The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1911-01-13

investigation committee. While IL Is
not charged that there are irregular
tiles or any breeches in the laws gov
erning these departments. good re-
suits can be expected from such in.
vestigation, and many changes for the
tetter can be ADVOCATED by the mem
bers in their final report to the legis-
lature. A number of joint resolutions
will be introduced in the near future
demanding the appointment Of investi.
eating committees.
Upper Peninsula Delegation.
The operation of the primary law
for the first time in selecting men,
bers for the Legislature in the upper
peninsula has resulted in the return
of a delegation from that part of the
state Of strong and progressive legis-
lators. The members of the upper
peninsula have a startling program,
and representatives from the lower
peninsula who usually treat the up
per peninsula as the bulwark of retro
gression and conservatism are sur
prised at the radical and progressive
program of the upper peninsula men,
bers.
Representative Anthony Lucas Of
Houghton county will shortly intro
duce a bill providing for mine inspec-
ton of the iron and copper mines Of
the state. The present mine inspec-
ton, he claims, is farce and without
regard to the health and safety of the
men employed in that dangerous occu-
patton. Mr.. Lucas proposes to make
mine inspectors elective by the people
of the respective counties in which
they serve and thus divorce them from
the board of supervisors, who now
have the appointing power of mine in
spectors. Mr.. Lucas Is also in favor
of an employers liability law and will
be ready to introduce such a measure
within a short time.
Workingmen's Insurance.
In conformity with Governor Os.
born's suggestions as to worllingmen's
insurance, Representative Lucas will
shortly introduce a joint resolution
calling for the appointment of a joint
committee of the house and senate to
investigate the matter Of working
mems insurance and draft a bill for
consideration of the legislature.
U. p. Delegation Against Tonnage Tax.
The upper peninsula delegation is
against a tonnage tax, which they
deem unfair. They are. however, in
favor of just and equitable taxation of
all property, and in this they will have
the support Of the farmer members of
the lower peninsula. Representatives
Peter Jensen of Delta, Knight of Dick
inson, Fields of Chippewa and Sy-
monds of Menominee, will renew the
fight for two-cent fares for the upper
peninsula. They will have the cooper
alton and support of the entire upper
peninsula delegation, with the possible
exception Of Representative Edwards
and Morgan.
Central Purchasing Board.
Representative Ogg of Wayne coun-
ty will introduce bill providing for
a central purchasing board. The gov
ernor, auditor general and attorney
general will constitute the board, and,
through a secretary, will advertise FOR
bids for all supplies consumed in the
various state institutions. The stewards
of these institutions will draw upon
the purchasing board by requisition
for any supplies needed in their re-
speotive departments.
Removal of Pardon Board.
The removal of two members of the
pardon board by Governor Osborn
shows plainly the desire of the chief
officials who are delinquent in their
duties and have disregarded the laws
of the state. There are a number OF
other boards which may suffer a like
fate as the pardon board. The pardon
board is deemed by many members of
the legislature a useless and expens-
i've luxury. The pardOning power is
prerogative of the governor and the
duty of the pardon board is only adj
visory. The executive clerk acts as
secretary of the pardon board and is
thoroughly familiar with all work and
applications for executive clemency. 1t
is argued that the state can get along
without this board by placing the par
doning power ard its responsibility
with the governor, where it properly
belongs.
Adjustment of the Land Office.
Governor Osborn in his message rec
ommends the adjustment Of the land
Office. This department has outlived
its usefulness, and it's duties can be
well taken care of by transferring the
records and titles held by the land de.
partment to the auditor generals de-
partment. In about two years there
will be very little land left for the dis
posal by the state to prospective home.
seekers. The new constitution wisely
permitted the legislature to discon-
tinue the land department when neces,.
sary, but before this can be done a
number Of new laws must be passed,
for the commissioner of the land Office
is a member of a number of state
boards. such as the board of state cav
vassers, state board of auditors and