Semi-weekly herald., 1915-04-15
WORK OF 10Th
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
(By ALvA A. SWAMI

Inc tWeHtieth genefai assembly mas
passed the following important bills
and sent them to the governor:
/. The prohibition bill, putting in
to effect the prohibition constitutional
amendment adopted by the people
last fall.
2. 1t created an industrial relation
commission, the duties of which will
be to handle all labor disturbances.
3. Establishing the principle OF
workingmen's compensation, for in
juries received.
4. The enactment of the drug law.
which establishes a total prohibition
on the sale of cocaine, opium and
similar drugs, except for medical
purposes.
5. The establishment of a survey
commission to make complete in
vestigation into the affairs of the
state government with a view Of rec
ommending changes that will operate
in the savings Of money in conduct
ing the government of the state.
6. The redivision of the mill levy,
SO that the state institutions will re-
ceive larger proportion of the state
moneys raised through the levy.
Z. A division of the general rev.
enue reducing the state payroll over
two hundred thousand dollars for the
biennial period and the distribution
of this sum among the state institu-
tions.
8. The reduction of the mill levy
for the capitol building from fifteen
to seven one-hun-
dredths.
o. Providing that the state shall
pay the cost of the bond given by the
state treasurer.
10. Declaring all property used for
immoral purposes to be public nuis-
nnce and providing fine and impris-
onment for owner thereof.
II. Providing that all commission
merchants shall file the bond with
the secretary Of state, thus guaran-
teeing protection to their clients.
IL. establishing the 1913 stat
ute for the valuation of mining prop
erty.
13. Reinserting section 80 in the
public utility commission law, which
gives the public utility commission
power to determine whether or not
new public utilities shall be construct
ed.
Ia. Amending the divorce law so
that divorce decree shall not be is
vorcc has been granted and prevent
ing remarriage in the state until one
year after the decree has been is
sued.
l5. Amending the drainage laws
of the state so that the federal gov
ernment will be able to spend several
million dollars, draining water-logged
lands in the Grande and San Luis val
leys.
16. Requesting the federal govern
ment to permit the use of the Teller
Indian school property for charitable
purposes.
II. Continuing the court Of ap-
peals for two years longer.
Is. Amending the minimum wage
law for women, so as to enlarge the
powers Of the minimum wage COM
mission.
10. Creating Legislative investi-
eating committee with unlimited pow
ers, and appropriating $4,000 for its
use.
The above list shows that the twen-
tieth general assembly enacted more
Legislation Of beneficial nature to
the people than any general assembly
that has ever sat in this state, save
perhaps the thirteenth. Either half
dozen of the measures passed could
be considered the sessions work. The
prohibition law is complete depart
ure from former conditions in the
state. The industrial relations law,
together with the compensation law
and the insurance law, will, II prop
erly administered, be the medium
through which Colorado can re-estab-
lish herself as money saving in
stitution. Certainly the people Of the
state will approve of the plan of cut
ting down pay rolls, discharging need
less employees and using the money
thus saved in the educational and
charitable institutions Of the state.
Certainly also will the people approve
Of the change in the civil service law,
which will give every county in the
state an opportunity to have its peo-
pie participate in the competitive ex-
aminations instead of giving all po-
sitions to the city and county of Dem