The Glasgow courier. [volume] (Glasgow, Mont.) 1913-current, 1919-03-14

iured in Montana industries, soldier
appropriations, referendum to the peo-
pie on revision of the primary law
to permit holding state conventions
for the nomination of state officers
and the the substitution of a closed
for the present open primary system,
a referendum on a $15OO0,000 bond
issue for good roads, and another ref
erendum on a bill to legalize boxing,
fixing 10 per cent as the maximum
interest rate that can be charged, rad
ical revision of the tax laws, placing
flour mills under control of the state
utility commission, fixing grain stand
ards and providing for warehouse in
spection, fixing standards on gaso-
line, kerosene and lubricating oils sold
in the state-these are among the
most important pieces Of legislation
enacted by the Sixteenth assembly
that ended last week.
Then there were seven new coun-
ties and five new normal schools es-
tablished The latter however still
have to run the gauntlet Of the gov
ernor's office as does the bill abolish
ing the deputy game wardens and
that reorganizing the state highway
commission. Salaries of practically
all of the elective and appointive Of
fices were raised of the district
judges and of some county offices.
Considered GAS Bills.
A total of GAS bills exclusive of
memorials and resolutions were in
troduced, 44O in the house and 205
in the senate Between 250 and 275
measures reached the governor, over
half of them in the last three days of
the session.
Out of the multitude Of investiga-
tions conducted by this assembly
there emerged one new commission
composed Of Frank Eliel of Dillon
N. T. Lease of Great Falls and w. O
Fiske of Hamilton, that has an ap.
preparation of 100000 at it's disposa
to continue two of the legislative in.
vestigations, one into the high cost
of living in Montana and charges OF
profiteering, and the other into the
efficiency of the state government.
The commission is to report to the
governor not later than November
1, 1919, and make recommendations
as to legislation needed to curb prof
iteering and for the reorganization
of the state government, together with
recommendation as to the advisa.
bility of calling a special session OF
the legislature to act upon the mat
ters.
Voting Day Is Set.
The referendum on the amendment
to the primary law, and on the bill
to legalize boxing, will be held the
first Tuesday of next September.
Three soldier welfare bills were
passed. One establishes a veterans
welfare commission which will have
5000 900 fund, raised by bonds, al
!; it's disposal, to assist in the educa
ton, rehabilitation and getting sol
diers, sailors and marines re-estab
. lished in civil life. Another author
ICES the state to cooperate with the
federal government in reclaiming ant
placing soldiers on lands and carrie:
an appropriation of $50,000 The
third provides $4,000 for a commits
sion which has already been appointed
to care for the entertainment, recep
ton and aid of returning veterans.
Legislation for the enforcement o
prohibition is provided.
More attention was given to health
matters at this session than ever be
fore Bills for the elimination O
venereal diseases were passed, the re
organization of the state board o
health, to be composed Of five ply
slclans, employment OF an epldem
ologist, $4,000 for epidemic work
another for eradication of spotted fe
yer, $4,000 year for physical educa
, tion of children.
Compels Studying.
S One of the most important educa
4 tional bills passed was that jrovidin
: for part time schools and classes
4 compulsory on all children on all chi
dren under the age of Is years to at
: tend, and providing for federal al
e in vocational work. Another give
optional consolidation of third elias
rural districts in taxation and bon
matters, so that districts with littl
: assessment will share equitably wit
J. districts where assessment is high.
It The general appropriation bills wi
n not string along until the last day 6