The Calumet news., 1912-03-06
Only Thing That May Prevent
Governor From Introducing
Tonnage Tax Bill
OSBORN ISSUES A STATEMENT
States His Position in Regard
to Present Controversy
BIames Certain Mining interests For
Influencing Moriarty to Change
His Attitude.

Lansing. Mich, March 6. Especial I.
The Calumet News) The only thinp
that will prevent Governor Osborn
from introducing tonnage tax bill
during the special session of the legls-
laturo is the fear that the employees
of the mines will be made TO suffer
Governor Osborn believes, however
that the authority OF certain upper
peninsula mines I'm politics should be
ourtalled somewhat.
This afternoon a special message viii
be sent TO the legislature calling for an
appropriation TO cover the deficit in
the general fund of the state treasury.
caused by the fact that the state ac-
oountant failed to incorporate certain
items in the appropriation bill at the
session a year ago.
1t is now thought that the Lord
substitute primary bill viii not be
passed and that the activities of the
administration forces win be centered
in an attempt TO push through the ad-
ministration's presidential primary
measure.
Demands for liquor legislation are
rampant but it is not known whether
the governor has definitely decided on
action along this line.
Governor Issues Statement
Governor Osborn, today. replying to
the statement of Attorney VIM. Z. Bel
den, of Ishpeming, that the governor
had threatened to recommend tom
mage tax because Of the alleged opposi-
tion of iron mining interests to the ad-
ministration presidential primary bill,
which, IL is said, resulted I'm Senator
Moriartys change Of front from posi-
tion favoring the measure 20 one op-
posed. gave out the following
81 told Belden their bold and out
rageous and fatuous policy invited re-
taliation. That even / who had rep
resented the upper peninsula mining
men as big and fair was so disappoint-
ed as to feel like getting oven any way
within my power: that would even go
as far as putting in tonnage tax bin
If | could be certain they would not
take the amount of the tax out of the
working miners pockets. which could
only be prevented by an adequate and
proper minimum wage law.
The high handed method used in
pulling OF Moriarty is so much agains.
lar government that big. bad mining
interests should be punished If IL can
be done lawfully and without injuring
working men and decent and honor
able mining interests and operators.
There is just as much difference IN
the character of mining companies as
in individuals. Always the decent have
to suffer for the acts of the indecent,
and especially when they flock togeth
or as in the case OF good dog Tray
caught I'm bad company"
Moriarty Explains Position.
Frankly declaring he q favored the
passage of the governors measure
when he came to Lansiu at the open
ing of the session. but asserting that
an overwhelming majority of his con-
slituents were opposed to the presi-
dental primary and that he was sent
To Lansing TO represent their inter
csts. senator Michael II. Moriarty be
fore a crowd that taxed the Senate
chamber to It's utmost capacity yester~
day afternoon, explained the reason for
his sudden reversal of opinion.
For years have opposed primaries
OF all kinds and do not favor the ini-
tiative. referendum and recall, Sut
should | refuse to hearlen to the APP
peal of the people in the district
represent and vote contrary to their
wishes In this matter | would be Il M
subject FOR the recall" said senator
Moriarty
You were informed I'm special
message last night that / had been
coerccd, throttled and threatened by
the iron companies of the upper pen
insula.
This is not true.
The visit of Mr. Watson was as
friendly as possible and our relations
the same as has existed between us
Tor many years. During previous ses-
sions OF the legislature. 1t has been
customary for the state grange, the
"utoHoOne Industries anu olhel hl
stitutions to inform the senators or
representatives in their respective dis
uicts as to the attitude they would
like To have him take on certain legis-
htive matters. l represent the iron
country and fail to see the harm of
having the mines express their opinion
IN this matter For three quarters OF
century we have elected delegates
under the convention system and ! see
no reason for this sudden change"
Mr. Belden's Statement.
Attorney VIM. p. Belden. OF lsh-
peming. yesterday made public mes
sage he had sent to Senator Moriarty.
as follows:
Governor Osborn's special message
charging mining companies with coer-