Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1917-02-01
INSURGENCY
IN ROAD QUESTION
House Is Divided on Matter and
a Contest Is Expected
Dies Moines
Notes.

Des MoineS, Ia, Jan. 29-Insurgency
is developing in the house OF repre-
sentatives on the road question, ac-
eording to authoritative sources. 1t
was said that the faction which sup
ported the johnson road bill two years
ago will find itself up against a strong
organization if it attempts to push
through a measure that may not be
anywhere near satisfactory to the
others.
James r.. Johnston, of Lucas, who
fathered the defeated bill two years
ago, said yesterday that his new meas
ure will provide for the adjustment
of the state highway commission, and
in it's place employ a competent engi-
Johnston contends that the COM
mission has too much power.
The bill will eliminate delays, waste
and extravaganza" said Representa-
tive johnson. Road and bridges
would be built on a business basis. All
theg good features of my former bill will
be retained, such as uniformity of
bridge building in all the counties of
the state. Furthermore the bill will
cut out all useless offices and duplica-
ton of duties. District engineers will
not be needed because there are county
engineers"
1t is understood that the opposing
faction would retain the highway com :
mission with supervisory powers in
stead of advisory power, which would
leave the commission practically as it
stands now Also it is said that this
faction would urge local option in all
important county road projects. With
the county as a unit, it would give the
right of direct appeal of the people to
the state highway commission.
Representative Johnston said he will
introduce his bill soon. The insurgents
are framing a bill now.
Some of the members or the legisla.
ture are devoting all of their energies
toward retrcnchment and reform, in
stead of introducing bills. while others
seem to find pleasure in framing meas
ures-measures hat are bound to be
killed in committees before reaching the
houses.
Beyond doubt there will be more bills
killed in committees during this SEES
sion than two years ago. The appro-
prlation committee, especially. will not
tolerate the Usual number of bills, &C
cording to r. j. Johnson, of Humbolt,
its chairman. Several legislators intro.
duce bills almost every day. And they
will be sadly disappointed in the end
in the opinion Of those who are WELD
ing influence with the ax, for the ak
is going to fall hard on many measures
Chairman Johnson, of the a%ppropria
tons committee, who is looked upon as
one of the most influential men in the
house, is determined to see that no un-
due advantage is taken of the state.
L am in the banking business said
Chairman Johnston, and l think ]
know a little about money matters
There is no reason why we should no,
run h business of the state as W.
would run our private business. This
business CT the state should be put or
a regular business basis. And it vii
be il | have any influence. There is
too much waste and extravaganza now
1t must be corrected"
Representative H. l.. Wilson. OF
Mitchell. who is active in retrenchmeni
work, proposes 10 consolidate and abol
ish some of the state offices in the in.
t%erests of economy. He is strongly op
posed to the office of state fire mar
shall. NJ tn the state printing meth.
DDS. There are too many pension jobs
in the state" said Mr.. Wilson. The
state hotel inspectors office also coulc
be abolished. It costs lots of money
and gives no returns The state print
cry and bindery will be thoroughly in
~vestigsted in the near future, and
changes III the system of the state
printing are quite certain.