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This newspaper page contains 9 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
The Dakota Huronite
Location
Huron, South Dakota, United States of America
Date
Sep 29, 1898
Page
5
A scathing analysis accuses reform leaders of favoring railroads and trusts, opposing labor protections, aiding moneyed interests, and misusing public funds. The piece contends lawmakers broke promises and pursued personal gain, while harming poorer taxpayers and denying electoral economy.
A critical review of the 1897 South Dakota legislative session shows Populist control failing to curb railroad power. Lawmakers defeated major railroad reforms amid strong lobbying, while three bills passed mainly to aid a railroad, extending a commissioner term and an Iowa rate measure. The piece highlights patronage deals, lobbies, and the push to capture offices.
A small band of former Republican leaders seized control of the Populist and Democratic parties in 1896. They dominated the legislature, crushed opposition, and pursued patronage over reform. Governor Lee led and pressured rivals, threatening vetoes and leveraging the railroad lobby, while the session was marked by unseated contests, plunder bills, and prolonged delays costing taxpayers $41,000 after 44 days.
Pierre reports a Populist majority in the state senate opposing Republican Clay county votes against proposed Populist measures and threatening to block university funding at Vermillion. T H Ayres pleads for Republican influence on house members to desist. Other items include a January 25 1897 railroad commission letter from Kirkpatrick to Dr Sweetland and several February speeches and a February 10 house clash between Speaker Colvin and Rep Gibbs.
Populists hailed railway reform as aid to farmers and shippers. House bill 36 held railroads responsible for livestock deaths and engine fires, passing 61 to 5 amid lobby opposition, while the Senate resisted. A dollard-led joint resolution urged Congress to empower the Interstate Commerce Commission to curb interstate rates.
The record lists two house bills: H. B. 36 by Mr. Wright and H. B. 50 by Mr. DoMard. The fragment suggests a legislative action or committee reference in a historical newspaper page.
The article laments Populist leaders promises to separate legislature from lobby, detailing widespread use of railroad free passes and lobby influence. It cites multiple defeated bills to curb abuses, noting Republicans and various interests blocked reforms while officials and judges accepted favors.
The piece frames Populist rhetoric against corporate greed and cites reform bills targeting monopolies, notably criticizing the Western Union Telegraph Company. It lists four bills with sponsors H B No 1 by Glass, H B 117 by McWhorter, H B 211 by King, and SB 127 SB 172 by Palmer.
A compilation of bill numbers and sponsors appears, listing H B 16 by Mr Glass H B 65 by Mr Thompson H B 325 by Mr Kidd S B 145 by Mr Stewart H B 4 and H B 118 by Mr Michaels S B 103 by Mr Palmer H B 40 by Mr Bangert H B 167 by Mr Storie S B 220 by Mr Horner H B 145 by Mr Anderson H B 173 by Mr Dollard H B 71 by Mr Stewart with additional items noted.
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