The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1921-03-03
The South Dakota
Legislature

Il Legislature
There is a distinct possibility in the
minds OF members of the South Da-
Hota legislature that the highway
maintenance and automobile tax prob
ems, which have SO far baffled the
highway committees, will be solved by
he adoption of the Kneeland bill,
which would impose a tax of a cent a
gallon on gasoline. The man who uses
he roads the most with the most trips,
u the hardest with the heaviest cars,
sould pay his proportionate share on
he upkeep of those roads, they be-
ieve, while the tourist and the tran.
Iient, who is not now reached, would
make his little contribution, but in q
way that would not be a burden to
him. Mr.. Kneeland says that IL the
session were two weeks longer, or he
aad thought OF the plan two weeks
earlier, he is convinced the bill would
pass. 1t is an idea which has to soak
N to be favorably considered, he said,
being somewhat out of the ordinary.
The road committees are still work
Ing ON proposals or plans, but have
not evolved anything as yet. Vete-
ran members recall that at the last
session it was the final Sunday, five
lays before the end of the session, be-
fore the present road law wal worked
out for presentation. 1t may be that
late before agreement is reached this
year. Chairman Boreson, OF the sen
ate highway committee, has expressed
distinct doubt as to the absolute aban-
donment OF the road building plan by
the committee, despite the fact that
some members are so inclined. The
gasoline tax bill seems to be gaining
ground IN their minds, and in the
minds Of the people OF the state gen.
orally.
No new state department will be
created to carry out provisions Of the
home building act, under a bill drawn
up by the subcommittee of the home
building committees of the legislature
for presentation to the full committee
The proposed measure would put the
work under the supervision Of the ru-
raj credit board and bonds would be
floated by that department. A home
building commissioner would be added
to the department as executive Off,
Ger. The state treasurer would act
as treasurer instead OF appointing an.
other person for the work. Authority
would be given for the issuance of
5000 bonds of $500. Loans would be
made to people who are in possession
Of a lot and would be for the purpose
Of building a house. Loans would not
be fore oyer $4,000 and not allowed to
run for more than II years. Upon APP,
prevail of the loan by the municipality
and state, the money would be sent u
the town clerk or city auditor. He
would turn over not more than 80 per
cent to the contractor until the build.
ing vas completed. Money would go
to the people at a rate of interest not
over 1b per cent of the cost to the
state in its large borrowings.
A state boxing bill has been pre-
pared for introduction in the house by
Representative Richardson, OF Mime
haha. This measure would provide for
appointment by the governor of a
state athletic commission to serve
without pay for a three-year term. The
commission would be given power to
license corporations or clubs to hold
boxing or sparring contests on filing
$4,000 bond. They would be required
to turn over ten per cent Of the re.
ceipts from the contests to the state,
No match would be allowed to go more
than ten rounds and no sham or fake
fighting would be allowed. The bill
would bar boxing on Sunday and would
permit no wagering. The commission
would have the power of the circuit
court to subpoena and examine wit.
nesses il it should find that any club
had violated the regulations. IL such
violation were proven the license
would be revoked. Amy boxers found
guilty of sham fighting would. for the
first offense be disqualified for six
months and upon second offense De
totally disqualified to fight in the
state.
There is a growing sentiment around
the capitol in favor of abandonment
by the present legislature of the pres,
ent highway building program in the
state. In an adjoining state the dirt
road enthusiasts have a majority in
the legislature and promise to throw
put all the work that is being done.
The hackers of this movement in the
South Dakota legislature urge it as a
measure OF economy. They are oppos
Ing the appropriation by the state OF
a million and three-quarters to meet a
like apportionment from the federal
government for building up the roads
Of the state. There is much of the sen.
timent which prevailed when a com.
plete plan OF road building under state
supervision was first proposed, with a