Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1913-01-02


James W. Helme, who is to succeed
G. NJ. Dame as state dairy and food
commissioner has plans which will
revolutioniZe the operation and ef-
| fectiveness of that department. He
has already declared war against de
ceptive advertising relative to coffee
and butter, together with other need
full articles of consumption, and pro-
poses a system Of publicity that will
be a menace to ev'l doors among man
ufacturers and vendors within the
state of Michigan.
He will ask for an appropriation
providing the expense Of a regu ar
monthly bulletin describing methods
and operations of producers for the
purpose of publicity, under the as
sumption that in publicity the people
will find their greatest protection.
Mr.. Helme believes that the high
cost OF living may in part be solved
by more effective state supervision
of foodstuffs. and the health of the
state thereby conserved. He declares
that the state laws in this respect
should conform to the national laws
and claims that the Michigan statutes
are inferior in some respects to the
laws of other states. He declares
that inspectors of weights and meas.
ures should be placed under the jur-
isdiction of the state food department
and that the work performed by those
"a Hnio l. eh hn Innn nv thu rnplIln -
food inspectors, thereby saving to the
state large amount of money.
Several bills are being drafted at
the instance Of Mr. Helme that Will
materially change the system If en-
acted.
Free and Uniform Text Books.
One of the problems to confront the
legislature. and one in which every
parent in the state is interested is
the matter of uniformity of text books
in the state. There will be bill pre-
sented providing for a uniform sys
tenn, and 1t is said that at least all
the progressive members are pledged
to 1t.
Senator Straight, who was two
years in the house, worked hard for
uniform system Of school books
throughout the state and il is expect
ed that he will lead the fight for such
a measure at the coming session.
The former superintendent OF pub
lie instruction, II. II. Pattengill, has
opposed a uniform system, but would
lend his influence to free text books.
This proposition also has a strong
following, and it is assured that there
will be bills presented providing for
both. Many cities in the state have
already the free text book system and
in these it works well. The lack Of
uniformity, however, is declared to be
a detriment to the educational system
as a whole in the state.
License Real Estate Dealers.
During the past few years, when the
development of the lands Of Michigan
has been given so much attention. it
has come about that misrepresenta-
ton of conditions and values in many
instances have given the state black
eve, because Of the zeal of the dealer
to realize profit with disregard Of the
future results and the reputation of
the state
Land Commissioner Carton will pro
pose legislation compelling dealer to
secure a state license, especially
side the state.
This plan is proposed to regulate
the activities Of buyers and sellers OF
state lands. as well as dealers hand
ling private Michigan real estate ard
seeking outside investors.
1t is claimed that spectators have
secured fancy prices from innocent
parties for waste lands that have been
worthless for the purposes represent
ed.
More Rigid Laws on Child Labor.
One important measure that will
receive early recognition will be that
providing for more rigid supervision
of child labor within the boundaries
of the state. While in the main there
have been few glaring infractions OF
the present laws, it is believed that
more stringent legislation should be
enacted.
Short Ballot, Smplified Primary.
Governor Ferris, ike thousands of
others in Michigan, favors more sim
plified method of operating the prim-
airy system This will be one of the
first considerations of the new COVER
nor's lesis tive program
He will also advocate vigorously a
shorter ballot according to the ac
copied Australian plan. ballot
where parties are not mentioned, but
where the voter is enabled to exercise
his choice without regard TO party con-
sideration is, in brief. the essential of
the proposition. In detail the legisla-
ture will be required to expend great
deal of time to effect simplification
that Will appeal to the house and SEN
ate. But certain il is that this reform
will receive the most ardent personal
support OF the governor.