The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1909-01-28

the first OF the year that the powers
that be came into control of the
board. His official head followed.
Frank A. Day, secretary to his ex-
cellency and chairman of the demo-
cratic state central committee, admits
to contribution to the treasury of the
Peoples Lobby, all of which goes to
confirm the talk that that institution is
not entirely without a purpose. To
add to the whole thing it is said
several depocratic members of the
legislature have likewise contributed.
Articles eulogistic of Gov. johnson
and other members of the administra-
ton have appeared in lobby-con-
trolled publications which gives some
color to the talk.
Gossip concerning the cabinet and
its ability to take advantage of every
thing would not be complete without
reference to the press matter put out
last week covering an alleged we'll
planned attempt on the part of the re-
publican majority in the two bodies to
discredit the executive with the voters
of the state. The attempt to get his
"nibs" was painted in glowing colors
and the whole thing was characterized
as a conspiracy worthy of the cheapest
ward politician. When you beat that
kitchen cabinet to it on press work
you have to get up early in the morn
ing.
One of the aggressive members of
the house is L. G. Spooner of Morris.
Two years ago he started an investi-
cation of the binder Irvine trust and
it's methods, and this year he follows it
with proposition for the manufacture
of farm machinery at the state prison.
Similar bills have been introduced by
Representative John Zelch and
Senator George Sullivan, both of
Washington county, so that between
the three realization of the scheme
seems almost certain.
A. K. Ware is the latest to break
into the tonnage tax game. He wants
a flat tax of ten cents per ton and
would have it cover all ore shipped
out of the state.
* 50:
State control of public utilities has
advocates in considerable numbers in
both houses and no one would be sur
prised if a bill of that nature was
passed. Added to this comes a de-
mand for the taxation of the same on
a gross earnings basis, something
recommended by the state tax commits
sion, and it too is looked upon favor
ably. Lawrence Johnson of Mime
apolis is backing a measure designed
to place the street railways of the state
on gross earnings basis, and Wednes-
day j. T. johnson followed it with a
bill applying the new method to all
public service corporations. In each
the localities served are protected by
a provision calling for the distribution
tax the same as under the ad va
loren plan.
Senator McColl is the first one to
Introduce a bank deposit guarantee
bill. It is in line with the Oklahoma
act and carries features endorsed by
William Jennings Bryan and his fol-
lowers. McColl is not over sanguine
regarding its passage and he likewise
knows it is without administration
sanction, but the fact does not bother
him. The st. Paul senator is one of
the level-headed democratic members
of that body. Two years ago he came
near inducing the senate to pass bill
nominating United States senators by
popular vote.
For nearly year the administration
with the aid of Public Examiner
Schaefer has been engaged in an ex-s
haustive examination of the state
board of control, S. W. Leavett
member OF the board being the indi-
vidual aimed at. Tuesday the farce
was made complete when Gov. John
son announced that nothing serious
had been located. just little diff
ference regarding business Judgment,
he explained. A threatened legis-