The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-01-22

FIRST PARTY SPLIT.
The first party vote came in the
house rs Il distinct surprise Satur-
day afternoon, on bill by Rep.
Twichell changing the law regarding
special assessments in cities. The
lcaguers rs voted as a solid unit against
the bill. Seeing this, and knowing
that because of absentees the bill
could not pass, the author voted
against it for the purpose of recon
sidering the vote. The leaguers
though there was a joker in the hill
which would permit persons to shunt
special improvement taxes to gem
eral taxation; the author declared
the bill made only a very minor
change in the law and did not change
its intent at all.
The Nonpartisans have held regu-
lar meetings, or caucuses, at night.
They have been devoted chiefly to a
discussion of current measures, and
generally, it is understood, no at
tempt has been made to bind men,
bers to definite action. The caucuses
are gradually coming to this state,
however.
There are many Nonpartisan lead
ers who declare they will thresh out
and vote as unit on "party meas
ures." and the industrial program
laws are classed as such. It appears
at this time that the proposal for a
nom political board to manage the
Grand Forks mill will be defeated,
because a two-thirds vote in neces-
sary. The attitude of many league
leaders is that the laws were refer
red to the people, the people said the
Industrial Commission should run
the industries, and the leaguers in
tend to see that they shoulder the
responsibility. There also is little
likelihood of any important change
in the present industrial enterprises
laws and purposes.
Will Hold Caucuses.
The Independents, who have held
but one or two caucuses, also will
meet in the future at regular times
to discuss various measures which
are considered part of the Inde-
pendent program-recommen in par
ty platforms, conventions or by cam
didates who have committed the ma
pority of Independents. It is prob
able that the tax measures, the in
dustrial enterprise measures and the
banking measures will be discussed
as basis for party action. The Inde-
pendents also will support a plan to
provide non political state ballots.
Bank Situation Important
Aside from the one party division
in the house, most of the little flare
ups have been confined to backbiting
among members or attempts to
squelch certain ones. This has gone
to such an extent that some members
now want to see it stopped, lest
there be division which might
cause embarrassment later when So
lidarity of action is demanded.
The report of the guaranty fund
commission, now in the hands Of the
banking committees, will be the sub
.ject of consideration and hearings
this week, probably beginning CO.
morrow, it is expected. Appointive
members of the commission still are,
III Cue ClIy, W0ltAuk ~ 8ANS 0Ay III
formation, recommendations or testi-
mony they may be called upon to
give.
The submission of the report
brought the whole banking situation
sinto focus as one Of the big prob
lens of the Legislature. II also was
accomplished without any division or
angry debate. The action wasTprompt-
ed by friends of the administration,
and the manner in which the COM
mission laid the whole banking sit
uation bare has had soldering ef-
feet. Most members Of the legisla- |
ture, take the position that they are
dealing with big and serious prob |
lens, and are not inclined to make
any demonstrative arguments until
they have made Investigations.