The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1913-01-08
Asks That Attention Be Paid to Agri-
cultural and Industrial Subjects
-: and Advises More Aid.
PROTECT WOMEN AND CHILDREN
Goes on Record in Favor of Woman
and Child Labor Laws and Work.
mems Compensation Act.
Special to The Pioneer.
~ United Press.

Special to The Pioneer.
~ United Press.
St. Paul, Jan. Sin his second in
augural message, read to the assem-
bled houses of the Minnesota legisla-
ture this morning, Governor Eberhart
touched on many reforms he consid-
ers as needed and many items of leg
islation that he favors. The govern
or made strong pleas for re-appor
tionment, presidential preference pri-
maries, regulation of child and wo-
man labor, agricultural and Industrial
training, etc.
The following is the condensed of
the message:
Gentlemen Of the Senate and House
of Representatives:
1.-TWO years of most remarkable pro-
gress have passed since the legislature
met in regular session and it again
becomes my duty to present to you
such information and recommended
tlons as pertain to the welfare of the
state.
"Perhaps no legislature ever con-
vened under more favorable circum-
stances. Abundant prosperity has ia
vored every section of the state. Pro-
gress and development have been the
watchwords of every community Gull
ture and refinement have been attain
ed in greater degree than ever be-
fore. Yet there is before us great
field of opportunities, and we are
charged with the solemn duty of help
full cooperation to the end that the
will of the people and the highest and
bes interests of the state may find a
ready response in wise legislation as
we'll as efficient administration.
'Tn my message two years ago de-
parted somewhat from the established
custom of chiefly communicating rec
concentrations covering the needs Of
the various state departments and
this practice shall again follow. The
recommendation covering the various
departments are herewith submitted
to you in an appendix attached to this
message. Most of these recommended
tions have already after mutual con-
sultation been transmitted to you in
the reports of the various depart
ments. I, therefore,, attach the most
important of them in condensed form
for ready reference with my approval.
Legislative Reapportionment.-A
just reapportionment Of the legisla-
tive districts according to population
is one Of the most important duties
imposed upon this legislature. Section
2, Artivle w, of the constitution
states specifically that the represent
tation in both houses shall be appor-
toned equally throughout the differ
ent sections of the state, in proper
ton to the population thereof At
the last election on referendum vote
the people decided not to change the
constitution with reference to legisla-
tive representation. The reapportion-
ment must, therefore, be made in &C
cordance with the provisions of the
present constitution and this legisla-
ture should proceed without further
delay. A refusal to grant this relief
is not merely the Sinking of great
responsibility, it is the most willful
neglect of a plain duty imposed by the
constitution of the state. The last leg
islative apportionment was made in
1897 or sixteen years ago. Longer
delay is absolutely inexcusable.
"For the third time I have urged in
my message to the legislature that
every section of the. state be given
a fair representation in the legisla-
ture. 1 am anxious to see the state
develop, but it cannot possibly do SO
to the best advantage unless every
section thereof is given a fair repre-
sentation in the making of the laws
upon which such Developments must
necessarily depend. Unfair represen-
tation is no better in principle than
no representation. There is perhaps
no action to be taken by this legisla-
ture which will be watched with
greater interest by the people of the
state, than that relating to reappor-
tionment and for which the members
will be held more strictly accountable.