Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1933-12-14
LEGISLATURE
IN SESSION
Rep. Hjalmar Petersen Tells
of Opening of State
Law Body.
Reviews First Week, Gov
errors Address, Liquor
and Relief Proposals.


The extraordinary session OF the
Minnesota Legislature the seventh IN
the history of the state-called to-
gether by Governor Floyd B. Olson,
convened at noon on Tuesday, Decem-
Der 5, 1888.
The House session was opened by
Secretary of State Mike Holm and the
members were sworn in by the Ch1ef
Justice of the Supreme Court.
Representative F. r. Atwood OF
Winona, nominated Charles Mum OF
Osseo, for speaker and this was Sec
onded by Rep. Geo. w. Rodenberg OF
St. Paul, who related precedence
taken in special sessions of the Leg
islature in the history of Minnesota
Special sessions have been held on
an average of about every ten years
and it has been customary to elect
the same officials at those special
sessions as served at the preceding
regular session. Mr.. Mum received
112 votes, Rep. R E. Dunn one; those
not voting on speakership numbered
16. and two members of the 131 have
died since the regular session began
last January.
Harry l.. Allen of Mankato, first
assistant chief clerk in the regular
session, was selected chief clerk to
take the place of Frank T. Starkey
who is now a member of the State
Industrial Commission. Inasmuch as
many of the regular committees will
likely not be functioning in the spe-
cial session the membership on some
of the more important committees has
been increased. The Rules commit
tee will have 10 instead of II MEM
bers; Appropriations, 80 instead OF 80;
Taxes and Tax Laws, 81 instead OF
81 and Special Relief committee OF
35 members has been set up In the
House. Rep. Finstuen is chairman OF
the latter committee.
In the Senate there is naturally
no dispute amongst the members
over who is to preside and WELD the
gavel as that is always a matter for
the voters to decide-the electing of
the lieutenant governor. Therefore,
X. K Solberg is chairman of that
body the same as in the regular win
ter session of 1888.
The Governors Message.
On Wednesday afternoon Governor
Olson delivered his message to the
Legislature in clear and distinct
manner, before crowded chamber.
The senators occupied seats around
the speakers rostrum with the repre-
sentatives in their regular seats. The
governors message showed breadth,
vision and study of problems confront
ing the commonwealth of Minnesota.
The chief executive advocated re-
ownership action against tax delin-
quents having actual or potential val
ue in property, the receiver to oper-
ate the business and collect unpaid
taxes as soon as possible.
To Strengthen Tax Laws.
To further advance tax collection
and clarity the laws, the governor
proposed to give the State Tax Com
mission power to abate penalties for
those unable to pay, and advocated:
Progressive increase in interest and
penalty on unpaid taxes based on
amount of delinquency.
Eliminate all defenses for nonpay-
ment except the defense that the
property is appraised at a higher
basis than similar property in the
same district.
Terminate the period for redemp-
tion from nonpayment of taxes. Lodge
title to delinquent lands in the state
and pay counties for such transfer.
For State Dispensary.
Governor Olson is for a state dis
pensary system of liquor control, like
many members of the Legislature.
But, if this should not be made law.
he suggested that meanwhile a pri-
vate system, in charge of state COM
missioner of liquor, with control over
licenses for on-sale or package sale
in stores be instituted. The governor
also asked that the proposition of
state dispensary system for liquor,
if not enacted in this special session,
be submitted to the voters at the next
general election.
Meanwhile, he suggested that:
Municipalities license liquor stores
drug stores or grocery stores) sub
ject to the state commissioners veto,
and the locality to keep the license
fee. Municipalities to operate own
liquor stores If they wish.
On sale, by the drink to be under |
exclusive control of local governing
bodies, and licenses to be issued to
bona fide hotels, restaurants and
clubs.
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