The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1929-03-15


sented Robbinsdale, q suburb Of Min
neapolis, in the lower house Of the
legislature. He was an astute politi-
clan, q man of fine sensibilities.
strong character. Upon the floor of
the house few equaled him and none
excelled him In his ability to take adj
vantage Of every opportunity. He was
quick to see and seize the "pSycholo-
gical moment" Tom had one stand
ing stunt which he executed with an
ease, an assurance and finish which
delighted the older members Of the
house Early in each session some new
member is sure to rise in the course
of debate and say that he has not
sufficient information ito vote intelli-
gently upon this question" This was
Tom Girling's opportunity. He would
obtain recognition from the Chair and
say: "Mr. Speaker, I have examined
the laws of the state, have studied
the constitution of Minnesota and I
have searched the constitution of the
United States, but neither In all these
authorities nor anywhere have been
able to find anything which requires
any member Of the legislature to vote
intelligently upon any question:" After
this bit of haZing all new members
were entitled to consider themselves
properly initiated and entitled to
recognition as fullflsdged members of
the house.
If there were in the statutes or the
constitution requirement that men,
bers Of the legislature vote intelligent
ly, 1t would be no more ridiculous than
many laws that are proposed and some
that are actually passed. However,
this much may be said for the legis-
allure of Minnesota: Nearly 1000 bills
have been introduced at this session
but no one has yet offered a bill to
forbid BARRIERS to stick a finger in their
customers mouths. Yet such an act
is actually written in the statutes Of
some states.
A Narrow Escape.
In the mass Of 1000 bills now be-
fore the Minnesota legislature a very
few, perhaps, are silly, many are tri-
vial, few are dangerous and some are
good bills. The more one sees of
legislation the more he is inclined to
vote mo. The effects of an innocent
looking piece Of legislation are some
times far reaching. In the excess of
Its zeal for drainage some years ago
the legislature enacted a law which
practically compelled courts to estab-
liSh judicial bitches" upon the petit
ton Of a mere handful Of irresponsi-
BILE settlers. The folly of this law Is
now apparent to everyone, yet legis-
lature Of 1913 members debated it, a
majority voted for it and a governor
signed 1t. Today the state must step
In and save the situation in Beltrami
and other northern Minnesota coun-
ties, because Of this law, at an ex-
pense of three million dollars and
possibly of other millions to boot.
While 1t is true that constructive
action must In general be affirmative,
in the making of laws there is more
dynamite in one little AYE" than in
a hundred Noes.
In the making of laws eternal vigil
ance Is the price Of safety. Some years
ago the Minnesota senate after long
consideration voted unanimously for
certain constructive piece of legisla-
ton. The senate adjourned for the
day and the author of the bill fondly
examined once more the child Of his
brain. What was his horror to dis
cover that he had repealed every law
on the statute books relating to the
investment Of state funds The only
bonds that the state board of inves-
ment could buy were ditch bonds at
three per cent! He spent a sleepless
night but remedied the matter next
day. But suppose he had not discoy-
cred the mistake until after the senate
had adjourned without day..
"GOod for You, But"
We gratefully acknowledge the re-
ceipt Of an occasional letter asking
us to watch our step in the making of
appropriations but 80 out of 100 let
tiers ask us to gore the other fellows
OK but not the writer's.
I admire the way you are protect
ing the interests Of the taxpayer Keep
1t up. But the proposed appropriation
OF Sic, 900 for the Safety Council is of
super-importance. I hope you will al
low It,"
"Your action on the university is
just right. That's place where the
state ought to hew to the line. More
power to you in your economy pro-
gram. hope you will vote $4,000 for
a monument to Abraham Lincoln on
the capitol grounds. Think what an
education to our young people such
monument will bel"
II know you are bounded to death
for appropriations and am delighted
to see that you are thinking of the
man who pays the bill, but there Is
one thing want to speak to you about.
The interests of the children of the
state demand that you should repeal
the 80 per cent limitation for school
aid (and increase appropriations $780,
00O. This Is the most important
thing you can do at this session"
eve appreciate the necessity for
economy and we applaud your efforts
to achieve 1t, but the prosperity Of the
state absolutely depends upon increas-
ing the appropriations for county
agents from $4,000 per year to $780,
600 per year."
81 have voted every time for econ
omy but it Is shame If the state does
not spend measley $500 to make
this historic spot state park"
cit is just splendid the way you hold
down appropriations but I am sure
you will vote 100000 for teachers
pensions. It means so much to the
standard Of teaching and to the well
fare Of our children. Surely the state
owes this much to its faithful teach
ers."
"The economy program is splendid
one and we rejoice In the way you are
holding up your end Of 1t, but the
dental building at the university Is a
disgrace. We are sure there is no
other one thing that you can do at
this session of the legislature which
will be of so much benefit as to grant
$3.50 900 for q new dental building"
1--WE hear that you are hard boiled
cOy,or,ittoo oy,d A. Ia I,ycbu for fIoa TOW.