Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1917-01-11
N0RBECK mum"
ON APPOINTMENTS
Rumored, However, at Least
Two Department Heads Will
Lose PIaces-Other
Pierre News.

Pierre News.
Pierre, S. D., Jam. 4.-Heads of state
departments, in the appointive classes,
are ~perceptibly nervous about the plans
and intentions Of Governor Norbeck,
who had given no pledges or assur-
ances OF any 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
becF 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, hat at least two
department heads will be changed. Of
1lclals generally have jumped at the
conclusion that one of the retirements
VIII be John l.. 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.
Inc estimates are badly scattered as
to the other department heads
slated for a change, and each depart
ment head ~nervously considers the pos
s1billty 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-
waite secretary to Governor Byrne, will
continue in the same capacity with
Governor Norbeck for the present.
During these early days of the leg
islative session most of the lobby dis
cussion relates to measures for enforc-
ing constitutional prohibition as adopt
ed at the recent election. The Anti
Saloon league has drafted a bill. which
1t is seeking to have 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 in excess of that would
the restrictions of the Webb-Kenyon
law on interstate shipments.
Commissioner of Prohibition.
The Anti-Saloon league bill provides
Tor a commissioner of prohibition car
rying out the Illogical system which has
made a farce of state law enforcement
Many OF he members take the view
that any new enforcement officers who
are designated should 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
1ood and drug department could bu
used IN financing a department of state
special agents, with jurisdiction on all
state laws. an imnrpva5 atp,ne,bo,-
could be created within a very few
years. If the state INDUCES in a com
missioner of prohibition it is merely
continuing conditions made famous BY
!he bee inspector and other special
bureaus.
With no c%odification of laws since
1919, and the index at that time made
up rather unscientificallv, South Da-
kota Is manlfestly in need of a new,
code: This need is reflected and out
lined in house bill No. /. The first bin
III the senat is one for free text books
on a county unit basis, presented bv
Amsden, of Grant county. Mr.. Amsden
states that the bill is modelled after the
county system in force in Grant county
Tor a number of years. This bill has
started the customary discussion about
the aims and aspirations of the book
trust. Som members assert that Mr..
Amsden's bill will be fought by the
trust, while other members are lust as
sure that the trust will back the meas
ure. In the meantime the trust can
be trusted to conceal it's own interests
n get about what it wants as usual.
But Four Lawyers.
Out of As members Of the Senate
mere are only four lawyers-urdahl.
Waters, Hows and Wanzer. One of
these, Mr.. Wanzer. is i'll n not at
tending the session. This leaves a very
unusual condition for organization Of
the important judicial committee and
VIII Impose rather arduous duties upon
legal phases Of measures under CON
sideration. 1t is said that Mr.. Urdahl
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
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. Q being, organized in South
Dakota. They think this result can be
U 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. II in a separate political organ
ization they profess to want results
rather than power and that claim may
be tested to some extent
BRlTAiN'S COAL EMBARGO