The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-01-13
Administrations Bills To Be
Given Early Consideration
May Draw Immediate Issue on
Compensation Measure.
MARTINS BILL A BIG SURPRISE
Attempt To Repeal Public IT'LL
titles Law q Real Shock.
Both Branches of Legislature
Now Ready For Business.

Administration forces are planning
to draw an early issue. on the new
compensation BILL. If the bill can be
whipped into shape next week, it may
be advanced for hearing ahead of the
public utilities and indirect taxation
bills. Legislative members of Cover
nor Aliens compensation committee
nave called an open meetingsto be held
IN the labor department Tuesday
mroning when efforts will be made to
agree on final draft of the proposed
new measure.
There is a general tendency to take
up Governor Aliens program as soon
as possible. His message was the oc-
casion of much discussion and there is
clear division of expression as to a
number of his recommendations. Both
friends and opponents of his more i'm
portant recommendations. however,
are in favor of an early consideration
OF the various enactments which he
proposes. Practically all members who
were willing to discuss the message
pointed out provisions which they ex-
pect to favor when the vote is taken.
On the other hand. there was opposi-
ton to some portion of his program
from almost every source.
Martins Bill Surprise.
Frank L. Martins unexpected bill to
repeal the public utilities law was a
big shock to the administration as well
as to the utilities. While many mem
Ders believe the Martin bill will define
the policy of the legislature on Cover
ror Aliens plan to recreate the public
utilities commission. this opinion does
not seem. entirely well foundedss. 1t is
fquite certain administration strength
will be directed against the Martin bill.
On the other hand practically all pub
| lie utilities prefer a central regulatory
body rather than the necessity of meet
| n he va ri
town councils and local governing
| bodies.
| An effort is certain to be made to
bring the Martin bill before the house
( as quickly as possible. But persons
| familiar with the opposition to the bill
are not convinced the bill will draw
| the same line of division as Governor
Aliens proposal to retain the indus
| trial court and re- establish the public
] utilities commission
Allen Before Legislature.
| There is belief that Governor
| legislature in support of his plan to
divide the industrial court. His spe-
| cial message covering the divorce bill
has not been drafted. 1t is the opinion
| of observers, tho, that the governor
| will address a joint session of the
house and senate when his message is
4 ready and will urge upon the MEM
bers his belief that the rate making
/ and wage fixing powers should be
/ separated. -
/ Neither the house nor senate gave
much thought to legislative affairs
! following the reading of the COVER
nor's message Wednesday. Both
branches are now ready for business
| in earnest. AS soon as committees are
appointed consideration of bills will
begin. Except emergency appropria-
/ tions, the legislature will provide but
little for the 1921 session laws until
late this month.
It is probable the session will end
about March Is. Few of the really
important bills will be considered be-
fore February. None of the general
appropriation bills will come from
the committee until late next month.