The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1912-05-01
THE WISCONSIN
LEGISLATURE MET
Extraordinary Session Con-
vened Yesterday to Con-
slider Special Matters.

Madison. May An extra ordinary
session of the Wisconsin legislature
for the consideration of several emer-
gency matters. including relief for
f1ood-swept Black River Falls, water
power regulation. Strengthening of the
Portage levee and amendment of cleo
ton laws, convened late yesterday aft
ernoon.
Prior to the presentation Of the gov
ernor's message resolutions introduced
IN both branches. providing for the
calling of a second special session to
repeal the income tax law. were killed
Governor McGovern appeared at the
person.
The document contains no word
with reference to the income tax, for
the obvious reason that Governor Nc
Govern did not include that topic in
his call. Although not intended to he
included in the call, none-partisan
elections for Milwaukee are treated in
the message as a measure for which a
great demand has arisen which he did
not feel like passing by unnoticed. He
recommends the enactment of such
legislation at this session.
The governors message may he
summarized as follows:
Relief for Black River Falls: Re-
lief is asked for those rendered home
less or destitute by the floods. for the
removal Of the debris. the repair of
the sewage system, etc. 1t is suggest
ed that the city's indebtedness of
about $4,000 to the trust funds Of the
state be cancelled. at the same time
transferring an equal sum from the
general fund to the trust funds to keep
the latter intact. The state may not
appropriate money to support the
schools nor rebuild the business Sec
ton. The governor suggests that the
expense of building retaining call be
met by making an appropriation from
the drainage fund, thereby avoiding
constitutional objections
Portage Levee-It is recommended
that enough money be appropriated to
protect the city of Portage and the
Fox and Wisconsin river valleys from
danger from overflow and an equitable
distribution of the expense of repair.
Waterpower Regulation-The Black
River Falls disaster is cited as an in
stance OF improperly built dams.
Public control of dams is recommend
ed in the interest of Public safety and
the general welfare" Legislation is
declared to he needed for attaining
ownership and operation by the public
OF all water powers in the state when
ever the people desire it,
Weights and Measures-Relief for
berry growers and commission men
from certain harsh and unnecessary
requirements" of this new law is ask
ed. to the end that unexpected hard
skip be not imposed. Particularly in
the case of berry boxes and peach
baskets they (the producers and deal
ers) say they have not had sufficient
notice to enable them to comply with
the new law" says the governor.
Sale of Public Lands-It is recon-
mended that chapter 452 of the laws
OF 1911 be amended to prevent all
speculation in public lands and limit
Gales to actual settlers.
ena ctment Of a law to validate the
nominations and elections held on
April 2. 1912. over which the wording
Of the new apportionment act cast an
element OF uncertainty. Is recommend
ed.
The governor advocates the passage
Of a non partisan election bill for the
city Of Milwaukee. but refused to en-
dorse the same plan with respect to
the county. arguing that county Of
fcers are essentially state officers who
are elected generally on the fall elec-
ton day along with the state officers.
members of the legislature, president,
ETC., when the voting Is openly and
frankly "partisans."
Lloyds Observation-Disclosures to
the law to make more definite and GER
tain the conditions under which
Lloyds associations may be admitted
to transact q Wisconsin business is
proposed.
Amendment to the Fish and Game
LAws-Legislation to permit the state
game warden to take rough fish from
state waters to he sold for state raw.
enue 80 proposed.