Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1910-12-29
CnIT-CHAT AT CAPITAL
(By Harry A. Robinson.)

(By Harry A. Robinson.)
Pierre is interested in the appoint
ment of a successor to Judge Garland
on the federal bench. Judge Whiting CT
the supreme court, and Judge Loling
e. Caffy, formerly of the state circuit
court are the two candidates favored
by Pierre people. Judge Gaffey is
supported by Congressman Burke and
a large share of his fellow townsmdn
Senator Crawford, and large num-
Der of Judge Writings friends, espe-
cially of his old ninth circuit are
working most ardentiy i'll his favor.
Both men have many qualifications for
the Office; both have served the state
we'll on the circuit bench. 1t is not
likely that the appointment will be
made until some time in January.
The twelfth legislature of South
Dakota, which will convene at noon
on the 3rd of January 1911, will be
"e'y strongly republican. OF co1rse,
the senate will be presided over by
the lieutenant governor Lieutenant
Governor Byrne has had long legislat
i've service, having been a member OF
the first state legislature and the last
| two senates.
The reapportionment of representa-
tives and senators, following the new
| census, is likely to cause the mos,
interesting fight of the session The
present house includes 104 members
and the senate As. The constitutional
limit for the two houses is 135 and 45
respectively. The senate has reach
ed its limit, having forty-five men,
nd fho twill ,1fio will
off some of the eastern counties and
transfer the representation to some OF
| the new counties. west OF the Mis-
souri,. Such reapportionment would
demand that the counties east of the
river give up about five senators to
those Of the other side. The Hall Of
Representatives can only comfortably
seat 80 members and on such basis
| the west side will get % 1t is Likely
that no county will give up any part
of it's representation without a fight
The 1910 census will also give to
the state a new congressman. This
will cause districting of the stat
Governor Vessey and Congress ran
Martin are favorable to proposit on
to include the region west of the NJ S
souri, in one district. and on the east
side, to extend the Inc between
Brookings and Moody co"nties to tie
river, and create a new district TO
the north and the south OF this line.
The sensational lace, and near-Vic-
tory of Geo. w. Egan at the June pri-
maries was in part due to the fact
that many democrats voted at the re-
publican primaries. 1t is probable
that a measure will be introduced to
prevent a repetition of this occurrence
by providing that electors shall reg
lister giving their respective party at
fliations. several months prior to the
primaries. A possible object on to
this would be the large added expense.
The last primaries cost the state
$S5, 1000.
The taxing system of the state of
South Dakota is both unscientific and
wasteful, unnecessary bun dens be ng
placed on some, and not extended to
others A couple of years ago, Cove
nor Wesley appointed state tax com
mission. consisting of President War
rem of Yankton college, Dean Sterling
of the University law school and
Hon. John B. Hanten of Watertown.
1t is probable that they will make
report, and quiet session, with no
senatorial race or other big fights 10
take it's attention might we'll give a
good portion of it's time, to consider
the report of the tax commission, and
revise the state tax laws according
| to sound economic principles.
| The 1905 inheritance tax law has
been declared unconstitutional BIZ
| Judge Whiting on the ground that the
graduation of the tax was not eqult-
| able. If an individual receive leg
acy Of $4,000 he would have to pay
tax of per cent. If $1,000 he
would have to pay six. 1t is believed
that the amending of this law so that
the higher rate applies to the excess
! above the minimum, rather than to
| the whole legacy, will remedy this
matter.
The fine new state house has made
possible the institution of precedent
which is likely to prove permanent
Prior to this, because of the force OF
| circumstances the inaugural reception
and ball was held by the citizens OF
Pierre, a favored few receiving inyit-
atoms, and being permitted to ante In
three dollars towards the expense.
4 This year the reception will be held
in the capitol given by the state OIL
| Gals all invited. and no charge. Inc
ball following contrary to early re-
ports. will probably not be held IN the
new Saint Charles, but in the coFfi-
/ doris Of the state house Itself.
j Want Experiment Station
Pierre-Prohably one of the firsf
/ special bills for an appropriation In
1 ,11,1 II