The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1927-01-13
DON'T WANT A
BOND ISSUE
Legislature Not in Favor
of Big Road Bond Says
Special Writer

Grating most of his recommenda-
tions, Governor Hartley disarmed
the critics who have been COM
plaining of his methods" But it
is not likely that most of his rec
concentrations will be quickly ac-
cepted, which may cause Mr.. Hart
ley to reinforce his stand with
stronger words. The indications at
this time, despite talk of harmony,
are that the words will grow
harsher as the session goes on.
1t is safe to say, at this time,
that there will be no cut or let-up
in the highway program. An en-
largement, because of growing de-
mands, is more likely. This means
that there is a prospect of an
extra cent on the gasoline tax,
making three cents on gallon.
An extra cent would increase the
revenues by about $1,7O0,0O0
year.
Talk of a state bond issue, such
as Rep. Ed Sims plan to pass a
$15,000,00O bond issue for paving
from Seattle to Spokane, is not
popular with most legislators.
Senator Carlyon, who once spon-
sored a $3O,OO0,OOO bond proposal
and saw it defeated, is not for
the Sims plan. Other legislators
point out that west side counties
are already bonded and do not
want to take on more obligations.
Consequently, it is safe bet
that the legislature will stick to
the pay-as-you-go policy and re-
ject any bond bill. But that does
not mean that there will not be a
big start on an east-west paved
highway. Highway Engineer Hoov-
er wants a substantial appropria-
tion for paving on the Sunset
highway, which is likely to be
granted. The idea of paved road
between Seattle and Spokane is
appealing to most legislators.
J. > =
1t was reported. as the legisla-
ture convened, that the dove of
peace was hanging around the cap
itol, but there is growing sus-
picious that the bird was sea
gull, lured to the capitol by the
fact that most of the legislators
looked so much at sea. The hope
was that the dove would harmon
ize the factions, pro and anti
Hartley, that split the 1926 spe-
cial session, but the hope grows
DINNER and DINNER. The first re-
suited in several jolts for har-
money, but the members gritted
their teeth and pretended not to
feel the cracks, altho privately
they were chagrinned. In other
words, the first two days develop
ed struggle between expression
and suppression. Expression looks
like the winner in the long run.
The first blow at harmony was
the report of the legislative com
mittee to investigate timber sales.
with the report submitted on the
first day to take the edge off any
timber recommendation by the
governor. The committee, headed
by Senator Cleary, Bellingham,
criticized the governor for declin-
ing to cooperate with the commit
tee. 1t also contradicted the gov
ernor's charges of irregularity in
two specified sales of timber. Mr..
Hartley's recommendations for
publicity of cruises and sales were
met part way, but the idea of
making logging roads as common
carriers was rejected as being un-
constitutional. On the whole, the
committee held that Mr.. Hartley
was all wet or something of the
sort.
The senate organization, headed
by Lieutenant Governor Lon John
son, apparently does not intend to
bargain with the senators Of the
opposition. Committee assign
ments show that Senator "Billy"
Conner; Senator Paul Houser. as
well as others Of the so-called
Hartley faction, will have easy
places on useless committees. but
will be permitted to retain their
seats and votes in the senate. 1t
looks as if Mr.. johnson, flanked
by Senator Metcalf and Senator
Morthland, will not permit any
tampering with the machinery.
The minority members squirmed
and murmered, as they used to
make Mr.. Johnson and others do,
but decided not to complain out
loud.
But there was surprise, big
surprise. Senator "Doc" Carlyon,
after spending two sessions on the
outside, was given back his seat
IN the rules committee. Mr.. Carl
yon, in the days when he was boss
of the senate, frequently put the
screws on Mr. Johnson, then a
member of the senate. So two years