Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1921-02-23
SCANDALS FIzzLE;
CRITICISM POSSIBLE
EVIDENCE IN STATE INVESTIGA.
TION INSUFFICIENT TO WAR.
RANT IMPEACHMENT ACT.
FARM TENANCY COM. URGED
Investigations May Be Extended To
Include All City and Town.
ship Officers.
lSpecial Corrasnondence..

Fourteen bills and three joint reso
lutions have passed both houses ol
the. general assembly and have beer
signed by Governor Kendall. These
are House files $50, 422 and 297 and
Senate files 272, 271, 329, 299, 1927
283, 321, 278, 285, $50 and 3S1 and
House joint resolution No. l and Sen.
ate joint resolutions Nos. 1 and2. The
house has passed eleven senate bills
and postponed Indefinitely, two
Senate files 274 and 2S9. The house
is becoming impatient that the sen.
ate is not taking action on the large
number of bills sent over. The mem
bers of the senate declare that just
as soon as the committees report on
these bills that action will be taken
Only three bills from the house have
been acted on favorably by the sen
ate.
Probes Not Sensational
The members of the committee on
departmental affairs appear to be
happily disappointed to find that the
sensational charges against certain
state officers and heads of commits
sions are turning out to be justice
of the peace cases and not of suffi-
cient magnitude to be listed in a
court of impeachment. The rotten
ness promised in the campaign of
last fall and through the press since
the convening of the general assem-
bly, have turned out to be little more
than indiscretions and the commit
tee may go so far as to recommend
censure on the part of the assembly.
This has reference to receiving or
expending money which it has been
claimed was without warrant of law.
There seems to be no disposition on
the part of the committee to shield
any officer of the state nor to punish
harshly where officers have proceed
ed on the theory that they were ex-
ercising a privilege given them by
precedent. Members may be relied on
to do their duty regardless Of outside
influences. Except for the time 1t
has taken of the members who con-
stitute the committee legislators are
not disturbed over the investigations.
There has not been the slightest in
timation that any crookedness has
been found and the committe has
been going to the bottom OF every
charge and has called in every wit
ness who has either printed or cir
culated reports of alleged dishonest
acts on the part of certain state Off
GERS. However, the publicity given
to the charges will have good effect
in the state house.
The-Spring Recess
Commencing February 25th the
legislators will take recess for the
purpose of comforting with their con-
stituents concerning pending legis-
lation and to take care Of the private
business which large number have
to look after before the first of
March
Inheritance Tax Measure
The house by a decided majority
passed the Weaver inheritance tax
bill with amendment which did not
materially change the original draft.
The measure provides for one per
cent tax on Inheritance up to $780,
900 graduated to larger amounts with
increasing percentages. The bill is
expected by the authors to pass the
Senate. The discussions brought
about the hottest fight the house has
had this session. The widow had
a number of champions who belived
that the law would work hardship
to her. Advocates gave assurances
that her rights were protected. and
accepted a number of amendments to
further protect the interests of the
widow.
While the committe is of the opin-
ion that the plan outlined in the Oh
son bill making the state board for
educational institutions the censors
for all movie films exhibited in Iowa
is not practical there is still a grow
ing feeling among members that the
general assembly should take steps
to provide for the elimination of the
wicked features in the films being
displayed which they claim are far
below the standards which Iowa
should stand for. If the Olson bill
is side tracked there are members
who declare they will insist on ac-
ton of a constructive character which
will insure the elimination of the vul-
ger and suggestive parts.
Street Railway Fares.
The opinion handed down from the
supreme court reversing itself on
what is known as the Ottumwa case
may throw the matter of fixing street
car fares on the general assembly
which seems now to face the prob
lem From the opinion of the su-
preme court it appears that until the
general assembly gives cities the
power neither the city council nor
the people can vote a franchise which
guarantees a five cent rate or any
other rate. The general assembly, it
is claimed, is the only power vested
with rate making authority. The
case comes up for hearing again at
the March term of the supreme court. |
In the meantime representatives of
city councils in Iowa where street |
care fares are an issue and that means |