The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1932-12-23
BY G.. B. WOLLAN.


st. Paul, Dec. 20, 1932.-Whcther
either or both sides of the 1888 Mime
sofa legislature viii be organized along
So-called conservative or liberal lines
still remains subject for speculation,
despite the claims and counterclaimS of
leaders of both factions in both houses
From the most reliable information OBJ
tairable to date the chances seem to
favor the conservatives in the senate
and the liberals in the house, yet this
is by no means certain to be the out
come.
Indications are that the result in
either branch will not be definitely de-
t6rmined until it comes to vote on
the opening day, Jan. 8.
In fact, the lineup in the senate is
claimed by some to be so close between
the two factions that victory may de-
pend upon the result Of today's special
senatorial election in the 10Th district
Minneapolis, to elect successor to the
late Sen. Lewis Duemke, who died since
the general election on Nov. 8.
primary q week ago, are Rep. Henry A
Johnson, who was defeated for re-elec-
ton to the house in that district last
month, and Henry G. Tegan, editor
Farmer-Labor Leader, and defeated
candidate of that party for congress
man-at large. Rep. johnson is classed
as a conservative.
At the primaries last week, Tiegan
led field of 10 candidates with vote
of 2,315, with Johnson in second place
with lass votes. Two other con-
servatives, Nichols and Swanson, ran
Bird and 4th, each receiving between 800
and 900 votes. The remaining six as
pirants had less than 500 votes each,
two of them receiving less than 100.
On the face of these figures it looks
like todayis election may be quite close.
Both sides were claiming victory as the
polls opened.
Meantime, Sen. Charley Orr, st. Paul,
chairman Of the conservative steering
committee, continues steadfaStly to
claim that they have more than enough
votes pledged to organize the senate,
which means that standing committees
will be named, as two years ago, by a
committee on committees and not by
the lieutenant governor, according to
tradition.
In a statement issued Lest Saturday
on behalf of the Liberal
faction, however, the claim was made
that this element will organize the
senate "on a strictly non-partisan
basis"
Neither side Is making public the
names of senators alleged to comprise
their respective forces, hence it Is i'm
possible to be assured absolutely which
claim is correct.
The situation among house members
elect is pretty much the same, although
surface indications would point to the
liberals having slightly the better of
the argument, especially since they
mustered SO votes at their caucuS-three
more than the required majority. They
Endorsed Rep. Charles Mum, Osseo,
for speaker.
The conservative leaders are keeping
up The fight, however, and claim that
more than three" of those who were
recorded as voting for Mum at the
liberal caucus viii be found supporting
Rep. Andrew Finstuen, Kenyon, for
speaker when the time comes" In
support of this claim Rep. Finstuen
says he has received advance applica-
lions for committee assignments from
more than a majority of the members
elect"
Hence, with the opening of the session
just two weeks away, it looks like just
another case of you pays your money
and takes your pick"
had the pleasure last Saturday
night of attending the testimonial din
ner at Minneapolis given in honor of
o. P. B. Jacobson, retiring chairman OF
the railroad and warehouse commits
sion, by the employees of the department
Mr.. Jacobson's long career of ID years
as a member of the commission the
longest of any member in the states
history-was lauded by all speakers,
including three former commissioners,
c. E. Sterling and Ivan Bowen, all Of
whom, by the way, had severed their
connection with the commission via the
resignation route. Mr.. jacobson also
was praised for his long service on be-
half of the people of the state, especi-
ally the farmers, by his present col
leagues, F. w. Matson and G. j. Larr-
isch, as well as by representatives Of the
employeS and others.
Knud Wefald, Hawley, Farmer-La-
borite elected to the place made vacant
by Mr.. Jacobson's voluntary retirement,
was also an invited guest and was called
on for some remarks. He declared 1t
his purpose to follow as closely as he
could the path Of righ-dealing travelled
by Mr. Jacobson.
81 can't hope 10 It'll the Shoes as
some folks put it," said Mr.. Wefald,
but shall do my best to reflect credit
upon my predecessor, the commission
and the state"
One of the previous speakers had
casually called attention to the fact that
no member of the railroad and ware
ho,,Sa communication, lod aver hnen de-