The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1952-06-13
CHESTER EDITOR SAYS
INITIATIVE IS INSULT TO
INTELLIGENCE OF The
PEOPLE OF MONTANA"
IRWIN HUTCHINSON
IN Liberty County Times

We've heard quite few people say
in regard to the initiative to amend
! the workmen's compensation act, "I'd
like to hear the other side of the
question. They've heard the argu-
ments of the Montana Economic
Council, but haven't heard too much
IN favor of the initiative. They can't
believe it's as bad as it is painted.
We've read quite a bit of the in
formation put out by proponents of
the measure, and we are convinced
that this petition must be beaten at
any cost. However, we oppose the
initiative, only in it's present form.
A milder amendment might not meet
with our personal approval, but the
Times would not take such a definite
stand against it.
But to get on with the arguments
for the measure. The proponents state
that the taxpayers of Montana are
paying about 100000 annually to
take care of the Silicosis victims of
the Anaconda Copper Company and
that this initiative would put this
cost on the company.
We are in no position to either
deny or affirm this statement. It's a
controversial point, but we're inclined
to be more interested in what this in
itiative will do to small businessmen
and farmers. This publication has no
intention of defending the ACM.
Another point the proponents of
the initiative stress is the implica-
ton that the Montana Economic
Council is nothing more or less than
a stooge organization of the ACM.
This is simply not true. Hundreds of
private, small businesses in Montana
have Joined the Montana Economic
Council and have contributed to the
treasury Each business
member has been asked to contribute
$500 per employee. Naturally the
ACM is the largest contributor in the
tate.
The proponents infer that the leg
stature is so controlled by the ACM
hat fair Workmen's Compensation
Act is impossible.
They also state that the bill is ta-
ZEN from similar laws in other states.
Similar" what does that mean?
compare the two following para
raphs. The first is an actual quo
alton from the petition. The other
similar" but has two words chang
d. The two words make the meaning
ntirely different.
sit shall be unlawful for any en-
loyer under this act to refuse en-
loyment to any person who suffers
NOTWITHSTANDING occupational disease
+ infection :"
1T shall be unlawful for any en-
loyer under this act to refuse en-
Ioyment to any person because he
lffers non-disabling occupational
sease or infection :. :"
Every time we have seen anything
tinted in favor of the petition, the
opponents always insert that "be-
use" when speaking of the $4,000
ause, but the petition itself has
} because" in that section. Don't
Ike our word for it. Read it for
urself when you are asked to sign.
S just below the middle of the third
ge, Section 92-704C. If you still
MT believe our Interpretation is
sht, or if there is any doubt in your
nd, take it to the lawyer in whom
u have the most confidence. Ask
n to tell you what it means.
The strongest claim of the propon-
is of the petition is based on the
that Montana's Compen-
ion law is lower than the compen-
ion laws of surrounding states.
Stunning their figures are correct,
y is it necessary to take the right
hire and fire away from all bust
sses in order to raise the benefits?
Continued on Page Three)