The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1943-03-18
Describes
Work Of
| Legislators
Representative Fewkes
Gives Interesting Notes
On Recent Session.
OPPOSED
TO BUREAUCRACY


"Some of the most important legis-
lation enacted by the recent state
legislature had to do with the well
fare of returning soldiers" said
State Representative D. F. Fewkes
while in Libby Monday, this state
ment coming in reply to a question
from the reporter. 'The legislature
appropriated 100000 for the re-
Mobilization of wounded soldiers and
it also provided that any soldier
returning after the war who desires
more of an education shall be given
free tuition in any of the branches
of the Greater Montana University"
1T is true that the legislature ap-
parently appropriated about $780,
600 more than the states estimated
income during the next two years"
continued Mr.. Fewkes, 'but the
amount of income is always figured
very conservatively and I am con-
fident income will meet expendI-
lures"
When asked why the legislature
had turned down so many Of the
proposals for reorganization Of
state government, Mr.. FeWkes an
sWered with, Il think the principal
reason for that action was that the
lawmakers are almost to a man
very much opposed to the bureau
cratic form of government that it
rapidly being foisted onto the M
ton. When one analyses a num-
Der of the proposed reorganization
plans, one discovers that they would
centralize authority in the hands
OF either the governor or appointed
boards. That's a movement toward
bureaucratic government and the
legislature was strongly against
anything of that nature. Further
more, it was thought this an in
opportune time to inaugurate inn
portant changes in government The
state and nation are more than busy
with the war, we have got along
for many years under the old sys-
tenn and 1t was thought best to wait
until later for innovations.
1T is interesting to note that
6A H.
lature for Montana. There were no
sessions of the legislature during
World War /. Much of the time of
the recent session was given to war
problems.
Il was surprised to learn the mis-
understanding some had here re-
garding contemplated game laws
1t should be remembered that the
state fish and game commission
long has had authority to set open
and closed seasons on game. And I
can say that the commission is ex-
pecting to establish an open sea-
son for the killing of both sexes OF
deer, but it will cover many OF
the counties of western Montana
and will not be confined to Lincoln
county alone by any means.
Many citizens do not realize that
their lawmakers kill great deal
of what is considered unwise .cgis-
lation," continued Mr.. Fewkes.
Bills come before committees, are
studied and oftentimes are killed
, in committee because they are con-
sidered bad legislation. Such action
! seldom gets into the newspapers
, and the public knows nothing of it.
AS an example, the game depart
ment wanted to raise the hunting
license to $500 That proposal was
killed in committee.
Il tried to save the counties
considerable sum in the care of
their old people and those receiv-
, ing other assistance | worked hard
to get the county's share of such aid
reduced from l6 2/3 per cent Il.
3 1/3 per cent but there was strong
t opposition and the bill / introduced
: was killed. This bill of mine pro-
V posed that the counties pay 1f3
per cent of such expenditures and
. the state and the federal govern
D ment pay the remaining portion.
I Thirty other states have such laws
| and | could see no reason why the
| counties of Montana should not be
4 likewise relieved of some of the
burden. AS it now stands. law was
s enacted raising the levy a county
7 can make for poor fund purposes