Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1939-03-09
Voice From Senate
BY SEN. c. ELMER JOHNSON.
From Pine and Chisago Counties
Liquor Control.


One of the most vexing problems
confronting the legislators is that OF
controlling sale of Intoxicating bever-
ages and or including 80 beer. Many
proposed bills are being considered.
So many letters have come to me
on this subject that 1 shall try to
answer all of them through this col
umn of the local paper. The bill
calling for a definition classifying
80 beer as Intoxicating is the one
on which the public interest is TO
cused Very few people will deny
that 80 beer actually causes some
people to show symptoms of alcoholic
intoxication. If it comes to ques-
ton on roll call vote to define 80
malt beverages it would undoubtedly
precipitate the hottest fight of the
session. However, several control
measures have been offered which
would do away with the greatest
objection to beer-the country road
beer tavernS.
A great many things must be con-
sidered when an act of legislation is
proposed that may deprive thousands
of persons of their means of liveli-
hood, and millions of dollars of taxes
must be replaced through other
sources. The committee studying
the immediate effect of beer on the
consumer but of the whole effect
on our economic Set-up, as it affects
employment, taxes, the consumption
of grain, and the evil of bootlegging
with the spiking of near beer and
pop.
Did it ever occur to you dry advo-
Gates that you have it within your
power now through your local author
tiles to declare whether or not beer
is to be sold in your village or town.
The committee is trying to decide
what would be best for the whole
state-redefinition or improved con-
troll measures with statewide regu-
lated opening and closing hours and
restrictions on country tavernS. If
the redefinition bill does not pass,
l believe some very strong control
legislation will be enacted.
Gasoline Truck Load Limit.
The Senate in committee of the
whole recommended for passage Sem
ate File No. AT, a bill to limit to
1000 gallons the load of inflammable
liquids that may be hauled in one
load. Evidently, great deal of work
has been done by the railroad COM
panies and trainmen in working up
public interest because l received
dozens of letters from nearly every
village along the line asking for pas
sage of Senate File No. ATT.
l voted to advance this bill to the
calendar and expect to vote for final
passage. In supporting this measure
l do so knowing that Iowa has a
1000 gallon limit; Michigan, 5000;
North Dakota, $780, and South Da-
kota, $500. 1t is question whether
one 1000 gallon truck load or two
1000 gallon loads, or an 5000 gallon
railroad tank car offer the greatest
hazard.
WDGY Offer Radio Time.
Under the auspices of the Farm
Bureau 1 have been invited to take
part in the Farm Hour Program at
12:45 to l p. m on Friday this week,
so will have an opportunity to greet
some of my farm friends who may
be listening in The program will be
in the form of a dialogue with Mr..
Melrose asking questions and will
cover legislation dealing with agri-
culture, Bangs Disease bill, dog
license law, and something about the
much advertised Farm Bloc.