Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1914-12-25
HARMONY IN VIEW
FOR LEGISLATURE
LATEST POLITICAL DOPE TALKS
OF GUARDED FRIENDSHIPS
AT START.

With the opening day of Washing
toms 14th legislature Just two weeks
from next Monday, local political
dopesters have it that the attitude Of
Governor Lister and the legislative
leaders toward each other is that Of
willingness to enter into a guarded
friendship. Thus is noted change
of sentiment in the last few weeks.
Shortly after the election, when it
became known that the Republicans
would have an absolute two-thirds
majority in both houses, a much
firmer control than two years ago,
there seemed to be disposition to
ait Democratic governor little
Of the idea that each could proceed
in their own sweet way and "the
devil take the hindmost"-but the
latest dope has it that such senti-
ment has disappeared with the ap-
proach of the session, and Governor
Lister is credited with having let 1t
be known that, so far as he is con-
cerned, he will work with the legis-
lature in any legitimate aim toward
the announced economy program OF
Legislative leaders, and will make no
objections toward cutting appropria-
tions unless this interferes with
proper conduct of the state institu-
tions.
In furtherance of the plan to start
the sessions, at least, in amity. 1t is
unlikely that the 13 Democratic men,
bers of the lower house will advance
candidate of their own for the
speakership. w. w. Conner of Skagit
county having large majority of
pledges from Republican legislators
elect, it is altogether likely that the
Democrats will cast their votes for
him.
General Truce Declared.
Practically all of the state officials
of~the Democratic administration will
come before the state senate for con-
frmation at the present session, Gov
ernor Lister having delayed making
appointments until the 1913 legisla-
ture adjourned. A few months ago
there was talk of fight against some
appointees. but this appears to have
died away in the general feeling that
the session should be started in har-
mony. The break between Governor
Lister and Lieutenant-Governor Hart,
following the latter's assumption of
executive prerogatives during the alb
sence of the governor from the state,
has been patched up, and the pre-
siding officer of the senate at least is
not likely to be a party to a fight
against confirmation of appointments.
The experience of two years ago
demonstrated that Governor Lister
will not hesitate to use the veto
power in the interests of economy,
several millions having been Topped
from various bills by this method In
1913. If the men who will organize
the house carry out their announced
plan, however. there will be marked
absence of special appropriations this
year, and consequent saving.
University to Be Puzzle.
The situation at the University OF
Washington promises to give the leg
islature's announced economy pro-
gram it's hardest tussle. Buildings
constructed for the Alaska-Yukon-
Pacific exposition and donated to the
university are now tumbling to pieces,
and the university authorities will ap-
pear before the legislators and ask
100000 or more in excess of the
amount that will be raised by the
millage tax, arranged in 1911. with
the understanding that it would re-
main in effect until 1917. To meet
this situation several remedies have