The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1915-04-09

passage when the Legislature recon-
venes. Nothing is heard from the
fellowservant's bill 1t was forgot
ten in framing the Democratic plat
form last year, but the Governor is
standing by the plank in the plat
form on 1912. There is slight pros
pect that it will be enacted into law.
Various and sundry reasons have
been advanced for the recess. Gov.
Rye stated very explicitly that he
desired to see how some of the
changes in the operation of the
States institutions under the board
of control law would proceed.
Naturally there may be some
changes needed, and that reason is
accepted in good faith so far as it
goes. That reason is the Governors.
Others may have different reason.
PRIMARY BILL MUST WAIT.
The primary bill introduced by
Senator Ike Stevens, of Dyer, who
is regarded as close friend of Sena-
tor Lea, provides for just about the
kind of law that Senator Lea's po-
litical opponents have charged him
with desiring. The Legislature very
wisely laid it aside for consideration
after it reassembles in May.
According to the law the State
Board of Elections is required to fill
the places on the county boards be-
fore May. The new board consists
of two Democratic members and one
Republican member. The recent
election of the Hon. Lit Pardue and
Capt. J. M. Bracken was hailed by
some as a great victory for Senator
Lea and his faction. The anti-Lea
faction claimed that it was satisfied
with the men elected. 1t was
claimed by some of the enthusiastic
that Senator Lea would control the
board.
The other side looked wise and
said, Let him try"
Confronted with the problem of a
strong and determined opposition,
Senator Lea very naturally desires
whatever of advantage he may gain
by political manipulation.
1t is quite clearly demonstrated
that with some cooperation he can
control the Legislature and pass the
primary bill without the run-off
feature if he desires it.
But it is not believed that Senator
Lea, Representative McKellar, Hull,
Garrett or Senator Shields know
of the appointments in
store for the county boards. Until
these appointments are made Sena-
tor Lea, in all probability, will not
urge the passage of this primary
law.
The existing situation is strong
evidence of the fact that the State
Board of Elections is above, or
strongly suspected of being above,
The domination of any man or set
Of men, an opinion that has been
sounded through these columns since
5he night of their nomination in a
Democratic caucus.
During the recess there will be
some quiet but persistent inquiry
made as to the factional status of
he Democratic State committee. At
asst account the committee was what
S known as "anti-Lea." 1t may be
hat only Judge L. D. Hill, the
chairman, is against him by this
ime. ..
Unless the Legislature passes a
aw providing for a compulsory pri-
nary for the nomination of members
# Congress, the plan will be left in
he hands of the different party or
The bill providing for the reor-
;anization of the Department of
Commerce passed the House to-day. |
t is considered good measure. The
oard is composed of seven members,
i've to be appointed by the Governor,
he other two to the superintendent
+ public instruction and the dean
f the department of agriculture of
he University of Tennessee.
If the measure has no other vir-
ue, and it undoubtedly is an i'm
rovement over the present situa-
ion, it has the advantage of having
Il it Prof. H. A. Morgan, the fore
lost agricultural expert in the
outh, if not the greatest in the
'nited States.-By George Morris in
he Commercial Appeal.
The auditor of the War Depart
lent will forthwith pay 80 per
ent. of claims provided by the Om-
ibus Claims Bill. Auditor Baity
.ates that Kentucky, Tennessee and