The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1935-01-17
Legislative Notes


ly accompanied the organization meet
ing. Senator Ernest T. Eaton, Repub-
lican OF Yellowstone county was chos-
en- president protein of the senate, and
w. P. Pilgeram of Cascade county was
elected as speaker OF. the lower house.
In assuming the presidency Sena-
tor Eaton clarified the upper chamber
situation in which for the first time
in Montana political history q group
of Democrats and Republicans banded
together for the purpose of organiza-
ton, by declaring emphatically that
the coalition was formed only for the
purpose of avoiding a deadlock which
for days lowered over the impending
session, due to division of strength
facing % Democrats and the same
number of Republicans.
Promising impartial treatment to
all, Senator Eaton said, II intend to
act without fear or favor. We are here
to represent the people Of the state
of Montana to the best Of our ability
and it was in an effort to eliminate
the delays attendant on 4 prolonged
deadlock, that this step was taken
One Of the amusing incidents at
tending the voting for president pro-
tenn was made by Senator Frank F.
Kelsey of Moorhead, Powder River
county, who WAS one Of several ris-
ing to explain his vote, delivered his
reasons and then sat down, forgetting
to name his man. Said the chair. "how
do you vote?" Eaton" came back
Kelsey and the crowd expressed its
enjoyment.
Secretary Of State Sam VI. Mitchell
who called the house to order, urged
the body to repeal the liquor store
permit system, this was his only
chance to speak as layman to the
lawmakers. He urged the adjustment
OF the present system and giving to
the board the power to regulate the
opening and closing time of the stores
and that the law be changed to allow
the sale Of liquor with meals in res
taurants and hotels. Representative
Mulholland Of Silver Bow county ask
ing the secretary If he had an outline
planned, brought the secretary's re-
marks regarding the liquor regulation
to a close. Secretary Mitchell is a
member Of the state liquor board.
Leavitt of Custer, floor leader Of
the Republicans at a previous SEES
sion, urged members to stand behind
the officials the house had chosen.
4People are looking to this ~legis-
lature with interest from all over the
state, he said. "Our duties will he
heavy. Let US proceed with dignity
and with elaboration
Speaker Pilgerman named the fol
lowing committees: Employment. J.
W. Masterson, Custer county; M. J.
Mulholland, Silver Bow: D. M. Man.
ming, Treasure; ]. B. Common, Teton;
R. A. Emmons, Deer Lodge; c. l..
Stevens, Cascade, and Albert Kruse
of Garfield county.
II. d. Rolph Of Liberty county,
headed the committee Of per didem
and mileage, others assisting him are
James Whaley Of Fallon and N. c.
Parker Of Flathead.
Phil Goodwin of Butte headed a
committee on seating and another
group headed by Edward O. Byrne of
Silver Bow was to report on joint
rules.
These are among 40 standing COM
mitteey which Speaker Pilgerman is
appointing.
The first notice of house bill was
given by E. N. Joffray, representative
Of Jefferson county; he introduced q
bill to provide for en- unemployment
fund, fashioned after the plan in Wis
consin.
Characterizing as "trivial" the
charge made against him by E. G..
Reitz, Missoula voter, Senator John
L. Campbell Of Missoula, veteran Re-
publican solon, denies the allegation
that he expended more than 800 in
conducting his campaign for re-elec-
ton. The campaign to unseat the Mis-
soula senator was filed originally in
the Missoula county district court
which ruled that it remained for the
senate to determine the eligibility of
its members. The charges were re-
ferred to the committee on privileges
and elections and were finally dropped
and Senator Campbell took his seat.
Dennis Dellwo of Lake county,
speaker at the last regular and spe-
cial sessions, was candidate for
chief clerk Of the house. He received
but Is votes for the job in the Demo-
cratic caucus, Ray G. Campbell and
former Clerk John Jewell both beat
ing him. On the second ballot Jewell
defeated Campbell by one vote, 81 to
33, with single ballot being cast for
Dellwo. Jewell served as chief clerk
during the regular and special ses-
sions, is former member of the
house from Judith Basin county and
in regular employment is clerk of the
state beer board. He was "loaned" by
the beer board to the house during
the special session, and probably a
similar arrangement was effected for
this session.
Governor Frank H. Cooney in his
4 IuFu Al. Ices