The Harlowton news., 1911-03-03
URGES S0LONS
TO ENACT LAWS
Governor Norris Wants Action on
Measures that is Of General In.
terest to the People

Governor Edwin l.. Norris today
transmitted to both branches of the
legislature request for action upon
those measures which he considers
as of general interest and public con-
Germ. The executive states that OF
the 45 bills and resolutions passed
only few can be placed in that
category. He also enumerated those
measures which he thinks should re-
ceive prompt consideration. The text
Of the letter follows:
Having in mind the near approach
to the close of the session and the
large amount of important legisla-
zion undisposed of, it seems advis-
able to at this time refer to the rec
concentrations made in my regular
and special messages to the assembly.
"Your attention is again specifically
called to the following:
"The bills recommended by the
conservation commission; the neces-
sity for comforting upon the gov
ernor the authority to enforce the
laws; the apportionment of legisla-
tive representation; the general de-
mand for a comprehensive road law;
an employers liability and workmen's
compensation act; constitutional
amendment authorizing the creation
of tax commission; public utili-
ties commission; the examination of
private banks; the reorganization OF
the state fair; a direct primary law
and laws insuring pure foods and
correct weights and measures.
There are also important subjects
that merit your careful and prompt
consideration. There is yet time for
the consideration of all legislation f
a general nature, provided there is
concerted action on the part of the
members and carefully planned CO.
operation between the senate and the
house.
"Of the forty-fve bills and resolu-
tions passed by the assembly and
transmitted to the executive office
to the present time, only a few can
be justly considered as of general in
terest and public concern. By far
the larger number of measures of
statewide Importance are now pend
ing before the assembly. 1t must be
remembered that special activity on
behalf of a bill is not always cri-
terion by which one may judge OF
its Importance as advocates of legs-
lation of general nature are seldom
found among those who are desig-
mated as the lobby.
Permit me to respectfully urge
that the remainder of the session
you individually and collectively
make every effort to advance for con-
sderation and speedy action all leg
islation of general interest to the
people of Montana To that end it
seems proper to suggest that your
committees be required to promptly
report bills referred to them. Com
mittees, whether standing or steering
are intended to serve as mediums tc
facilitate legislation and not for the
SuRueA9Id 10 su!HeIep 10 esodInc
consideration of measures. 1t is sin
cerely hoped that the actions of your
committees may not be such as te
create in the public mind suspicion
that legislation is being retarded OF
that such action is for the purpose
of preventing the position of an,
member or members upon any meas
ure from becoming known.
81 shall not here repeat the rea
sons heretofore advanced in favor o
the passage of the bills herein re
ferred to, but call your attention t.
my several messages hitherto trans
mtted to you. l do, however, wisl
to direct your attention to the fac
were favored in the last state plat
forms of both the democratic and re
publican parties. In view of thes
party declarations and the extensiv
public sentiment favorable to thei
enactment, what valid reason can b
urged for Withholding considerable
of these bills 1t would be un/ortu
nate indeed if the public should los
confidence in the sincerity of part
declarations Or in the efficiency {
the lawmaking power.
"The suggestion is respectful
made that when any action is take
upon any measure of public intere
a roll call be had thereon. Exper