The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1962-07-13

of a lasting nature. The historic bat
tie lines in the Democratic ranks did
not hold true in this fight. Both
candidates had friends within the
legislative structure which played a
part and in some instances superseded
other considerations. McKeon had
the disadvantage of being lat
conner to the race. Barrett had been
considered a candidate for at least
three months.
Policy and platform controversy
did not materialize. The Butte daily
had headlines about a big battle that
was supposed to come about over
public power, which if it was ever
remotely possible, fizzled a-borning
for lack of support.
The nearest to a real floor battle
came about over plank that ode
plored" the fact it is necessary for
consumers to have TO provide finance
and present to the Public Service
Commission proof to protect them
selves from unjust and excessive util-
ity rates.
The plank was taken to the sub
committee by Claude Gray of Big
Timber and at first was rejected;
then, presumably to avoid a floor
fight, portion of the resolution was
accepted, minus the "deplore" part,
and declaring as policy that the Pub
lie Service Commission should do
these things.
Someone remarked that if per-
son could get pneumonia from the
cold shoulder, the Public Service
Commission, which was there en-
masse, would have been in the hos
pital five minutes after the conven-
tion started.
They must have felt their lack of
popularity because they didn't show
up at the banquet, and special note
of it was made by the master of cere-
There is grave doubt whether party
unity would have taken precedence
over antagonism toward their candi-
date for Public Service Commission
mad floor fight developed over
recent actions on utility rate in
,reaSeS.
Having gay time handing out
ards and campaigning the Demo-
rats was Art Watson, Republican
andidate for Public Service Com
mission. He remarked he was being
eceived very kindly-almost better
han he had been at his own party
invention.
Taken to the floor as resolutions
fter being rejected by subcommit-
ees were two issues. One, resolving
hat the Democrats opposed legalized
as source of state reve-
ue, is highly volatile in both parties.
he resolution did not pass unani-
lously, but it did pass overwhelm-
lgly.
The second was a request that
resident Kennedy not accept re-
ort by Railroad Commission ap-
ointed by President Eisenhower that
ould affect railroad employment
by removing two out of
We crew men from service. This
so did not pass unanimously, but
I'd only nominal opposition.
4 Il
Seen buzzing around the conven-
'n was Milton Colvin, former MSU
ofessor and Democratic candidate
r western district congressman in
e 1860 primary. He was so busy
ked what in the world he was do
g. He told me he was in Montana
wing to see what his chances are
r the governors race in 1864. "It
as simple as that" he said. Colvin
S been teaching on the east coast.
An event that may be of interest
the case the Anaconda Company
going to take before the Public
rvice Commission and on to the
preme Court if necessary, on their
S rate increase by the Montana
wer Company. Negotiations be-
cen these GRANTS apa 1aadIaoIrad