The Glasgow courier. [volume] (Glasgow, Mont.) 1913-current, 1917-01-05
LEGISLATURE
IS in SESSION
Montana Assembly Convenes at
at Helena. Much Work
Ahead
SEN, EDWARDS HONORED
Urges Cooperation and Economy In
Fine Speech. Sand and Sektnan
Revolt

Revolt
-
Valley county legislators have al
ready become famous at Helena. The
Democratic team of representatives,
Sand and Sektnan, have elevated
themselves to the seats of the mighty
and have even been threatened with
expulsion, which is notoriety which
comes to but very few.
On the opening day of the session,
the two exponents of Democracy from
Valley, kicked over the traces and re-
fused to enter the Democratic caucus
and vote for the "gang" candidate
for Speaker. Their action caused un-
told worry and CONSERVATION to the
Democratic bosses, and they were
threatened with expulsion if they did
not come across.
The Valley county men must have
done considerable thinking and visions
of sudden homecoming probably did
not appeal to them, for when the vote
on Speaker was made, the two law
makers from our noble commonwealth
"voted her straight" for the caucus
nominees.
Progressive legislation having for
it's aim the welfare of the state at
large without regard to politics, an
economical and efficient administra-
ton of state affairs, just and equal
taxation of all industries and an elm
ination of the Objectionable lobby is
the program laid down by Senator j.
E. Edwards, president program of the
senate in an address made thanking
the senators for his unanimous cleo
ton and outlining the policy of the
Republican majority in the senate and
inviting the Democratic minority to
join with them in the advancement
Of the states interest without regarc
to party lines.
The fifteenth legislative assembly
convened at noon Monday with all
members present except Representa-
tive Eliel of Beaverhead county, who
is sick in Chicago, in attendance.
John f. Edwards of Forsyth was
elected president pro tem OF the SEN
ate and J. F. Cone of Ravalli county
was chosen secretary. James F.
O'Connor of Livingston was made
speaker pro TEN. The first days ses-
sion were taken up with the details
of organization, the swearing in OF
members, the election of employees in
both houses, and in the senate by the
Appointment of committees on en-
ployees, committees and publicity.
Tuesday at noon Governor Stewart
delivered his message before the joint
session.
The senate should get down to busi-
ness by Thursday or Friday when the
committee assignments will probably
be completed. 1t is hardly probable
that the committee appointments in
the house will be completed before
Monday.
So far this week the sensation of
the session has been the remarkable
address of President Pro Tenn Ed
wards in outlining the policy of the
majority party in the senate. 1t is
said to be the most progressive state
ment of the kind ever made by ma
iority leader of the Montana legisla-
ture.
Declaring that the Republican party
from it's conception has been always
party of the people, Senator Ed
wards said that since the people of
Montana had indicated through their
election of Democratic governor and
house and Republican senate and
other state officials, that partisanship
should be dropped in an earnest en-
deavor to adopt principles and policies
in keeping with existing conditions
and the growth of the state which he
characterized as marvellous, the Re-
publican members of the senate hac
authorized him to say to the Demo
cratic minority lIlat any pollCv vi
measure, beneficial to the people OF
Montana, suggested by the Demo
cratic senators. would receive the Re
publican support and full credit woult
be given the authors.
On behalf of the majority, however
he declared that it would insist on tn
strictest economy. the abolition o
useless offices, the confining of ex
penses to probable revenues for tn
next two years, the abolition of spe
cial privileges. the equalization o
taxation so that all industries vii
bear their just share of the cost o
government. the proper taxing .