The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1931-02-06

~SSHA VA AAuAC ACVVltCu
himself rs to the true status of high
way affairs.
1T is reliably reported that the I.
V. A. steering committee of 10 men,
bers prevailed on the governor to en-
dorse the bill on the ground that it
was necessary to escape the heat
which the highway situation has
drawn from the public, which has
paid much in money but has received
little in highways.
But, hopeful that they really in
tended to do something about the
sinking miasma which is the high
way department, I delayed introduce
ton of my bill.
For some reason unknown to me
this seemed to discomfort Messrs.
Murphy. Cain and Ployhar. They de-
manded to Know why I was not in
Producing my bill. My bill still was
in course Of preparation but their
interest in it was amazing.
Asked for Conference
They insisted upon a conference
with me and this wa held at the
Grand Pacific hotel at 8 p. M, on
February 2. A number of other lead
ing I. v. A. senators were present.
This group wanted me to assist in
amending their bill but declined to
make any material changes of a ma
ture designed to increase the eff
ftciency Of the highway department.
No agreement was reached.
This group asked another confer
ence on February 3 but I was unable
to attend and on February 4 the mat
ter came to a head.
ment but not until the matter had
been threshed over in detail and
these gentlemen had emphasized their
desire to maintain the highway de-
partment as q political machine.
"A remark by one senator illustrates
the case. Discussing my proposal to
make n man responsible for all
operations, he demanded to know if
I contemplated a plan whereby, if
one Of his friends and political sup
porters had a daughter who needed a
job and who could do stenographic
work, he could not place this girl in
the highway department over the
executives head and by means of
political pressure.
Must Have Political Control
Il answered Yes whereupon two
leading senators said we cannot have
q highway department operated on
that basis. We have to maintain po-
litical control owe this department.
This political discussion was quite
extensive and the political effects of
their bill and my bill were discussed
in detail. Under my bill the governor
could, at any time, remove the high
way department head without cause.
They would appoint a chief execu-
tive, serving with two other men who
would be practically on q full-time
basis and with almost equal power.
Their explanation for specifying a
definite term Of three years was that
they would retain control Of the de-
partment for that period, regardless
OF the result OF any elections up to
that time.
MY contention was and is that the
people cannot get value received
A<OSu - I]lSuW&y OSpdF IIlSIlC OpcgdCcQ
with regard TO political considerations
only.
Need Direct Responsibility
I'VE need direct responsibility In
the conduct Of highway affairs. The
people must have someone who can
Be held responsible. That Is the aim
Of my bill and ! know that the fl
nanciA position OF the highway de-
partment demands drastic action.
II make these statements with no
idea Of doing injustice to any major
group Of men. I am interested, pri-
marily, In giving the people q square
deal In the one state department
where the most money IS spent.
1T may be that the statements
which I make here Will be denied.
I rather anticipate that they viii be.
But 4 such denials are made my
conscience viii b uptycubled.
The people ma the members Of
this ~lAgislAturt IRE entitled to know