The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1913-01-03

hold necessities within the state
James w. Helme. Who is to succeed
G.. M. Dame as ste GARRY and food
commissioners, has plsss which Will
revolutionize the operation and Ell
fectiveness of that depaitr' tnt. He
has already declared war against de
ceptive advertising relative to coffee
and butter, together with other need
full articles of consum s>ion, and pro-
poses a system of publicity that will
be menace to evil doors among man
ufacturers and vendors within the
state of Michigan.
He will ask for an appropriation
providing the expense of a regular
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 a 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 TIE
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
officials should be done by the regular
food inspectors, thereby saving TO the
state large amount Of money.
Several bills are being drafted at
the instance Of Mr.. Helme that VIII
materially change the system II 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-
scented providing for a uniform sys-
TEN, and it is said that at least all
the progressive members are pledged
to it.
Senator Straight, who was two
years in the house, worked hard for
uniform system OF school books
throughout the state, and it is expect
ed that he will lead the fight for such
a measure at the coming session..
The former superintendent or pub
lie instruction, II. r. Pattengill, has
opposed a uniform system, but would
lend his influence to free text books.
This proposition also has strong
following, and it is assured that there
will be bills presented providing Tor
both. Many cities in the state have
already the free text book system and
in these it works well. The lack or
uniformity. however, is declared to be
detrment 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 II
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 or the
future results and the reputation oil
the state.
Land Commissioner Carton will pro
pose legislation compelling dealer tc
secure state license, especially
where sales are made to parties out
side the state.
This plan is proposed to regulate
the activities of buyers and sellers OF
state lands, as we'll as dealers hand
ling private Michigan real estate anc
seeking outside investors.
1t is claimed that spectators have
secured fancy prices from innocent
parties for waste lands that have beer
worthless for the purposes represent
ed.
More Rioid Laws on Child Labor.
One important measure that viii
receive early recognition will be tina
providing for more rigid, supervisor
OF child labor within the boundaries
of the state. While in the main there
have been rev SlarlnS lHlTdCllohs "
the present laws, it is believed tina
more stringent legislation should b'
enacted.
Short Ballot, SinpIified Primary.
Governor Ferris, like thousands o
others in Michigan, favors more sim
plified method of operating the prim
ary system. This will be one Of thu
first considerations of the new COVER
nors legislative program.
He will also advocate vigorously
,horter ballot according TO the &C
cepted Australian plan. ballo
where parties are not mentioned, bu
where the voter is enabled to exercis
his choice without regard to party cor
sideration is, in brief, the essential o
the proposition. In detail the legisls
ture will be required to expend grea
deal of time to effect simplificatio
that Will appeal to the house and ser
ate But certain ii is that this reforr
will receive the most ardent persona
support of the governor.
f.