Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1921-01-15
STATE LEGISLATURE
Measures Proposed to Legislature That
Are Attracting Attention to Peo-
pie of South Dakota.

Iltffe, :. -, Jan. ~, lSZU.-lhe lIth
regular session of the South Dakota leg
isature got rather slow start. Many
Of The members did not arrive until
Monday afternoon, and far larger
number than usual were not on hand to
take the oath Of office at the opening of
the session. These being among the
older members who are aware that there
is little done outside Of the "milling" of
the organization before the session actu-
ally opens, and that little If any busi-
ness is transacted for the first two or
three days of the session. Several of
the Black Hills delegation allowed the
first couple Of days TO drift without their
presence, and Senator Bennett, OF Pen
nington, has not yet answered roll call
on account Of illness delaying him at
home, but the latest reports are that he
expects TO be along within a few days.
One of the big contests, in fact the
only real contest so far developed has
been over the matter of location Of
hydro-eiectric plant on the Missouri
klveT IN which boosters for the Mo
bridge site near the northern line OF the
state, which has the recommendation Of.
ne engineers, and what Is known as the
MuIehead site near the southern line
Of the state This was somewhat sim
plified by the action Of the Attorney
General holding that the hydro-electric
commission has the power of selection
under the law, but leaves a kick back in
lhe statement that the legislature has the
right to accept or reject the action of the
commission and select site OF its own
II so desires. But regardless OF what
may be done, the indications are that II
will be little at this session. A major
lty OF the members appear to be taking
the position that bond issue for that
purpose at this session is not advisable
under existing financial conditions.
While that appears to be the general
idea So far as hydro.electric is concern
ed, the exactly opposite view appears TO
prevail IN regard 10 RHttlnN action on the
new state cement plant at Rapid CITY
Thatappears to be one move which tb.
members look upon favor, and it is ex
pected that some definite action will be
taken at an early date to put the com
mission in possession of funds to begin
active operations at as early a date az
possible. 1t is expected that as soon as
legislative action is taken the cement
commission will be reorganized with a
regularly paid commission to look after
It's construction and operation. To date
the commission has been one paid only
Tor time actually spent but with the be-
ginning OF construction and operation 1t
would require members who would de-
vote their entire time to the work.
Whether the old members would be Sc
lected for this work is not known.
The Speaker had not announced his
committees up to Saturday evening, but
in the senate list among the chairman.
ships granted TO the Black HIS, Ersklne
OF Meade is at the head OF the appor-
uonment committee, Cock OF Butte
heads the irrigation and hsh and game
committees; Stoner of Lawrence the
committees on mines and mining and
labor; Bennett Of Pennington the com
mittee on power and power develop
ment; and Guilfoyle of Fall River heads
the committee on railroads These men
all hold positions on other important
committees and will be in position to
help shape up legislation of interest to
the western part OF the state.
Senator Frskine started sometbino Of
A stir in the sonata when he presented a
resolution asking that Thanksgiving day
in the future be set on the same day as
Arnistice Dav. This called ont tbe op-
nosition of several of the Senators of oil d
New England stock who were opposed
IN any change in the cherished tradi-
tions of, lis old time holiday and on
motion of Senator Guilfovle the matter
went over one day and the Senator
from Meade gracefnIly backed nm when
the next dav came and the incident WAS
endad without any cbanoa bainc sug
gested in either date Incidental with
this hin has already been introduced
70 make Armistice Dav state holiday
and memorial to conyress drawn IN
- it O.