The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1937-12-23
f!l!l!!!33l(3:,
kl|||'||Z||!y
Edited This Week BY
VICTOR A. JOHNSTON

VICTOR A. JOHNSTON
Back from a speaking tour of the
West Coast where he appeared on the
same platform with Harry Bridges, CIO
organizer for that section, Governor
Elmer Benson returned to Minnesota
this week to be the principal speaker
at the State CLIO Convention in Min
neapolis. Critics of the governor were
prompt to point out that in leading
an alleged Communist parade in New
York some months ago, and his recent
speaking tour of the West Coast, have
made the governor one the the nations
foremost friends of those who support
communism. His appearance in Min
neapolis was well received by the CIO
delegates who held a three day con-
vention there last week, where, among
other things, resolutions were adopted
to Immediately begin organization work
in new fields. The principal activities
contemplated by the organization, &C
cording to their statements, will be in
the flour milling, feed, and elevator
industry. Here they intend to con-
centrate their efforts during the next
| few months.
Special Session Threatened
Back at his desk in the State Capitol,
the governor limited that special ses-
sion of the legislature to appropriate
more relief money may be needed be-
cause of a threatened curtailment of
federal funds. He disclosed that he has
invited to st. Paul for conference, Harry
Hopkins, National Works Progress Ad-
miniStrator, who is now at Rochester
for a physical examination.
Governor Benson indicated that he
would like to discuss with Hopkins the
reported intention of Congress to trim
from one and one-half billion to
one billion, the relief appropriation for
the fiscal year.
Inasmuch as Minnesota has S., 1850 900
for direct relief this year and $2,750,O00
for next year, both legislative appropri-
atoms, the Governor said more money
may be required for the fiscal year 1888
Should economic recovery fail he ex-
planned, it will be up to the state and
local government to absorb the slack.
Taxpayers Revolt
Indications that taxpayers of Min
nesota are becoming more and more
conscious of the burdens laid upon
them by the government is evident in
many parts of the state, but was es-
Ipecially brought to the forefront at st
CLOUD last week when 200 taxpayers OF
Ieight central Minnesota counties met
and made plans to study carefully
every proposal for an expenditure OF
tax money. Plans to block further tax
increases and cut present tax figures
were discussed at the meeting which
was conducted by j. P. Mcdonnell OF
buffalo, president of the Minnesota
Taxpayers association.
Township governments were urged tc
continue unimparied in their operations
because they are economy minded"
The gathering favored balancing all
budgets through reduction of costs by
Operating governmental units on cash
basis; by adopting proper accounting
and auditing methods; by merging
small school districts, and by withdraw
ing the practice of exempting public Of
ficials from payment of income taxes.
Relief work. formerly in the hands
of local government should be returned
to them, according to the concensus oil
lopinion at the meeting. The reason adj
vanced for this was that the local Of.
ficials are more aware of purely loca
conditions and better acquainted with
lpersons who make a racket of relief
The Deer Licenses
Indications point to another cam
Ipaign issue that is likely to bob up in
the state race next year with respect tc
the opening of the deer season this fall
Hunters who were up in the north
woods this fall seemed generally dis
gusted with the fact that the state con-
lservation department made what they
|consider a grave error in opening the
deer season. Wild life groups claim
THAT the deer season just ended finds
the deer herds in the state much re-
iduced in number with the breeding
lstock for next year at the lowest point
in the states history. Practically al
hunters report shortage of deer In
the north woods and express fear that
Igrave results are in store for the sur
vivors of the herds this winter. The
general feeling is that the deer were
lsacrificed in order that political Office
holders might obtain more money fol
their Golfers from license fees.