The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1917-01-26
JEFFERSON CITY
CORRESPONDENCE
(By Frank Armstrong;

That the farmers are in the saddle
in the Forty-ninth General Assembly
is evidenced by the numerous meas
ures proposed in their behalf, and as
a rule these measures are receiving
the sanction of practically every men,
Der of the Senate and House, ire
spective of politics.
Senator Click introduced bills per-
tanning to establishing public hay
tracks, and for the State inspection
of hay and straw at terminal points;
sanitary handling of milk and cream
in cans, bottles and other vessels;
creation of a State bureau of dairy
ing. Mr.. Nelson introduced the same
bills in the House.
Mr.. Shannon proposed a bill regu-
lating sale of commercial feeding stuff
and forbidding adulteration. Mr.. Job
asks that the State Board Of Agricul-
ture regulate sale of stock, poultry
food and powders for domestic ami
mails and poultry; Mr.. Gordon wants
the state board Of Agriculture to tag,
label and analyze all farm, field and
grass seeds offered for sale within
the State; Mr.. Gordon seeks to regu-
late the advertising and licensing of
stations for public service. Mr.. Nc
Aninch would prevent hedge fences
from being within so feet of a public
highway; Mr.. Jod desires to prescribe
the manner of dragging roads and
destroying weeds and brush on pub
lie highways; Mr.. Darlington proposes
bounty of so cents each for chicken
eating hawks. Mr.. Stuart wishes to
protect and promote horticultural in
| terests. Mr.. Norman asks for a re-
peal Of the law relating to the de-
partment of land reclamation; Mr..
Wyman would license dogs and have
stroyed; Mr.. Wiley would declare
stock yard companies to be public
service companies and regulate their
charges. Mr. Ferris asks that the
State saloon license be increased $3.50
per annum.
The prospect for sensible, progress
sive and constructive good roads leg
islation seem bright. Mr.. Halves has
proposed bill to establish highway
commission consisting of two Demo-
Gratis and two Republicans who shall
serve without compensation, and who
shall see that each county is impair
TALLY apportioned its quota of i'm
proved roads. About 35 miles of roads
per county will be improved each
year. The cost is TO be divided be-
tween the counties and State. The
Governments appropriation will also
| be used.
The public schools are receiving
their share of attention and many
meritorious measures in their behalf
have been introduced.
Notwithstanding the statements of
the metropolitan press to the con-
trary, there is perfect accord between
this Assembly and the Administra-
ton. Every Democratic member will
ego down the line" for Governors pro-
posed plans. The phrases 'Nwet" and
"dry" and the slurring reference to
the "old guard" by the prejudiced
press have been made solely to en-
barrass the Democratic party, retard
legislation and provide the Republic
cans with future campaign ammuni-
ton. Both the Senate and House is
bone-dry and whenever a genuine
dry measure is brought before them
| it will get fair shake"
| The standing committees of the Sem
ate are universally satisfactory to the
members of that body. President Pro
Tenn. Morton belied the statements
Of political enemies that he would
"pack" the committees.
The assembly is being numerically
| lied about in regard to having super
abundance of idle clerks. The statu-
tory laws prescribe the number of
quired both by the law and the needs
of the legislature. The law demands
that all proposed measures must be
written out in long hand; they must
be read-re-read and proof sew
eral times before they are given to
the printer; then they go through sew
eral readings and must be re-copied,
letter for letter, word for word, point
for point, and the spaces between the
words lined with red ink before they
are signed by the Governor and filed
in the archives. Some of the bills
consist of as many as 800 pages. 1t
is titanic task to handle them and
until the laws will permit more up
VO-udtc way W prepare tHe uills Tic
old, slow and slaborious process must
be followed.
Many measures pertaining to fin
ancial reform have been introduced
and are meeting with the hearty APP
prevail of law makers.
Both branches of the assembly are
down to real work and this week will
see much good accomplished.
The appointment of William r.
Painter as temporary warden by the
Governor Gardner and his speedy
confirmation by the Senate, met with
the spontaneous Endorsement of all
who know the man. The very things
said of him by those who do not know
hiR1--that he is unfit because he
knows nothing about penal institutions