Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1913-03-14

Both houses of the legislature
nave passed comprehensive bills car
lying out the provisions of the inltia-
tive, referendum and recall amend
ments to the state constitution, but
az these issues were all settled at the
1911 session and the 1912 election,
these laws hardly deserve place
/ with other noted measures.
Among the bills killed outright
chief interest, from a political view
point, attaches to the recall of judges
and the proposal to amend the con-
shtution by initiative. Each of these
measures was introduced by pro-
gressive and each received the solid
support of the progressives and the
practically solid support of demo.
Gratis, Each was killed by reason OF
the fact that majority of the house
republicans voted against them and,
unless all political signs fail, on
these two issues the 1914 campaign
will likely be fought out
Proposed changes in the election
laws have not gotten far. The non
parti2an idea was killed early in the
session and other reforms got little
or no attention.
Within three days of adjournment
the presidential primary bill has
made practically no Roadway, in
spite of the clamor that was made
over this question during the last
campaign and the general prediction
that it would be one of the first
measures enacted when the legis-
lature met.
Some attention has been given So
Geological problems by this legis-
lature While the mothers pension
bill has passed the lower house, the
chances for it's final success are not
so bright The teachers retirement
fund bill has been whipped into
shape by both houses but will have
to go before the people for approval
or rejection before it becomes law.
Provision for the issuance of
$4,000,000 bonds against the capitol
building grant will help to settle the
fairs of the capitol fund are in a de-
plorable shape, outstanding warrants
and Indebtedness to the general fund
amounting to $1,200,000, while as
result the general fund is now over
drawn more than $750,000.
The bond issue will also enable the
which, while planned to cost $780,
600, will run close to the $1,000,000
mark. The issue also will take care
of the proposed $2.250,OOO admins
tration building.
1t has been one of Governor Lis
ter's chief ambitions to go on with
the capitol building. Gov John R.
Rogers, the last democratic execu-
tive, under whom Ernest Lister
served, stopped the construction of
the proposed new capitol when the
foundation had just been completed,
and ever since taking up his duties
Governor Lister has shown an earn
est desire to take up Immediately the
work that his former chief stopped.
While at first blush the 100000
bond proposal might seem depart
ure from the governors general
economy program, this will be only
charge against the lands of the
capitol grant, which can be used for
no other purpose than capitol build
ing and will enable the lands to be
held until the timber increases in
value.
The legislature this year will go
down in history as an extravaganza
one, just as the 1911 legislature was
noted for it's excessive economy. AL
most any kind Of an appropriation
has been able to get an official o. K.
from the house appropriations COM
mittee, which has proved the con-
trolling factor in the situation, and
JuS result ID tudl Iu6 pIOpOSSu apply
priations of the session will total
more than $4,000, 1000, as against an
estimated revenue of 100000
under present levies.
This sharp increase not only will
necessitate increasing the general
fund levy from 1928 mills to the ex-
IRENE statutory limit of 3 mills, but
probably even with this increase the
general fund, now overdrawn more
than $750,000, will have to face still
greater overdrafts.
The legislature also has proposed
to nearly treble the road levies, and
the total estimated levy that will be
necessary under the proposed appro-
priations will be 1922 mills. as
against $40 mills, as at present.
The peculiar thing in the appro-
priations line is that the house COM
| ,,,;E+oo which hos lar0aIv dopoiD tod