The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-02-23

ate there was. for some time, feegne
that plan for a constitutional con-
vention should be submitted, but the
announced opposition of the Nonpar-
tisan league to any plan that might
Originate with the senate. caused an
abandonment Of the proposal.
AS result, 8. b. No. 90, introduced
by Senator Mcbride of Stark county
was indefinitely postpbned-and the
Issue closed.
Rail Hearing Tonight.
1t Is expected that the senate rail-
road committee will meet this even
ing to hear representatives of rail-
roads discuss the proposed classified
ton and schedule of rates contemplat-
ed under II. B. No. 29S, passed by
the lower branch OF the assembly. and
now before the senate.
The bill in question proposes to set
4 up complete new classification of
classes, and a complete new schedule
or rates, and 1t is in conformity with
the freight rates now effective in
Minnesota under the CGshnan law of
that state.
In Minnesota, the rates were pro-
mulgated by the railroad commission,
while here 1t is proposed to promul-
gate them through q legislative enact
ment.
Amending Highway Bill.
Several amendments will be offered
in the senate to the state highway
commission bill, passed by the house.
The amendments will serve to give the
counties greater voice in road work
and also take from the state engineer
some of the sweeping powers contem-
plated under the bill as originally in
troduced by the house highways COM
mittee, of which George Reishus of
Minot, is chairman.
The amendments being prepared are
such that they will satisfy the various
parties interested in making the act
workable.
Mr.. Hathaway, representing the fed
eral government, conferred with the
highway committee of the senate this
week, anent proposed affiliation Of this
state with the national road building
scheme.
To Fight Compromise.
Nonpartisans in the house have de-
clared they will oppose any COM
promise on the contract rate Of inter-
est bill. The senate amended the horse
bill by fixing the contract rate of in
terest at nine per cent, whereas the
house had fixed it at eight per cent.
At first 1t was generally understood
that the house would accept such
amendment, but 1t is now apparent
that there will be opposition to the
proposal.
Likewise, the attempt to limit the
amount that banks may pay in inter-
est on deposits, has stirred up oppo-
sition.
The opening Of the fifty-fourth
legislative day found 20 senate bills
on the house calendar for third read
ing and final passage and seven house
bills on the senate calendar. The lists
in both cases were added to by COM
al crfn
found q majority Of the legis-
lators in holiday spirit, with little de-
sire to attend committee meetings.
Many Of the statesmen spent the day |
in Mandan and sized up the fine live
stock sold at auction there under the !
auspices Of the agricultural college.
In the House.
Senate Bill No. ]. Senator Stenmo's |
Torrens measure for the |
Of land titles, finally reached |
its third reading in the house. II the |
bill passes, the adoption Of its pro-
visions remains optional, and the mea-
sure is said to be not at all radical, as
with similar statutes adopt
I'D by other states.
On general orders, the house had for
the afternoon Senate Bills Nos. lit
and 118, concurrent resolutions for
to the constitution which
would empower the state to erect and
operate a combined terminal elevator
Ind flour mill and a packing plant and
cold storage warehouses. Neither of
,hese resolutions has met with much
favor at the hands of the league, but
hey are believed to be generally
bodied them In the planks Of both
parties in last falls cam
Oaign.
Senator Lindstrom's chicken BILL
5. B. No. 46, and s, B. No. "A, which
removes the protection from beaver,
which have caused so much damage
% farm property in western North
Dakota, were also on general orders
his afternoon.
One of the most important measures
IN the house calendar this afternoon,
rom the standpoint of revenue, which
s most vital in view of the rapidly
cost Of government, was
Senate Bill No. So. relating to the tax
Ltion of monies and credits and which
s designed to add huge sums to the {
axable property of the state.
tie Bill No. rs, requiring public SER
ice corporations to pay employees at
east semi monthly.
In the Senate X
House bills up for final action in 6
he senate included H. b. No. 226, re- IL
ating to the dissolution OF corpora
ions; H. B. No. II, requiring railways
o construct cattleways; H. B. No.
06, requiring railway companies to
onstruct "wyes" at all functions or
H. B. No. SO, providing
hat bail for a person charged with ,
he theft Of horses or cattle shall in :
70 case be less than $4,000; H. B. No. /,
Fl, repeating the act Of 1915 Great
ng q state board of immigration; II. /,
!. No. 81, defining the duties of the /.
djutant general, and H. B. No. 1853,
a state highway commission
0 consist of the governor, the state
ngineer, commissioner of agriculture =
nd labor and two members to be
AIMED by the governor; providing
hat necessary bridges shall be con-
Idered part of any highway to be
INSTRUCTED under the supervision of !
ne commission, and that the cost Of
UGH bridges shall be borne equally by )
ne state and the county in which the =
is made; providing that
wo- thirds of all revenues derived
rom the licensing and registration of
automobiles shall be paid into the
tate highway fund, and one-third
ito the highway fund Of the county
hence the funds originate, and car
ying an emergency clause which
'ould give the act immediate effect.