Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1913-01-17
OPENING OF SESSION,
Farmer Wideawkae" Writes of
Legislative Doings.

with the constitution and the laws of
the state the thirty eighth session of
the Minnesota legislature was set in
its biennial motion Tuesday noon.
Jan. 7th. There was not much devi-
alton in the initial formalities of other
sessions. Our fundamental law pro-
Vides that all servants of the state
must take and subscribe to an oath.
In the heat of campaign and conflict
of definitions of progressives, some
candidates might have made sighting
remarks about constitutions. state and
federal. But when the lately elected
legislators were called to stand up.
and take their official oaths, observed
that all, with becoming solemnity.
subscribed that they would Support
the constitution of the United States,
the constitution of the state of Mime
sofa" and faithfully perform their
duties Herewith.
On Wednesday at II A. M. the
senate met in joint session with the
house in the customary ceremonial
of witnessing the governor taking the
oath of office and the reading of his
message. The message this year was
not as long as those of the last few
years. It's principle recommendations
are:
A department of Public Domain
to take control of the state lands.
timber, minerals, waterways, water
power and drainage.
A department of Agriculture pat
termed after the federal department or
some of the states that have success
fully operated such.
Legislative and Congressional re.
apportionments based upon popula-
tion.
Presidential Preference Primaries.
A State Public Utilities Commits
sion.
An act to control the sale of stocks
and bonds securities, Blue Sky law.
A Workmen's Compensation law.
Reforms directed to expedite judi
cial procedure.
Laws tending to carry out the con-
stitution amendment providing for a
one mill tax levy for the improve
ment of public highways.
A legislative Reference Rureau.
and the Initiative and Referendum.
In discussing and recommending the
foregoing the governor did so in {
matter of fact way. But when he
came to the subject of public health
he developed sentimental tone. At
ter going somewhat at length int
figures, stating that more than 250(
succumbed to the white plague an
nually, and recommending state ait
and supervision for county sanatar
iums, and enlarged facilities at th'
state sanat1rium for patients in coun'
ties not able 10 take advantage o.
the law, he said ST wish that for a
Ileast one session the beautiful paint
ings and decorations upon the walls O.
these chambers might be transformed
to represent the suffering ard distress
in thousands of Minnesota homes. AM
that these innocent victims of pre-
Iventable disease might appear befor
you. their pale and lifeless counter
ances picturing mingled hope and des
pair, their hands outstretched to yo1
as in fervent prayer, not for tn
rights of property protection or secur
ity. but for the God-given right t
breathe the fresh air and live"
| ! suppose /, too, ought to sa,
something about the senate combine
Well, there was combine alrigh
ard if the press of the state had no
turned on the ex-ray of publicity
would have accomplished what it Sc
out to do with neatness and dispatch
Strictly there was Inconsistency O
both sides. 1t is true that Burnquis
was one of those who strenuousl
demanded a committee on committee
two years ago, but it is equally tru
that most of those who fought for
now would have secuted the idea then
It may be that the "ins'' and "outs'
enters into the point of view bu
the real fact of the situation is ths
the public generally are looking to tn
: present senate and house organizatio
FOR results: and in doing so cares nc
, for the means to bring about the enc
But the organization men are nc
, likely to stand together all thru tn
. session as they have this first week
If such progressives as DR.. Stone
IBill>Nolan and Tom Frankson ca
frame debate and pass reapportior
ment bill and preserve pale faces l.
never again entertain the suspicio
. that there is no difference in opera
tion between progressive" steaI
roller and regular" one.