The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1913-01-05

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If the question of consolidation is not
to be decided upon its merits; If it is
to become a medium of exchange In
the barter Of votes-then it would
better be raised. And the
friends of the movement have this to
consider. They must guard against
the injection of politics into their
campaign.
AN EARLY START-certain it is
that a substantial part of the mem
bers of the session will make an hon
est endeavor to get under way such
legislation as will provide for the en-
actment of some of the more import
ant of the laws which were promised
to the people of the state in the party
platforms. There is the tax commiss-
ion, for instance, which is one of The
most important questions which the
Legislators will be called Upon to con-
slider. There IS not a doubt that the
proper assessment and taxation of the
property Of the great corporations in
this state would provide the revenue
which is needed and of which the state
now stands in want. There has been
systematic lodging # taxes by these
corporations. notably by the Amalga-
mated company. which has been plac-
ing upon the small owner an unjust
burden of taxation and which has de-
prived the state OF revenues to which
it is entitled. A proper tax commiss-
ion would correct this evil to a great
extent. The figures in this case have
been before the people for months:
they will be placed before the people
again; the legislators will be given
opportunity to consider them. Further,
there is the matter of h creation OF
q public-utilitie commission: there is
the inspection Of grain, Of fruit and
orchards, Of livestock. of food prod
ucts; there is the duty of the state
to protect it's dairymen; there is the
road question; there are scores OF
these problems which are in no way
partisan matters, which can be taken
IN early and considered and disposed
of. to the benefit OF the state and the
betterment of the condition of it's peo-
pie. And the people are watching.
THE MILL TAx-Foremost in i'm
portance, from almost any viewpoint
is the question Of the levy of a mill
tax for the maintenance of the states
educational institutions. This is a mat
ter which has received the attention
of the states people for more than two
years. 1t is a question which shoule
receive serious consideration and legis-
lative action during the sixty day.
ahead, And it should not be permit
ted to get into the pigeon hole of any
committee chairman. 1t hould %
disposed of early, before the power o
the people is surrendered to a steer
ing committee. The state owes 1t t
it's educational system to remove !
from the realm Of the lobbyist and t
take it away from the politician. Her
Is a question which has no connection
with politics. There Isl not, for tina
matter, any question among all thos
we have raised this morning. wh1c.
can be construed as political. All ar
of Importance to the states welfar
and each is entitled tor the consider
alton and support of every member G
the legislature whose purpose Is
promote the best interests Of Montana
The elimination of the senatorial ques
ton from the program of the leglsia
ture makes it possible to have a cours
of action mapped out which Will CIV
consideration to the state of Montan
and not have the action of the leg1s
lature shaped by any motive othe
than a regard for the needs OF u
state. 1t Is possible for h memo
of this assembly to make h Thi'
teenth the most helpful session tt
Ao4 hos o1,nV had .