Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1917-01-09

at p. M, 43; north wind; clear.
has of coming and going as he pleases,
and that whatever interest he has in
legislation is only such as any citizen
might and should have.
Just the same, it can safely be
stated that no laws will be enacted
that Mr.. Bursum does not approve.
By the same token, those measures
that Mr.. Bursum does approve will be
placed on the statute books.
Barnes for Floor Leader.
Early today it became apparent that
nothing could stand in the way of the
election of Major w. II. H. Llewellyn
as speaker of the house. and opposi-
tion to the Dona Ana county man
speedily disappeared, with the result
that the caucus tonight developed into
a sort of love feast, with the men who
have been most prominently men,
toned as his opponents doing the low
ing and Major Llewellyn the feasting.
With this disposed of, the matter of
floor leadership claimed next atten-
-
p. Barnes for that post of RESPONSE
bility was seen to be practically
unanimous.
The selection of Judge Barnes as
floor leader is regarded as a peculi-
arly happy one. The Albuquerquean
has had ample experience in legisla-
tion, is an excellent parliamentarian
and is blessed with an urbanity of
manner that wins friends regardless
Of political differences. 1t is believed
that under his leadership there will be
less friction in obtaining the action
declared for by the party platform
than has been experienced in any
preceding legislature for years.
As to Contests.
The first and second legislatures
We're republican in both branches, but
not by sufficient majorities to give
that party the power to override
gubernatorial vetoes, and at that time,
with the salary bill and similar legis-
lation agitating politicians, a two
thirds majority was considered a vi
tally important thing. Hence whole,
sale contests We're inaugurated and
sustained with little regard to their
sary to use as weapon on Governor
Mcdonald.
Again the legislature is republican
in both branches by less than two
thirds majority, and again the COVER
nor is a democrat. But on the surface
of things there does not appear to be
the same inducement to bring con-
tests without regard to their merits,
as in former years. So far everything
points towards harmony, or at least
towards ss much harmony as is'possi
BILE between democrat and a repub-
lican. 1t is impossible to make a fore
cast at this time as to the policy of
the party in power, but there is moth
ing in the stars to indicate repeti-
tion of the scenes of former years in
this respect.
Submission Sure.
1t is doubtful if a session of the
legislature ever began with fewer |
lines of cleavage between the two |,
parties as to administrative and legis- |
lative policy. The submission of a /!
prohibition amendment is as certain |
as anything could be. Both parties |
are for it, and leaders of both parties
are determined to see that there is no
y-business--that a clear record |
is made on the subject. A suffrage !
will probably be submit |
ted, because both party platforms de-
clare for it, but owing to the practi-
cal impossibility of the adoption of
such an amendment under present |
little is heard on the sub .
ject at this time.
Good roads and tax reform are the
principal matters that will engage the
attention of the legislature, and here
the party difference will be one more
of method than of principle. Some
thing will be done on both matters,
and whatever is done will meet with
the approval of some and the con-
demnation of others, but there is
nothing that is likely to cause any
great fuss during the legislative ses-
sion.
The recommendation of Governor
lie Baca for ballot reform will cer-
tainly be the occasion of an attempt |
by democratic members to secure the
enactment of something akin to the
Australian ballot law. Something
may be done along this line, but if
bill is passed it will be one fashioned
by republican members to suit their
own peculiar views. 1t is hardly posi-
ole that the majority will allow the
to get any credit out of
whatever law is passed, if such a thing
,an be helped.