Sioux County pioneer. (Fort Yates, Sioux County, N.D.) 1914-1929, 1915-02-19
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Legislature
AND ITS WORK

seen many interesting issues in the
legislature. The last day for intro
ducing bills witnessed delugc
there being 1873 bills introduced in
the house at that single session. No
more bills can be introduced now
The balance of the time will be de-
voted to cleaning up the calendar.
Prominent Issues.
Among the prominent issues be-
fore the legislative body are: con-
stitutional convention, two bills for
the changing Of the boundaries of
the congressional districts. creation
of the Thirteenth Judicial district to
consist of Eddy, Foster, Wells and
Sheridan counies, the tax commits
sion and board of control investigs-
tions, the killing of the capital pun
ishment bill, the probing of the
Grant Youman's allegations against
the bank examiner and the banking
board, and many other matters
which are attracting attention.
The proposition to hold another
constitutional convention seems to
be meeting with favor owing to the
fact that there are so many amend
ments to the constitution proposed.
If it should pass the election will be
held in the fall of 1916.
Redistricting Bills.
The two bills for the re-district-
ing the congressional districts do not
seem to be popular. as the present
arrangement is quite generally con-
sidered as adequate, and inasmuch
as another change will have to be
made in a few years when another
congressman is added to the state,
many seem to think the present ar
rangement should stand.
The question Of creating the Thir-
teenth Judicial district seems to be
meeting with favor, as the Fifth dis
trict to which Eddy. Foster and
Wells counties belong, is most too
large, and Sheridan county which
belongs to the Sixth district is out
of the way and not considered con-
tigious to the district.
Probe Still Under Way.
The investigation of the board Of
control failed to reveal anything
worth while, the complainants fail
ing to substantiate their charges.
In the matter of the tax commission
investigation, no report has been
made YET for the reason that the
committee making the Investigation
has been unable to get the desired
data from the various county audit
ors over the state. A bill has been
introduced cutting down the COM
mission to one man. Just what the
outcome will be is a matter of con-
lecture, though the members of the
commission claim they can make a
good showing when given chance.
Capital Punishment Bill Killed,
The bill abolishing capital pun
ishment in this state had its rounds
but was finally killed. The bill at
tracted considerable attention
through the fact that one Milo, con-
victed of murder in Bottineau Is
now in the penitentiary under SEN
tence of death; the date of his exc
cution being set for August 10. Had
this bill passed Milo would have es-
capped hanging, but by the action of
the legislature he must swing unless
saved by the pardon board.
Will Keep Fire Marshal.
The bill which was introduced
some time ago for the purpose of
abolishing the office of fire marshal
and which was supposed to have
been killed, has been resurrected
for reconsideration. Many seem to
think that this office is not worth
the cost of maintenance, but there
is also very strong support for it.
The rapid increase of the number of
fires in this state grew alarming,
and it was deemed necessary that
some officer be on the job to abate
the menace. The two years trial
has had its effect, as the fire marshal
Is police officer and has the assist
ance Of detectives and other Off
GERS over the entire country who
trail the firebugs so closely that they
are not SO bold in their work. 1t is
argued that to abolish the office
would be to let down the bars to the
arsonist and that there would be an
outbreak of fires again throughout
the state.
Censorship Bill Squelched.
There was stormy session in the
house when that body sitting as q
committe of the whole house, con.
sidered the bills calling for a cen.
anti-cigaret bill and one providing
for the licensing of steam and gaso.
line engines.
It was claimed by those opposed
to the first mentioned i'll that there
was no call for such board in thu:
state, besides the fees for inspection
which were set at $3.50 per reel
would prove prohibitive to the pic
ture business. The bill was killed
Observed Lincoln's Birthday.
The members of the legislature
observed Lincoln's birthday will
appropriate exercises. The day be
ing legal holiday there was O.
course, no session. At 2 O'Clock
both houses met in the House cham
Der. with a good attendance of tn,
public in the gallery. Lieutenan
Governor Frame presided. Trac,
Bangs of Grand Forks was tn,
speaker of the day. There was
fine musical program in which tn,
Glee Club of the State Universit,
took part. The ceremonies wer,
very appropriate.
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