The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1911-01-16
Opposition By Representative 0'Neil
Due When Bemidji Sheriff's For
est Fire Bill Appears.
SUFFERERS MAY NOT GET CASH
Legal Objections Likely to Make Ap-
preparation Impossible
Make Believe" Session.
(By z. A. Wi1son)
Bemidji Pioneer Legislative Bureau

St. Paul, Jan. 16.-"Nix, no,
never, was the vigorous manner in
which Representative D. P. O'Neil
pronounced his disapproval of appro-
priating money to pay Bemidji per-
sons who gave assistance to the strik-
en- citizens of Baudette and Spooner
following the forest fire of October
Z, last.
Sheriff Hazen, as previously an
nounced in these columns, had pre-
pared a list of those whom he holds
are entitled to remuneration for SER
vices rendered at that time. The
attorney general has held that the
claims are legal and the plan is to
have the claims come from the house
committee as a bill.
Such a bill is not likely to pass:
first, because the list as prepared by
Sheriff Hazen is certain to be sub
jected to sharp and severe criticism
as it does not include the names of
all the persons who went to Bau-
dette on that famous special train
on the memorable Sunday of October
8. last, and, second, because such an
appropriation is to meet with vigor-
Gus opposition by tire honse member
from this district, Representative
O'Neil.
"Boquets for the heros from Be-
midji," commented Mr.. O'Neil, but
money for the poor devils who burn
ed out"
1t dOsen't look as if the legislature
were going to be able to appropriate
any funds for the direct relief of the
fire sufferers. It had been hoped
by northern Minnesota members that
at least $4,000 could be set aside
for the benefit of these striker set
tiers, but it seems that to do so it
would dent the constitution. Repre-
n d.
last week introduced a joint resolu-
ton providing for commission of
five to visit the burned over district,
this commission to recommend the
amount needed. It now appears I'M
likely that such a commission, even
if the legislature authorizes it's ap-
pointment, can do much good, as the
feeling is gneral that nothing legal
can be done for the sufferers, unless
possibly it is to make an appropria-
ton in a roundabout way. North
ern Minnesota members still have
hopes. They say if it legal to give
money to needy persons-as often is
the case-it likewise could dig up
cash for the homeless On the other
hand, when money is set aside for in
dividual relief it usual is for persons
employed by the state. But isn't it
folly" said house member, "to have
to spend hundred of thousands of
dollars to get settlers and then lose
them because we are unable to spend
few hundred dollars in order to
keep them
w 81 j. j. 4 81
There will be brief session of
both houses at s O'Clock tonight, but
no business Of Importance will be
transacted. The program is the
same as last week. That is, adjourn
ment was taken Thursday until Tues
day, although the motion in each
house was until Monday evening, as
the law will not permit more than a
two calendar days adjournment and
the Monday evening session is simply
a matter of form, to comply with the
law. There will not be quorum
present in either house.
= = =
This week should see some definite
steps taken towards reapportionment,
although how many steps it will be
is matter of guesswork. Then, too,
a good many steps may be taken, only