Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1931-01-15
HIGH LIGHTS OF
OLSON'S MESSAGE
SAYS State Has Suffered From Certain
EeOnOmy.-VOtes For and Against
ArenS are Recorded.
By HENRY G. TEIGAN

FLOYD Is. olson was lHduSuI dlcu SON.
ernor of the state of Minnesota at noon
ON Wednesday of last week. Mr.. Olson
is not only the first Farmer-Labor
governor in the state of Minnesota,
but is also the first Farmer-Labor
governor in the United States.
In his message to the legislature,
Governor Olson pleased the members
of his own party and progressiveS gen.
orally by his recommendations. He
placed the issues of the Farmer-La-
Dor platform squarely before the leg
islatOrs of both houses and asked their
efforts worthwhile.
The high spots of Olson's message
are as follows:
A state building program to relieve
unemployment; establishment of a
state printing plant to do the print
ing for the state and its political sub
divisions; repeal of the Brooks-Cole-
man street railway act; submission
of a constitutional amendment to per-
nit state control and development of
water power facilities; limiting the
use of injunctions in labor disputes;
creation of a state conservation COM
mission and of a full time parole
board; enactment of legislation which
will protect independent merchants
against monopolies; repeal of the So
called newspaper gag law; repeal of
the per capita tax limitation law; re-
classification of property for purposes
of taxation; an enlarged paving pro-
gram, and preference for Minnesota
labor and material in all construction
work by the state; compulsory Old
Age Pension system.
Legislators Approve Message.
The Governors message was re-
ceived with much enthusiasm and, at
many points in his address. he was
interrupted by applause. His recon-
mendation that special attention be
given to legislation to relieve the I'M
favorable conditions on the farm was
given enthusiastic approval. Il es-
pecially urge you to consider the
farming population in the matter of
shrinkage of farm income" he said,
but particularly because the farm
ing population is carrying a dispro-
portionate share of the total tax bur-
den."
Mr.. Olson offered some criticisms
on his predecessors policies. He did
this with obvious reluctance, but the
situation compelled a statement from
him on this point. For a number
of years past, by reason of a govern
mental policy carried on under the
claims of economy, our state institu-
tons are greatly in need of appro-
priations for the purpose of repair
and enlargement" he said. "a new
office building is also needed for state
departments which are now occupying
rented space.
Suffers Because Of Economy.
1.-The making of these appropria-
lions will result in an increase of
state expenditures over those of pre-
ceding years. The burden of the
previous governmental policy carried
on under the claim of economy has
fallen upon us. Let us meet the sit
uation frankly and courageously and
provide for these improvements not
only because they are of immediate
necessity but also because they will
assist the people of Minnesota in our
unemployment situation
Referring to the enlarged road paw
ing program as a means of relieving
unemployment, he said:
I'VE can also aid in relieving I'M
employment by enlarging our road
paving program. Paved roads are not
only practicable for traffic but their
ultimate cost is less than that of the
gravel roads,"
Christensen Bids Farewell.
Governor Christensen delivered a
farewell address to the legislature Just
preceding the inaugural message of
his Farmer-Labor successor. The
former governor reviewed the record
of his three terms in office and cited
figures and facts to show that the
economy program on which he had
been elected in 1925 had been lived
up to. He concluded his remarks
with wish for the success of Mr..
Olson. He said:
ITO my successor / extend all good
wishes. AS a citizen of the state I
pledge him my support. I want his
administration to be the most sue
cessful in the history of Minnesota.
1 wish it for his sake, because he is
my personal friend; but / wish it
especially for the sake of the people
OF the state, to serve whom has been
the ruling passion of my life"
ReactiOnaries Fight Arens.
In the senate there was something
of an upheaval on the first day of the
session. Shortly after Lieutenant Gov
ernor Henry Arens had called the
senate to order at IL o'clock Tuesday