The Topeka state journal., 1919-12-19
Atty General Will Insist His
"PrOfiteer" Bill Be Considered.
Also Submit Municipal Owner
ship and Other Measures.
FIRST BREAK STATE CIRCLES
Price Legislation Pressing Need
Right Now, Claim.
Declares SOIonS Must Decide
Length of Session.

Richard J. Hopkins, attorney gen
cral. is opposed to any attempt to
muzZle the Kansas legislature in it's
consideration of measures during the
special session. Hopkins declared to-
day he would not bow to the plan of
Governor Allen to limit the special
session to the governors own pro-
gram. He will ask consideration of
his -profiteering bills and munich
pal ownership measures. He is also
preparing bills for number of legis-
lative members who will bring their
pets before the special session
1t is Governor Aliens plan to limit
the special session to industrial prob
lens. varying but slightly, if at all,
from the provisions of the special
call. Such a plan would leave the
attorney generals program high and
dry. It would also eliminate con-
sideration of a number of other gen
eral bills which have been prepared
by house and senate members and by
state officials. In spite of the gov
ernor's request to restrict the work
OF the session. Hopkins will send his
bills to the legislature next month.
First Evidence of Breach.
Hophns's action today is the first
evidence of breach in state house
circles regarding the policies of the
law makers. The course which the
outside the governors program will
doubtless determine definitely whether
an open or restricted session is to be
held.
In view of the fact that a special
session has been called, l do not be-
lieve the interests of the entire state
should be overlooked in any detail in
order that the house and senate might
possibly adjourn day or two earlier.
said Hopkins. Il am not convinced
Ta1F h.. IL -f.l
court is SO much greater than other
problems before the people. Kansas
might not make use of such court
powers short of q year or two after
the bill is enacted The profiteers,
tho, tap the pocketbooks every day in
the week. If they can be regulated
and if living costs can be brought
down, it appeals to me that the mat
ter shouldn't be overlooked since the
governor has seen fit to call a spe-
cial session.
'Ice Legislation Needed"
In the matter of ice and fuel sup
plies thu Kansas cities. relief might
come to the public much quicker than
thru an industrial court or a compen-
sation law. Long before the next ses-
sion of the Legislature in 1921 many
Kansas towns will be suffering from
ice famines or Will be victims of ice
profteers. Municipal fuel yards might
be needed next winter-before the
regular session--almost as much as
they were needed during the last
couple of months. Since Kansas tax
payers are to pay the expense of
bringing the legislature TO Topeka,
anyway, / see no reason why d little
time cannot be given these problems
The power of calling the legisla-
ture into extraordinary session is
vested in the governor. But once the
legislature assemblies. it is its own
judge as to the matters to be consid-
cred and the time it shall go home.
Only the legislature can decide these
matters. Many members have already
asked our office to draft bills to be
presented next month.
Up To SoIOns Themselves.
4 would not feel that I was doing
my full duty il these matters which
are of such Importance were not
called up. If the legislature wishes to
go back home without considering
them. that is a matter for the mem
bers to decide. But if Kansas does
not get these laws at the special ses-
sion, it will not be thru failure of this
office to bring the measures to the
attention of the members"
1t was reported in state house cir
Cles today that the Hopkins bills will
be ready for introduction when the
legislature convenes January .. Copies
Of the bills may also be mailed to
members in advance of the opening
OF the session.