The Elk Mountain pilot., 1920-11-25
Continued from page two)

the governor and all the other state
officers-a clean sweep.
The First Lesson
Probably never in American history
had the will of the people been reg
istered so nearly unanimously Gov
ernor Lynn ]. Frazeir was elected
governor by an overwhelming major
ity and one would naturally suppose
that regard for the fundamental
principles of democracy would have
removed all Legislative opposition to
the farmer program. But special
privilege and her flunkies in public
Office have no regard for democracy.
The hcldover senators, together with
the paltry seven not elected by the
farmer-labor forces, were able to and
did prevent action on the big issue
the state-owned terminal elevators
Nevertheless great deal of bene-
fetal legislation was put through the
1917 session. No other state Iegisla-
ture had ever done so much in one
session to serve the people as did
these farmer crusaders. When it was
over the people began at once to pre-
pare for the elimination of the hold
over senators, which made possible
the great industrial legislation of the
1919 session.
More noteworthy among the 1917
laws were the following:
The best cooperative law in the
Union. which for the first time ena-
abled farmers there to cooperate on
the proper basis.
A grain inspection law bringing
elevators under close state control as
to weighing and grading.
A law guaranteeing bank deposits.
Dairying aided by provision for
dairy commission, for publication of
information on dairying, and for de-
lection and punishment of unfair
dealing by cream buyers.
A. Is per cent inheritance tax on
large fortunes.
Establishment of a welfare COM
mission to protect workers.
Establishment of model highway
commission, making cheaper CON
struction and federal aid possible.
Railroads compelled to furnish cars
to all shippers alike. to furnish side
tracks at coal mines, to furnish sites
fer elevators and warehouses on
rights of way, and to pay employees
twice a month.
Compensation provided for those
who have served time in Jail and are
later found innocent.
A law taxing motor vehicles ac-
cording to size.
County commissioners required to
personally supervise road work and
so earn their salaries.
Issuance of writs of error by the
supreme court provided to speed
hearings of cases on their merits.
Laws standardizing rural schools
and making county agricultural and
training schools possible.
Appropriations for expert investi-
cation of grain and flour questions.
Assessments on farm Improvements
reduced to 5 per cent, the lowest fig
ure allowed by the constitution at
that time.
Counties allowed to issue bonds to
advance feed and seed for drouth-
stricken farmers.
In the meantime the good news of
the North Dakota success had reach
ed neighboring states and many ap-
peals came in for extending the Or
ganization. The League leaders lalso
realized that the enemy was organ
lied nationally and was drawing
funds from all over the Union to
fight the North Dakota farmers.
Consequently in 1916 the work was
extended to South Dakota and Mime
sofa. national headquarters were
opened in st. Paul, end soon the rap
id-fire organization of farmers was
proceeding in IS states. The revolt
started by the North Dakota farmers
had become national ip scope.
The New Day Bes;rs
Previous to the 1918 general elcc-
tion seven constitutional amendments
were prepared for submission to the
people at that time, that the 1:,19
legislature might have free hand to
enact the farmer program. The pec-
pie approved these by large major
tiles and returned Governor Frazier
and all the League nominees to office
except the state superintendent of
schools, together with two-thirds
majority in both houses for the farm
er program.
At last the way was clear for new