and no definite ac-
ton was taken. Those experts who
have been keeping close tab on the
situation, however are inclined to the
opinion that present indications are
that the present law will not be
amended so as to eliminate the adj
visory vote OF United States senator
and that statewide primary will not
be provided 1t is their belief that
the nomination of some of the state
officers will be left to the state con-
vention. The bill will come up again
as a special order tomorrow afternoon.
and some definite action may then be
taken
Just what form the so-called civil
service legislation which is generally
expected TO be enacted will eventual.
ly take is problematical. This is ar
other much discussed subject. There
are those who stand for general civil
service law embodying a commission
to examine applicants for position,
while others advocate simply a sys.
tenn of graded salaries, the right of ap-
pointment and the right to advance
the salaries of employees, within GER
tain prescribed limits, being left to
the present appointing powers. 1t is
said that majority Of the members
of the legislative farmers club are
opposed to the civil service PROPOSE
ton il its widest scope.
The Stevenson sill. :
II the senate passes the Stevenson
bill. which was passed by the house
last week. 1t will be mis3emeanor in
Michigan to pretend for a financial
consideration to predict future happen.
ings through the agency of cards,
frances. palmistry, mind reading or
astrology or to tell fortunes. etc. An
unsuccessful attempt was made to ex-
empt spiritualist preachers, mediums
and readers.
Members Of the state association Of
judges have been here during the past
few days in conference over a bill
which will provide for circuit judges
holding court in different circuits. At
present the governor is empowered to
direct that the Judge of one circuit
shall hold court in another circuit I'M
der certain circumstances, but it Is
proposed by the new law to provide a
regular system of rotation, the belief
being that this will materially improve
the efficiency of the courts.
The important question of repeating
the law taxing real estate mortgages
and credits will be given a general try:
out at a hearing to be held during the
next few days. The Davis repeal bill
Is now before both houses, and sever
al other bills providing for taxing
mortgages in various ways have also
been introduced. 1t is proposed to go
into the entire subject at hearings 10
be given by the taxation committees
Of the two houses in joint session
Relations With Canada.
The Detroit Board Of Commerce has
arranged for conference to be par
ticipated in by delegates from states
situated along the Canadian border
and from Canada 10 consider a gencr.
al movement designed TO bring al out
closer trade relations between tie
state and Canada. Governor Warner
is in fun sympathy with the move.
ment and has signified his intention
to attend the conference, which will
be held il Detroit April 30. %. and
"a II Is hoped tht much good will re-
suit from the interchange of ideas