The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1923-01-11
LAWMAKERS
DOWN To- WORK
Mortgage Registry Tax Abolished BY
Vote Of Senate

Pierre, Jan. "a concurrent res
olution was introduced in both houses
or the legislature today by the joint
agricultural committees, directing the
commissioner of agriculture to invite
the commissioner of agriculture or
other similar officer of the several
grain-growing states Of the middle
west to attend a conferences at the
Martin Hotel in Sioux City, Iowa. on
January "a, 1928, for the purpose of
arriving at the average cost of produc-
ton OF farm products as shown by the
cost surveys of such state, with the
further view Of agreeing on a plan OF
operation for securing to farmers such
costs OF production plus a reasonable
profit.
This resolution would direct the
commissioner of agriculture to invite
to this conference, the officers of all
the farm organizations of South Da-
kota, and to request the commission
ers of agriculture OF the other states
to invite representatives OF farm or
CARNATIONS In their states.
1t further provides that the presi-
dent of the senate and the speaker or
tuC hOubC ohull CdGh dpBoiut WV
bers Of their respective bodies on q
committee to attend this conferences.
This committee is to report the results
and findings to both houses not later
than February /, 1923.
The members of the joint agricul-
ture committee believe they are taking
a great and far-reaching step by call
ing this conference and that this on
ference can set in motion forces that
will ultimately result in some relief
to the farmer.
Efficiency Surrey
The senate today passed a motion
made by Senator Bogue last Saturday
to appoint a joint committee from the
two houses as an administrative reor-
ganization committee to study the eff
iiciency survey, study the administra-
tive organization of the state, make
such Investigations as it may deem ad-
visable, and draft and introduce legis-
lation to effect a more economical and
effective administrative organization
of state affairs. The house took like
action, and the committee, composed
of seven senators and eleven represen-
tatives, has been appointed.
This task will take the entire time
of this committee from now until late
in the session.
Bills came up fo7 final passage in
each house today, for the first time
this session. In the senate, the much
buffcted mortgage registry tax came
up for consideration. Senate Bill No.
2, abolishing this tax, was passed
with little debate, and with only two
dissenting votes. Two years ago .
bill was introduced in the senate to
abolish this tax, and after a heated de-
bate was passed by a close vote, only
to be reconsidered the next day and
defeated by one vote. The ease with
which the bill vas passed today was
a surprise to most observers. 1t is
thought that the bill will pass the
house with little. difficulty. The SEN
ate passed without debate and without
a dissenting vote, Senator Miller's bill
to enlarge the scope of the criminal
statute relating to tampering with bal
lot boxes, ballots and poll lists.
In the house only n bill was up
for consideration, House Bill No. 2.
relating to irrigation districts. II is
applicable only to restricted area west
of the river.
One constitutional amendment has
been proposed. Senate Joint Resolu-
ton No. / would remove the constitu-
final limitation now existing on the
tenure OF Office of county officers. At
present the constitution limits all
county officers except the clerk Of
courts TO two terms or four years.