Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-05-10
GOVERNOR CLARKE MAY VETO
STATUTE ON CONSTITUTIONAL
GROUNDS.
is CONDUCTING FULLEST
INQUIRY AND DISCUSSION
Opposition to Law Bearing Down Hard
est in Iowa Altho Making Fight
Against Similar Statutes in Other
Employers Liability Law Ac-
ceptsd by Manufacturers.
pecial to Times-Republican.

Special to Times Republican.
Des Moines, May lois the gov
ernor Of a state justified in exercising
his veto power upon a suspicion that
the courts might declare bill uncon-
stitutional If it became law?"
That Is the chief question before
Governor Clarke. at present, in connec-
ton with the blue sky" bill. tho prob
ably not the only question. Those who
have discussed the mater with the
governor say that he has as vet given
no linking Of what he is likely to do.
His attitude has been one of inquiry
and invitation to the fullest discussion.
But those who represent the big ma
tional organization of promoters with
millions back of them and are en-
gagged in fighting the blue sky legisla-
ton in all the states, are said to be
just now bearing down hardest on the
argument about the bill being uncon-
and sure to be declared null
and void at the first attempt at en-
forcement.
1t was upon this ground and this
induced to veto bill in that state al
was not willing to have the courts pass
on the bill. He included in his veto
message an opinion from the attorney
general to the effect that the bill vio-
lated the constitution. But it Is said
that in Iowa the legal department Of
the state is not at all ready to go on
record as declaring that the Thomas
act would fail to stand the test Of the
courts
1t is also recalled that Governor
Clarkes predecessor did not gain any
great credit for vetoing a bill on the
ground that it was unconstitutional. In
fact, the public rather looked upon the
vetoing as an act Of presumption and
dissection Of the bill had best been left
to the courts.
Those who have been fighting the
bill have now practically abandoned
the argument that as law it will be
ruinous to business interests of the
state and destroy a large amount Of
legitimate business. 1t is conceded that
all will depend upon the spirit Of it's
enforcement, and that state officials
should be presumed to enforce law
In a manner not to be destructive Of
legitimate business.
The legislature adjourned three weeks
ago today. so the time Is not yet up for
the governor to decide what he will do.
State officials have already been
figuring to see II the time recording
clock in use in the stats house may
not be adapted for the use of the re-
trerrchment and report committee in
keeping tab on state officials and sub
ordtnates. Secretary Dawson went 20
work several days ago to see what
could be done. That which is desired
Is system SO that the official or clerk
reporting may make the report from
his own office, and 1t will not be neces-
sary to all go to any one room to make
the record. To do the latter would
create endless confusion and loss Of
time. A system SO that the recording
clock shall be in the office Of the Sec
rotary Of the executive council and the
record stations In the different offices,
is what is wanted. Obviously 1t would
not be very easy to have the people
in the state historical building and the
temporary offices far removed from the
state house go to one room of the
capitol and report for duty and ring
out.
But the problem Of getting just the
right kind Of recording system is one
not easily solved.
The new Iowa law as to workmen's
compensation for injuries received in
Industrial employment will be accept
ed and made use Of by from 80 to 90
per cent of the employers Of the state
according to the estimate Of Senator
Clarkson. to whose persistency and en-
thusiasm the bill was passed by the
legislature.
Senator Clarlzson says that when the
employers make a study of the law and
come to under stand its advantages to
them they will take advantage Of
it, and there will be very few Of the
employees who will voluntarily decline
to accept it's provisions.
Nothing can be done as yet for the
law does not go into effect until July
4 next. and then only in part.
"The success or failure Of the law
will depend to a large extent" said
Senator Clarkson, ION the man who is
selected to have charge Of the work. At
the first it will be largely matter Of
education and the work Of getting all
who are interested to know just what
Is meant by the law and to give 1t a
fair trial.
Two million dollars worth of bust
ness goes thru one department of the
state auditors Office each month. a
million dollars worth Of securities
owned by insurance companies are
withdrawn from deposit and another
million dollars worth deposited. The
total Of securities accounted for by
John W. Daley. security clerk. at the
present time is about forty nine mill
lion dollars.
The state legal department will find
IFS "Fade AWAY"