The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1917-01-11
NORBECK mum
ON APPOINTMENTS
Rumored, However, at Least
Two Department Heads Will
Lose PIaCeS-Other
Pierre News.


-
Pierre, S. D., Jan. 4.-Heads Of state
departments, in the appointive classes,
are p~erceptibly nervous about the plans
and intentions Of Governor Norbeck,
who had given no pledges or assur-
ances Of my kind about the positions
coming under his Jurisdiction.
AS the retiring governor and the
present governor are close political
friends and the attaches of the Byrne
administration have been ardent Nor
beck, supporters, it is generally assumed
that there will be but few changes just
at present in the appointive lists. The
rumor is in circulation around the
state house, however, that at least two
department heads will be changed. Of
ficials generally have jumped at the
conclusion hat one of the retirements
will be John Ia Wingfield, head Of the
state banking department, who kicked
up a Juror in trying to compel state
banks to hold a certain per cent Of
cash in reserves in South Dakota
banks. Mr.. Wingfield's position was
overruled by the courts, but the feel
ings aroused by that action have not
been entirely soothed.
The estimate are badly scattered as
~ IL lliCl II
slated for a change, and each depart
ment head ~nervously considers the pos
slpillty that the ak may be aimed at
him. Governor Norbeck is neither CIV
ing assurances nor putting out discour-
agements. He holds these matters as
questions still TO be considered on their
merits.
Sellers to Stay.
Kenneth Sellers, who has been pri-
Vate secretary fO Governor Ryrne will
continue in the same capacity with
Governor Norbeck for the present.
During these early days of the leg
1slative session most Of the lobby dis
cussion relates to measures for enforce
ing constitutional prohibition as adopt-
ed at the recent election. The Anti
Saloon league has drafted a bill, which
1t Is seeking to nave adopted without
material changes. This measure means
the amount Of liquor that may be re-
ceived for personal use, fixing the limit
at one quart OF whisky and one case
OF beer each month. Any shipments
or purchases il excess of that would
be classed as illegal and would invoke
the restrictions Of the Webb-Kenyon
law on interstate shipments.
Commissioner of Prohibition.
The Anti-Saloon league bill provides
for a commissioners of prohibition car
rying out the illogical system which has
made a farce of state law enforcement
Many Of the members take the view
that any new enforcement officers who
are designated shOul have general
jurisdiction and responsibility, not
merely assigned to enforcement of GER
tain laws. If the fees received from
hunting and fishing licenses and by the
o and drug department could ba
used in financing a department of state
special agents, with jurisdiction on all
CT N . n INC 40
could be created within q very few
years. If the state INDUCES in a COM
missioner Of prohibition it is merely
continuing conditions made famous by
the bee inspector and other special
bureaus.
With no codification Of laws since
1903, and the index at that time made
up rather unscientifically, South Da-
kota is manifestly in need Of a new
code. This need is reflected and OUT
lined in house bill No. !. The first bill
In the senate is one for free text books
on a county unit basis, presented by
Arlsden, of Grant county. Mr.. Amsden
states hat the bill is modelled after the
county system in force in Gran county
for a number of years. This bill has
started the customary discussion about
the aims n aspirations of the book
trust. Some members assert that Mr..
Amsden's bill will be fought by the
trust, while other members are just as
sure that the trust will back the meas
ure. In the meantime the trust can
be trusted to conceal its own interests
n get abou it wants, as usual.
But Four Lawyers.
Out of 45 members Of the Senate
there are only four lawyers-Urdahl,
Waters, Hows and Wanzer. One of
these, Mr.. WanZer, is i'll and not at
tending the session. This leaves a very
unusual condition for organization Of
the important judicial committee and
will impose rather arduous duties upon
the three lawyers in checking up on
legal phases Of measures under con
sideration. 1t is said that MI. Urdahi
is slated for chairman of the judiciary
committee. He may accept the as
signment, but does not like to be tied
down too closely on routine details, as
he keeps a very close watch on iegis-
lation in all directions. In addition to
his habits Of scrutiny, he has the cour-
age to show up and fight questionable
provisions.
Want Leagues Cooperation.
Some Of the progressive leaders here
are avowedly in favor Of bidding for
the cooperation OF the nonpartisan
league, now being. organized in South
Dakota. They thinE this result can be
secured by meeting some of the
leagues reasonable demands, thus pre-
venting the creation Of a new and
strong political faction in the state
Through diplomatic exchanges, the
league leaders in North Dakota, where
the movement originated, have OBJ
served the danger of establishing some
undesirable connections in South Da-
kota. If in a separate political organ
iZation they profess to want results
rather than power and that claim may
| be tested to some extent.