The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-01-23
Federal Prohibition Meas
ure Likely To Be APP
proved Unanimously
MATTER OF HOME
GUARD PUZZLING
Bismarck Paper Scents
Plot to Get Control of
Home Guard
(Rv II. D. PauInon.l


NOUS approval Of the federal consti-
tutional prohibition amendment, and
most speedy action thereon, is the
ambition of North Dakota prohibition
leaders who expect the state legisla-
ture, which began its special session
this morning, to adopt the necessary
resolution for federal prohibition.
Several prominent prohibition
leaders are included in the member
ship Of the legislature. and they are
anxious to see early action, and
think North Dakota would get some
excellent advertising in the nation If
the resolution could be adopted by a
unanimous vote.
PULLING PROPOSITIONS.
The recognition OF the home guard
as a part OF the military force OF the
state has presented many difficulties
and embarrassing features for the
administration.
Throughout the season the COVER
nor has been more or less luke
warm" on the home guard issue, and
his interview at MinOt, declaring that
he saw no reason for its existence,
coupled with his famous ]. w. w.
proclamation Of last season which
was interpreted in so many quarters
as a direct slap at the home guards,
has resulted in his more recent
declarations, or reported declara-
tions, being received with reserve.
It was after the suggestion had
been made that the present assembly
give recognition to the guards that
the leagues daily paper in Fargo, the
editorial policy Of which is dictated
by the Socialist president of the
league, came forward with the I'M
expected declaration in favor of rec
ognition. A few days later the same
paper carried a, Bismarck story to
the effect that Governor Frazier fav-
ored such endorsement
BISMARCK PAPER SAYS
PLAN TO CONTROL GUARD.
1t was subsequent to the changed
expressions of sentiment that a rath-
er interesting story was printed in
The Bismarck Tribune. The capital
city paper insisted that a bill had
been prepared for introduction by
which the home guard would be plac-
ed under the absolute domination Of
the governor Of the state, who could
in that manner" curb its operations.
The article also went into detail on
the supposed attitude Of President
Townley Of the league, with particu-
lar reference to Mr.. Townley's deal
ings last year with the Industrial
Workers Of the World.
1t was contended that the bill, as
prepared at that time, proposed max
ing the home guard members liable
to call for service on trains, in coal
mines, on farms, and fixed compensa-
ton at 81 a day, to be paid by the
company or the individual benefting
from the service.
The home guard also comes in for
attention at the hands Of the
most recent edition Of The Nonpar-
usan Leader, received in the state
today. The Nonpartisan Leader has
given the special session call a big
play" this week.
They, meaning the independent
newspapers OF the state outside of
the control of Mr.. ToWnley. Suggest
action on the federal constitutional
just passed by congress
for nationwide prohibition; addition
al financial legislation for the state;
and assert there is positive need that
the local organizations formed in a
Of towns under the name of
home guard be given official stand
ing as state military forces, saws
The Nonpartisan Leader in attempt
ing to prove the charge that "the
opposition" is endeaYoring to pro-
long the session, and discredit Gov
ernor Frazier.
Governor Frazier, himself, has sug-
gested legislation to Erelieve the
asylum for the insane at jamestown;
Governor Frazier has himself sug-
gested and approved ratification of
the prohibition amendment, and Gov
ernor Frazier, according to Mr..
Townley's daily news organ, is in
favor of recognizing the home guard.
FORM OF RECOGNITION
GIVES REAL TROUBLE,
For several days, Dorr Carroll,
chairman Of the council of defense,
has been in Bismarck, actively en-
gagged in preparing the state safety |
commission act, and seeking some ac-
ceptable proposition to cover. the
home guard.
1t is now proposed that the home
guards become associate members of |
the council OF defense, and operate
under its direction. The associate
members would be required to take
an oath, and would be given the
privilege Of drilling with arms.