The producers news. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1918-1937, 1929-02-01


by these huge octopuses which cannot be combatted
by Independent forces working for the interests OF the
common people, because of lack of the necessary cap
tai and publicity organs. Many of the willing TOOLS Oh
the big corporations, in spreading their propaganda
are raising up their voice against the control mani
tested by those interests the present legislature
but at election time they willing to spread their
dope because they paid for it. Such is the strength
of money. In the end the farmers and workers Oh
Montana will pay for it, however
Now is the time to watch the workings of big bust
in politics Pay particular attention at this time
and retain the happenings in your in the hopes
that four years from may be able to undo
what was done few months ago.
The article written by Senator Wuerthner is well
worth reading and remembering and is follows:
application of a few principles of human nature to
its methods would cut costs of copper mining more
than any mechanical improvement possible for the An
aconda Copper Mining company, declared State Sena-
tor Wuerthner of Great Falls in discussing state poll
tics in Butte Saturday,
"Discontinuance of an improbable and expensive po
litical department would not only save the company
the cost of operating it, but would react to its advant
age in many ways, Senator Wuerthner said.
Psychology of human nature is such that delber-
ate attempt to gain selfish ends arouses antagonlsm
and opposition, he said On the other hand, atti-
tude of faith in the other fellows fairness and hands
off policy in letting him show it leads to gener-
treatment and cooperation than could be obtained
in any other way.
81 believe the company would fare better at the
hands of the state legislature and officials it kept
its interests than it does with its present
tensive lobby" the senator said
"The legislatures attitude toward the railroads prove
my contention" he continued Three railways owning
millions of dollars and equipment in the state make
attempt to influence legislation by lobbying and taking
part in politics Yet those railroads are accorded al
good treatment by the legislature it would be pos
sble to ask Their interests considered CAREFUL!
and they recognized entitled to fair treatmen
heavy taxpayers.
"The Anaconda company's methods hearken back t.
politics of years ago. 1t was considered necessar
by large companies then to keep the political situation
in hand and to have very complete system of string
ready to be pulled at all times.
"I think my own attitude is typical of most of tn
legislators and state officials. would not think
doing anything to hurt the Anaconda company. It
the largest factor in Montana industry. By appyin
large scale methods it makes possible development
scale impossible to smaller companies.
Water power, mining, smelling and other vast az
tvities vital to the states interests ans
thing in it. And that companys interests are the inter
ests of thousands of citizens employees and others
pendent on these industries.
eff any matter directly affecting the company shout
come before the legislature, the company would
than welcome to present its side of the case An
its statements would receive very earnest attention
"But for one and there others like me- fe
that want to decide things in accordance with m
judgment and conscience and not be coerced {
bamboozled into doing anything at the behest of any
body. The very fact that the company maintains il
huge publicity, political and lobbying staff creates tn
occio 41o4
reasons"
No issue has yet arisen at the legislature, whic
would call for sharp alignment of forces the sen;
tor said However, the issue may arise at any mon
ent and in unexpected FORM and when it does the d
vision will probably not be along party nes but alon
company and ant-company lines, he predicted.
The governor is in bad with the progressive repuE
ican element and also with some of the democrats M
SO much because of his sympathy for the company bl
because he the legislators what they consider
fair treatment during the prediction campaign
He had promised in his first campaign to get IL
state out of debt Senator Wuerthner explained, an
then failed utterly to do it. In his second campaip
last fall, he passed the buck to an unfriendy republ
can legislature declaring he had received no cooper
on This is far from the truth the senator continue
since the republican party submerged its party dff
ences times after time to further the states best nte
ests.
The most striking example of the friendly attituc
OF the legislature given at the time of the Stewa
Impeachment when republicans left party lines an
Voted against him. In the face of this the governc
turned around and showed his appreciation of this a
ttude of fairness by appointing democrat to the v:
cancy of secretary of state.
And then too, the governor refused to make specif
recommendations to the budget cuts He recon
mended 10 per cent reduction the senator said b,
absolutely refused to say which particular items shout