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Show THE 6 TO CITIZEN An Interview with HJtiffllto RURTON.W. MUSSKR on the problems of the Democratic .senators in the Kighteenth Utah Legislature . !Fi?flBa TTw Viewpstato LAYS LKGISLATIVK PLANS Governor George H. Dern, whose address to the Kighteenth Utali Legislature outlined an eytensive legislative program and caused considerable surprise in opposition to ratification of the pact in relation to the Roulder Dam. six-sta- te An Interview with ALONZO R. IRVINK floor leader for the Republican party during the Kighteenth session of the Legislature Senator Alono R. Irvine, president of the Utah senate at its last term, and who gave way to Senator Hamilton Gardner to become floor leader of the Republican party through the Kighteenth session, declares that his party, as a party, has no special measure to foster in the present session. We have no definite program for legislation for the Republican party, Mr. Irvine says. The party during the term which already is underway, will work out its program as the session advances. throughout. We favor the state building program, and will do our utmost in aiding in shaping a measure looking to definite action in this regard. Another matter on which I would like to make the stand of the party clear is in regard to the bills on judiciary, prison and the building program as w'ell which likely will be brought up. These measures, no more than the others which I have mentioned, are not party measures and - matters. I expect a possible division of the party on many of these measures. Such division, if it does occur, will be entirely on personal grounds, although I know of no reason now why a rift should appear. The Republican members of the senate will endeavor to consider every measure on its merits. .Of course, it was explained by Senator Irvine, the G. (). P. holds the whip hand in the upper house, and should necessity arise would be in a position to make good its majority. He hastened to add, however, that he knew of no such occasion, and that a harmonious session was expected. ator for Salt Lake County and prominent in the Democratic leadership pn the Senate floor says, but there are several issues on which I think the members of the Democratic party will stand well together in the present session. It is the purpose of the members of the Democratic party in this ses-- sion of the senate to aid in the pas- sage of a bill to remove the judiciary from politics. We seek election of judges on a headless ballot with the candidates listed alphabetically. We also assume our historical attitude in our attempt to remove the State Department of Kducation from politics, and to have the office of of Public Instruction filled bv the same svstem as that we espouse for the selection of members of the judiciary. The Democratic senators, I am certain, will favor measures for the application of a corporation license tax to equalize the tax fee to both foreign and domestic corporations and yet to not interfere with interstate commerce. The Democratic party, in its Salt Lake County platform, carried a plank favoring the removal of the State Peniteniary from its present site in Sugar House, and the Salt Lake County delegation, at least, will fight for adoption of such a measure. A building program, stretching over a period of years, will also be favored. Such a program would include additions to the University of of Utah, to the Utah Agricultural College and to the State Mental Hospital at Provo in addition to ent We havent any party measures, as a party. Party lines have practically been withdrawn, and we will work . for constructive legislation as a party we have nothing to say in that regard. The matter of the removal of the state penitentiary from its present site in Sugar House is not a party concern. The bills to take the judiciary from politics and provision of a headless ballot are not party I cannot speak with absolute authority for my colleagues in the Senate, Rurton W. Musser, sen- Utah has consistently held out for seven-stat- e ratification of the Santa Fe compact, and even today the most ardent supporter of the Swing-Johnsbill will admit that, notwithstanding all the admendments that have been secured, our rights will be better insured under complete seven-stat- e ratification than under the plan. With this statement as a warning to Utah legislators to avoid rushing into the pact, Governor George H. Derns opening address to the Kighteenth Utah legislature was delivered Tuesday and offers much to ponder over. Now, apparently, both parties have joined hands in their attitude on the Roulder dam measure, and the legislature will have a long battle, awaiting also action from Arizona, before ratification is secured. on six-sta- te . six-sta- te The Governor is to be highly commended for the constructive program laid out under the present organization. His recommendation of a state board of agriculture for power to fix and enforce standards and grades for agricultural products and for licensing commission dealers is a forward step. Utah needs such regulation. Rusiness methods in a building program for the state, extending over 20 years, are another noticeable feature of the address. The agricultural commission and the building program, including the home for the feeble minded, are much needed in Utah. The clarification of the Roulder dam stand., likewise, is welcome. i some minor buildings. Tliat program, however, would be separate from contruction of a state home and school for the feeble minded. Although all facts have not been presented relative to a school for the feeble minded, I am certain that the Democratic senators will be much impressed with the need and(f desirability of such an institution. Let me say this, the sentiment of the Democratic senators is decidedly against display of partisanship. We believe that we best can serve the party by acceeding to the interests of the state and the needs of its m people. I have not mentioned the Roulder Dam problem because I am not thoroughly acquainted with the multiplicity of problems that it presents or the highest benefits to the state by affirmative or negative action to ratir fication of the measure passed by the National Congress. We intend to deal with that problem to the best of our ability and to. the best interest of the state when it arises. |