The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1911-04-20
body of fighters, and again l want to
say l am proud Of them.

The legislation passed by the
house has been wholesome and con-
structive; and, if even the major
portion thereof were enacted into
law, the record would be exception
ally good.
Personally, l have tried to serve
the house to the best of my ability.
l have enjoyed the work, but would
not care to act as speaker again.
The Minnesota legislature of 1911
died as it had lived, torn by dissen-
sion; swayed by passion. BY turn
ing the hands of the clock back the
senate toiled upwards in the night
until the city hall tower chimes toll
ed o'clock and was then shut off
! from further active business by an
error on the part of a clerk who,
worn by almost continuous labor for
SO hours, told Lieutenant Governor
| Gordon, the presiding officer, that a
motion to adjourn had carried, 80
to 80, when as a matter of fact it was
lost by that number The recall
bill, amended by the house to omit
Of the supreme and district courts,
was under consideration at the time
and went into the discard.
Husky servants of the brewing
! interests caused bedlam to break
loose in the house as the hour of
midnight-the limit for the passa ge
Of bills-approached, by forming
guard over the big house clock to
block anyone who dared to resort to
the time honored custom of turning
the senate chamber. The senate had
amended slightly the bill extending
local option to cities of less than
10000 and it was to keep the house
from concurring in this amendment
that the clock was guarded. At
twenty minutes to midnight the SEN
ator Johnston bill limiting the ship
ment OF cream to 65 miles was up
in the house. Representative Rice
sought to offer an amendment. OBJ
lection was raised and the house
went to piecs and ignored the warn
ing Of Speaker Dunn that the last
few minutes Of precious time was
ebbing quickly away. At last the
hands of the clock pointed upward
and all chance for further legislation
by the house was ended.
AS pleasant aftermath of the
trials and tribulations which had be-
set the house, at the morning session
yesterday after the drainage investi-
eating committee majority report
had been accepted despite objection
by Representatives Robertson and
c. H. Warner, came the presentation
of presents and consoling speeches by
membe Speaker Dunn was pre-
sented with a silver tea set lined
with gold, purchased at a cost of
$50, every member of the house
contributing. Speaker Dunn spoke
at some length in reply and praised
the house as one of the best and
bravest Minnesota ever has had.
One of the pleasantest incidents
of the final adjournment was a brief
talk by Representative O'Neill of
Thief River Falls, who the day prev
ious had Disagreement" with Re-
preventative Frankson of Fillmore
county.
LAS a e-of-the-roader," said
Mr.. O'Neill. Il want to say as an old
member it has fallen to my lot to
bear the brunt of the battles for
Northern Minnesota, and the North
you know hasn't many representa-
tives at best. | want to say that l
do not believe fairer speaker ever
sat in the presiding officers chair of
this house than our present speaker.
l also want to say at, this time that
+ | hope in sessions to come the gen
tleman from Fillmore (Mr. Frank
SOM will be here. l believe that
with little mellowing he will make
good member"
! This caused a hearty laugh and
Mr.. Frankson replied in cordial
vein, saying that he and Mr.. O'Neill
! had shaken hands and were now fast
! friends
In the senate President Gordon was
presented with a solid silver service
of 142 pieces, valued at $3.50.