The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1925-12-17
Hartley's Program Headed
for the Rocks Hundreds
of New Bills Entered
RILL ASKS MORE ROAD
4 MONEY FOR EAST SIDE
Governor Thinks People are
with Him Hint at
Another Session
(By Richard Hamilton).

(By Richard Hamilton).
Conditions in the special session
of the legislature, called by Governor
Hartley to enact splan of business
operation" are in such a tumble that
it is almost certain Mr.. Hartley's
program is headed for the rocks. Ev-
cry day merely emphasizes that it is
the most extraordinary session this
state ever saw.
1t was evident that Mr.. Hartley
intended the legislature to give his
program first consideration, submit
to his plans and wind-up before
Christmas. But the legislature did
just the opposite, sidetracking Mr..
Hartley's recommendations, intro
ducing hundreds of other bills and
refusing to bow before the commands
of the governor. Consequently, the
situation and outlook at this time
are:
Mr.. Hartley is unable to push thru
his major recommendations, being
opposed by majority in the senate
and house.
The anti-Hartley legislators are un-
able to override contested vetoes, be-
ing helpless to push thru things
aside from resolutions that Mr..
Hartley does not like.
Nearly 600 bills have been intro
duced, of which fewer than 200 have
reached the floor for final action,
leaving about 400 bills including all
of Mr.. Hartley's major recommends
tions other than those on reclamation
lin the committees and yet to be
acted upon.
Thirty-eight days have passed,
leaving % days to go. provided the
constitutional limit Of 60 days ap-
plies to special sessions. The legis-
lature has abandoned the idea of
quitting before Christmas, and lead
ers are now talking of working night
and day to wind-up by January 9th.
But the outlook for ending Janu-
ary 9th, unless many disputed bills
are ditched and looming fights are
sidestepped, is not promising. Christ
mas recess and holidays will take
nine of the % days, leaving only Ia
working days. In the meanwhile, Mr..
Hartley is pressing for action on his
recommendations, appearing at the
last minute with his most drastic and
troublesome bills; while the legisla-
ture is pushing toward Mr.. Hartley
with bills and plans that are not ex-
pected to please him.
With only IA days, the Legislature,
not counting scores Of ordinary bills
and petty fights in the background,
is facing this situation:
l. Highways: Mr.. Hartley is press
ing for a cut in the revenues, favor
ing bills to reduce licenses to So a
year, drivers licenses to 81 for four
years, and-a new issue that devel-
oped yesterday three-cent gas tax
an increase of one cent. The legisla-
ture, headed by Senator Carlyon and
Senator Hall, is defantly opposed to
any reduction in the program. Other
bills for reducing private license fees,
Increase fees for trucks and trailers,
complete new vehicle code, and Sem
ator Carlyon's bill to give "cow
counties" more money in lieu Of the
permanent highway levy, are In the
hopper.
2. Education: Mr.. Hartley is de-
manding one board to control educa-
tlon, the bill being introduced yester-
oay, despite widespread opposition
IN the legislature. He is also pressing
Tor state printing of school books
and abolition of the elective office
VI school superintendent, both OF
winch are opposed by Mrs. Josephine
Corllss Preston and her supporters
Inc house majority has voted to pass
I1e Sutton bill, increasing levies fol
educational institutions, despite op-
position by the Hartley forces. 1t is
certain to be vetoed. Contrary to
mr. Hartley's recommendations, the
appropriations committees are put.
ting over supplemental budget fol
nearly $1,000,0OO of capital outlay fo1
educational institutions.
s. State Timber: Majorities of the
senate and house have agreed to pass
resolution expressing confidence IN
Siark Savidge, commissioner OF pub
nc lands, which is being interpreted
as a slap at Mr.. Hartley and warn.
ing that ne has a fight on his hands
IN the meanwhile, Mr.. Hartley has
submitted bills to revise the laws reg
uiatlng the sale of state timber, de.
signed to, as he demanded "tear OH
the mask of secrecy" and to make