Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1930-05-29
MontanaState
Letter
(By the United Press
(By the United Press.)

1t may be the calm before the storm
but it is fact that singular-for this
state, at least-calm reigns over the
Montana political situation
This applies not only to the congress
slonal situation but is reflected right
down the line of state, county and
city contests There are exceptions OF
course, but they are few and far be-
tween.
The closest approach to battle is
that waged over the proposed new
workmen's compensation law; and this
is battle of distance-that is, pro-
ponents of the measure are concen-
trating their efforts towards securing
petition signers in the sparsely settled
counties while opponents are firing
critical broadsides in population cen
tiers.
The senatorial situation is unchanged
Senator Thomas J. Walsh is virtually
assured of the democratic nomination.
Il shall strive to secure industrial
as well as political freedom for wage
earners," declared the senior solon
with characteristic vehemence. Il shall
continue the relentless pursuit Of male
factors of great wealth and | shall per-
severe in my advocacy of the Great
Falls-St Lawrence waterways, than
which no other government project
promises blessings so abundant to the
people"
Two candidates vie for the republi-
can senatorial nomination, but nothing
has occurred during recent weeks to
disturb Associate Justice Albert Ga
lens outstanding lead With the solid
committee behind him, the associate
justice is almost as certain Of nominal
ton as Walsh who hasn't an opponent
to date.
o. H. P Shelley, Red Lodge pub
Usher, continues his lone wolf fight
for the republican nomination, but
there is no tangible evidence that he
has whitfield away much of Judge Ga
lens large following
During the past few weeks, leading
democratic newspapers have been as
siduously defending Walsh on just
those points which, it is supposed, the
republicans will attack-namely
Walsh's stand on various tariff issues
his "internationalism" and his alleged
failure to give Montana problems the
special attention they merit in con-
gress.
Congressman Leavitt is still the only
candidate for congress in the second
district His reelection is virtually
conceded
It's different story in the first dis
publican aspire to a seat in congress.
As expected, John M Evans, dem
Iocratic incumbent filed his nominating
petition Congressman Evans has
served eight terms-from 1912 to 1926
and from 1922 to 1880.
The incumbent is opposed by one
who refuses to let youth stand in thu
way. He is Joseph Monaghan, Butte
age Is who is the youngest Montanar
ever to seek seat in congress, Monag-
han is graduate of Mt. St Charlie.
college where he distinguished him
self as debater. He served in tn,
21st state legislative as member o
the house from Silver Bow county
Mark D. Fitzgarrald, Stevensvill,
dairyman, is still unopposed for TIL,
republican nomination for congress
from the first district.
Opposition to the proposed new com
pensation law is widespread and wei
organized. A campaign is under wa.
designed to Illustrate attempts of labo
elements to secure enough names +
place the issue on the ballot-a rathe
difficult matter as initiative petition
require only eight per cent of tn
legal voters in two-fifths of the coun
ties; or total of 1885 signers.
The new compensation plan has bee
termed radical revolutionary" sim
practical" 1t has been assailed on man
grounds but the principal alleged OBJ
jections stressed are as follows:
| !. That more than 10000 Montan
ans would be made employers in tn
labor federation proposal were inaug
urated Even church and charitabl
organizations, householders and farm
ers would be included.
q A farmer or householder coul
be made to pay sum over perio
az YEARS fotallInp 500 1O0 ,f Skille