The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1912-02-02

soner He and its author, Senator
Schafer of Spokane, were, so far as we
were able to ascertain, the only two
friends it had. The bill was never heard
| from after we had exposed its fallacies
before the senate committee. In this
connection it might not be amiss to say
that this is the only occasion so far as
we know when the state labor commits
sioner appeared before any committee
of the last legislature on labor issues.
Perhaps we should be thankful that he
did not oppose other legislation that we
were working for
Miners Bills Defeated.
Bills providing for an eight-hour day,
from bank to bank, compelling coal OPP
orators to recognize 1000 pounds as a
ton when paying for mining coal and
requiring safety lamps were defeated.
Brothers Gatz, Durham and Harlan
pleaded in vain for their enactment.
Unfair Legislation Defeated.
Very little legislation was introduced,
which aimed in any way to cripple our
organizations or thwart our legislative
efforts and what was introduced was
easily defeated Our strong lobby en-
phasized the futility of efforts IN this
direction.
Anti-Pledge Bill.
The anti-pledge bill, which attempted
to prevent legislative candidates from
pledging themselves to their constituents
in behalf of certain legislation passed
the house but was never heard from in
the senate.
Second Choice Primary Law.
\ majority of the house succeeded i'll
passing an act, repeating the second
choice provisions of the primary law and
making other radical changes. No CON
sideration was given it by the senate
and our primary law remains unchanged
except as to supreme court judges, who
are again included in its scope
Good Roads.
The acts of the Legislature are so well
portrayed in the address of Master c. B.
Kegley before the State Grange conven-
tion that I quote therefrom:
"The last legislature split on the good
roads bill-not on a bill to build good
roads for the farmer, or for truck haul
ing, but because those wanting automo-
bile boulevards were divided into fac
tiafs which opposed each other. Their
bone of contention was not whether the
farmer and consumer should be bene-
fitted by state aid in road building and
Improvement, but which group of auto
mobilists should have their plans for
highway boulevards adopted. Each fac
tion wanted the automobile boulevards,
one known as the Pacific Highway, con
Meeting the large cities of the Sound,
and the other one, promoted by Sam
Hill. to follow the Columbia river and
cross his large tract of land to Mary
hill. And then Spokane came in for a
cross state road. Any of these would
cost such an enormous amount and be
of so little use to the farmers that we
opposed them vigorously and none of
them got through. Every city
and town of note should be made the
hub from which roads should radiate
and connect with other roads, thus con-
Meeting all towns and cities and at the
same time leaving to each local road i'm
provement district or county to deter
mine where such roads should be built,
Patrons make no mistake. Do not
be deceived. Between the multi-million
aire land speculator and automobilists
of the big cities who simply want the
state to build their pleasure highways,
and the farmer who must have i'm
proved roads connecting the farm with
the market, there is an irreconcilable
difference, and the farmer will not get
square deal unless you, his representa-
tives. are eternally vigilant in looking
after his interests. The boulevard seek
ers are always on the job, and if we are
to succeed in our efforts we must go
right after this road proposition until
it is settled and settled right"
In behalf of labor | might add to the
above, we are with you, Mr.. Farmer,
our interests are identical-good roads
to benefit producer and consumer,
Grain and Hay Inspection.
A law establishing standards in weight
and quality of hay and grain was great
ly desired by growers. A measure in
accord with their views was enacted, ex-
cept that what is known as "out inspec-
tion" was stricken from the bill In the
senate through the efforts of Senators
Cox, Fishbach, Chappell, Metcalf, Mich
OILS and Ruth. No roll call is available
as the action was taken in a committee
of the whole. This method of amend
ing bills is too frequently resorted to in
the senate for the purpose of avoiding
roll calls which become permanent
reeord.)
Horticultural Act
horticultural laws were strengthened,
state horticultural commissioners office
removed to Tacoma, and sufficient funds
appropriated to provide for more rigid
enforcement than heretofore.
Township Law.
This measure of home rule In town.