The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1911-06-16

very progressive measures, The elec'
ton OF the United States senator oc
cupied time at the first of the session.
but the bribery charges which later
on interrupted proceedings for a time
acted soon as an impetus TO rush
Of radical measures. Among the most
important of the new laws are those
providing for direct election OF Unit
ed States senators, worlingmens
compensation, more adequate control
Of public utilities, the establishment
of a central board of control for all
the state institutions, limit of one
per cent on the tax rate and the non
partisan election Of all judiciary
A Progressive Body.
Though this legislature has been
more progressive than any for a de-
cade, there were several bills pro-
posed Of that type which did not be-
come laws. Among the bills killed
were provisions for statewide primar-
les, direct nomination of United
States senators and a uniform school
book bill
"A resolution was passed which
makes the nomination and election of
all delegates to the constitutional con-
Vention of 1912 strictly non-partisan.
The nominations are to be by nomi-
mating petitions only. The delegates
may be pledged to submit separately
to popular vote any proposals in re-
gard to the liquor traffic Another res
olution demands a convention of
states to amend the national consti-
tuition so as to establish the direct
election Of United States senator's.
The income tax amendment TO the ma
tional constitution was ratified by res
olution.
In Labor's Fields.
In the field of labor some of the
most important legislation for many
years was enacted. In line with sim
liar legislation now being considered
or tried out in other states, a work
ingmen's compensation act became a
law. A state board of awards is Gre
ated which makes grants to injured
Workmen or their dependents in case
of DEATH provided that the accident
took place while he was engaged in
pursuing his industrial vocation. The
money is paid from a state insurance
fund to which the employer contrib
utes 80 per cent and the workmen 10
per cent. A graded schedule of
awards is provided. The law is ap-
plicable to all employers using five
persons or more, but is not compul-
sorry. However, If the employer re-
fuses to accept the law, the defences
of contributOry negligence, fellow
servant and assumed risk are denied
to him.
The working hours of women en-
ployed in any other labor than in
mercantile establishments, hotels or
households are limited to "a a week
and not more than ten a day. An
other law makes the use of the union
label without authority a misdemean-
or.
At the last moment d bill was put
through which gives to the state fac
tory inspectors power to close UP fac
tories which have failed to comply
with fire regulations.
One Radical Change.
The most radical change in the
election laws was that providing for
the popular election of United States
senators according to the Oregon
plan. Candidates for members of the
legislature may sign either one of two
statements. BY the first he pledges
himself to vote for the man for SEN
ator who receives the most votes
at the regular election. BY the other
he declares that he will not be bound,
but will follow his own judgment
The names Of the candidates for SEN
ator who have qualified by filing petit
tions are placed upon the ballot of the
regular election.
Another act provides a separate bal
lot in the election OF judges. There
are to be no party names or emblems
on the ballot This law is expected
to be of great value of obtaining COM
petent judicial officers.
The bill providing for the initiative
and referendum in cities is an i'm
poTtant measure. % Any ordinance
may be submitted to the council by
petition of eight per cent. of the quail
flied voters of the municipality If
action is not taken thereon within go
days the ordinance shall be submitted
to the voters at the next regular elec-
tion unless a special election be call
ed by Is per cent. of the electors. An
ordinance passed by the majority in
this manner is not subject to veto by
the mayor. e. Franchises and special |
ordinances can be referred to the peo-
pie for ratification by vote of the |
council or upon petition of eight per
cent. of the voters. (3) Franchises |
and grants for public utilities shall |
not become operative until 60 days |
after passage, during which time a
referendum vote may be required by /
petition of the voters, per cent. !
for ordinary election or 15 per cent. |
at special elections. (4) Emergency, |
measures passed by three-fourths of
the council may become operative at /
once until repealed by the council |
or the people.
An extensive bill to prevent corrupt I
practice at elections was enacted. All |
candidates and campaign committees /
are required to make an itemized 7
statement of all money received or
expended Persons who make single
contributions that are accounted for
in some other account need not pre-
sent a statement The candidate is
required to verify the accounts of the
committee employed in securing his
election 1t is provided that no per-
son, except a member of Congress,
shall enter upon the duties of his
Office until he has complied with this
act. Statements are to be public and
open to inspection for two years as
are all accounts of treasurer of any
political organization. Certain cam
paign expenses are given the stamp {
of legality and corrupt practices are
clearly defined The sums that can
didates for various offices are per {
mitted to spend are determined by ]
Strength In Nature.