The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1913-01-03

g. M. Dame as state dairy and food
commissioner, has plans which will
revolutionize the operation and eff
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 menace to evil doors among man.
ufacturers and vendors within the
state Of Michigan.
He will ask for an appropriation
providing the expense of regular
monthly bulletin describing methoGs
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 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
officials should be done by the regular
food inspectors, thereby saving to the
state a 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-
scented providing for 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 of pub
lie instruction, H. r. Pattengill has
opposed a uniform system, but would
lend his influence to free text books.
This proposition also has strong
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 1t works well. The lack OF
however, Is declared to be
q detriment to the educational system
as whole in the state.
License Real Estate Dealers.
During the past few years, when the
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
eye. because Of the seal Of the dealer
10 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 state license, especially
where sales are made TO parties out
side the state. Il
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 aud
seeking outside investors. ~
1t is claimed that spectators have |
secured fancy prices from innocent
parties for waste lands that have been
for the purposes represent
I'd.
More Rigid Laws on Child Labor. n
One important measure that will
receive early recognition will be that |
providing for more rigid supervision |
,f child labor within the boundaries |
Of the state. While in the main there
have been few glaring infractions of |
he present laws, II Is believed that |
more Akringent legislation should be |
enacted
Short Ballot, SlmpIIfied Primary.
Governor Ferris, like thousands OF |
others in Michigan, favors more sim
olified method of operating the prim-
Try system. This will be one of the |
irst considerations of the new COVER
lors legislative program.
He will also advocate vigorously a
shorter ballot according to the ac-
,epted Australian plan. A ballot |
where parties are not mentioned, but
where the voter is enabled to exercise
lis choice without regard to party con-
,ideration is, in brief, the essential CT
he proposition. In detail the legisla-
ure will be required to expend great
ieal of time to effect simplification
hat Will appeal to the house and SEN
tie. But certain it is that this reform
will receive the most ardent personal
support of the governor.
Pensions for Teachers.
A measure contemplating pensions
or school teachers will come before
he legislature for enactment. A bill
has been drawn after numerous con-