The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-01-25
Higgins Opposes Amend
Amendment Offered by Hig-
Factory Workers.
BILL is RE-REFERRED
TO LABOR COMMITTEE
County Commissioner Dis
trict Division Bill Passes
Committee.
CIV. G.. Ferguson. Staff Correspond

CIV. G.. Ferguson. Staff Correspond
ent)
Helena, Jan. 24.-Vigorous debates
on II. II. 20 by Mason ana II. B. As by
Stimpert characterized the session of
the house of representatives in tho
committee of the whole today. The bill
introduced by Mason, Missoula, pro-
vides for an cight-ho day for all en-
ployes of municipalities, and coal
mines. The debate took n turn inter
csting to western Montana when De-
MEL Yellowstone. offered an amend
ment to include employees in beet sugar
factories. Higgins, Missoula, argued
against tho amendment and the entire
measure with suggested amendments
was referred to the labor committee
u. G. White. Fergus. one of the leaders
Of the farming interests. spoke against
an amendment offered by Lusk, Mis-
soula, including the farm employees in
this measure. "Such an amendment
would produce a labor strike on the
farm. We are the people who are feed
ing you all and we can take care oc
ourselves. n you want to teach us all
about strikes, 20 ahead with your cd
ucation. This action would have tho
| effect of increasing the cost Of living
immeasurably."
EIiei Given Ovation.
Representative F.liel OF Beaverhcad
arrived in Helena today and was in
his seat this morning. Ills return wis
in the nature Of an ovation and he was
warmly greeted by all Of the old mem.
bcrs ON both sides of the house. He
signalled his advent by an able talk
against H. r. As by stimpcrt. which
would divide the counties into com
missioner districts.
II don't believe" said Mr.. Eliel.
that this bill should be passed. It
conflicts with the constitution. do
not think that the people Of this state
are considering their own individual
welfare as much as the welfare Of tho
counties Mt largo. We have adopted
law known as the primary law which
Is supposed to give the people an op-
portunity for full and uninfluenccd
expression OF their desires with regard
to election of officers. T wonder II this
primary law has fallen into such dis
repute that II can no longer be trusted
and also wonder II the people cannot
be trusted any longer. I don't believe
this to be the case. This bill adds to
the complcxity Of our government.
Such n course intcrferes with the
progress of better government Only
hy simplifying our government will
the people be able to obtain a more
democratic administration Of affairs"
Benefit to Farmers.
The bill was defended largely by the
representatives of farming interests
who Insisted that under the present
method OF elcctinE county commission
ers the farmers in the outlying dis
tricts did not receive the representa-
tion to which they were entitled by
virtue Of the fact that such large
per cent Of the vote was TO be found
within the cities and towns.
The debate on this measure lasted
more than an hour. Those attacking
the measure contended that It was q
measure which might lead to compli-
cations as the matter OF dividing tho
counties into districts is left with tho
county commissioners. They also stated
that 1t had not been demonstrated that
the county commissioners under the
present system did not treat all sec
tions fairly. McQuarrie. Missoula, said
that never in his experience as county
commissioner had he found such u
condition to exist as this bill indicated.
Higgins, Missoula said that the trend
or government was toward centraliza-
| tion and cited the instance Of the
commission form of government which
has never been accused of favoring
any particular section of the city.
The bill finally passed the committee
of the whole by n vote OF II to 45.
Senate Finishes. Resolution.
The senate today put the finishing
touches on Senator Whiteside's resolu-
ton asking the secretary OF the treas
ury to withhold federal deposits from
| federal reserve banks In Montana
| which have refused to loan money to
farmers at per cent on warehouse
| receipts.
Senator Morris stated that he failed
to see what would be accomplished by
| the bill and that there was a misstate-
ment In the first paragraph. Senator
Whiteside was quizzed in regard to the
banks who had refused to make SUCH
loans. He said that he knew of somcs
and suggested that the resolution be