The Cordova daily times. [volume] (Cordova, Alaska) 1914-1947, 1919-04-08
MONTANA WILL
PROBE HIGH
COST OFLlVINC

HELENA, Mont, April Tor GAS
bills introduced in the two branches
of the Sixteenth Montana assembly
less than half, or 3Ol finally reached
the hands of Governor s. V. Stewart
for executive action. The senate, with
total of 205 measures introduced
exclusive of joint resolutions and me-
MORALS, set record for that branch
of the, legislature. One hundred and
twenty-five weathered the legislative
storms and made their way to the
governor.
A veterans welfare commission was
established which will have a fund Of
100000, raised by bonds, at it's dis
posal for the purpose of re-establish-
ing soldiers, sailors and marines in
civil life. This commission is en-
powered to assist in the education, re-
Mobilization and general welfare of the
discharged men. Another bit of legis-
lation for returned soldiers is the pro-
vision of fund of $250,OOO to be used
in conjunction with the work OF the
federal government in retaining
lands suitable for distribution to SOL
diers, sailors and others.
Compulsory attendance at school is
provided for children under IS years
of age. A new statute makes it I'M
lawful to employ women in any occu-
patton within Montana for less COM
pensation than that paid to men for
the same work. Americanization
schools are provided in the several
school districts of the state.
Another measure makes unlawful
the public exhibition of any red flag,
red banner or red emblem symbolic of
social or industrial revolution, or any
flag, banner or emblem bearing in
scriptions or representations opposed
to organized government
A wide range of subjects was
touched upon by the assembly. Seven
new counties were created, increased
compensation was provided for men
injured in Montana industries, the
present primary law was referred to
the people for a revision planned to
permit the holding of state conven-
tions for the nomination of state of
ficers and the substitution of closed
stysem in place Of the present open
plan: referendum was provided
upon a $15,00O,OOO bond issue for good
roads, and another referendum was
provided for the legislation of boxing.
The states tax laws are radically
changed, 10 per cent ID made the max
imum limit of interest, inspection of
warehouses is provided, grain stand
ards are fixed, flour mills are placed
under the control of the state utility
commission, standards on gasoline, !
kerosene and lubricating oils sold in
the state are fixed and the salaries of
practically all of the states elective
and appointive officers are increased, |
under the various measures.
A multitude of Investigations was !
launched at this session of the as |
sembly. One new commission emerged
from the numerous plans suggested.
1t has a fund of $30,0OO,O0O at it's dis
posal to continue two of the legislative
Investigations, one into the high cost
of living in Montana and the charges
of profiteering, and the other into the
efficiency of the state government |
This commission is to report to the
governor not later than November l,
1919, and make recommendations as
to legislation needed to curb profiteer-
ing and for reorganization of the state
government, together with the recon-
mendation as to the advisability of
calling a special session of the legis-
lature to act upon the matters.
Best coffee in town at the City