The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1923-03-22
DAHL IN SADDLE
ON HANSON BILL
Caucus Supports Speaker
Dahl Over Blaine on
Hanson Bill.
EXPECT A SHOWDOWN
Showdown Fight on Tax Meas
ure Expected as Result of
Vote of Caucus Tuesday.
(By Associated Press Leased wire)

By Associated Press Leased Wire)
Madison, Wis. - Speaker John l..
Dahl today faced a showdown battle
with Governor Blain to hold the vic
tory he won at the caucus of assem-
bly, members last night, called to de-
termine the disposition of the c. E.
Hanson bill, repeating the personal
property offset to the income tax
when that measure comes up for ac-
ton as special order of business
Thursday night.
The caucus voted % to % to stand
by Speaker Dahl in his effort to put
the Hanson bill to a vote, by killing
a motion to table the proposal when
it comes up for consideration tomor-
row. After this decision 46 of the
so members present recorded them
selves as favorable to the move
Governor Blaine, however, is re-
doubling his efforts today to swing
assemblymen to his side in order to
prevent action on the Hanson bill.
There is to be a continuance of the
conference between the governor and
individual members of the lower
house, in an effort to break the grip
of the speaker.
Stand for Repeal.
The fifty members present at the
caucus last night, representing only
proportion of the total progressive
Republican vote, determined that they
would demand repeal Of the personal
property offset as part of the gov
renor's bill, those present at the
meeting said. They took the stand
that unless the executive came for
ward with a measure containing rad
ical changes from the present income
tax law, it would meet progressive
opposition.
Forced to make definite announce
ments concerning his proposed tax
bill, Governor Blaine told the assem-
blymen that he would have the meas
ure prepared and in typewriter form
by one week from Thursday so that
the members can study the proposal
over the Easter recess.
The governor refused to commit
himself on the proposed personal
property offset, assembly members
who had held conferences with him,
told the caucus. 1t is this issue that
is dividing the forces.
Open Instruction Rife.
Open instruction is now swaying
the lower house of the legislature.
Members are split over their allie
glance to the governor and to Speak
er Dahl who up to the present has
been able to hold the control that
Governor Blaine has lacked
1t was evident today, however, that
the governor is bringing full pres
sure to. bear and that the swing is
turning toward him. There is grow
ing feeling among assemblymen that
he will be able to control a sufficient
number of votes to prevent roll call
on the Hanson bill tomorrow night.
During the controversy, the govern
or is known to have seen at least one
stalwart member of the assembly! He
will receive the support of most of
the conservatives when the, issue
breaks before the house.
Governor Wins One Test.
The forces in the assembly led by
Speaker John L. Dahl met open de-
feat in the assembly today for the
first time when the lower house en-
crossed a bill, introduced by the
speaker at the request of Governor
Blaine, cutting the personnel of the
civil service commission from three
members to single commissioner.
The speaker disowned the bill,
when it came up for a vote and NOV
ed indefinite postponement. When
the roll call was taken the lineup
stood AZ to SO, against killing the
measure, with Speaker Dahl voting
with the majority. Then the pro-
posal was engrossed 80 to 3.
Debate on the civil service bill was
surcharged with accusations. The
speaker finally left his chair to an
swer some of the critics, denouncing
those who charged him with improper
motives in the stand he took.
The floor battle today marked the
opening Of the contest between Gov
ernor Blaine and the speaker which
will reach its climax at the meeting
tomorrow night to determine dispo-
sition of the C. E. Hanson bill for re-
peal of the personal property offset
An attempt will be made to pass the
bill despite the opposition of the gov
arnor