The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1883-03-01
Terms OF SubscrinfIOn

A. l.. CARTER. G. E. CARTEE.
AS but seven days remain for the sitting
Of the Dakota legislature, the anxiety of
many of the members to secure the passage
of their local or pet measures occasions
active work, and in some instances fore
ed support to those of others that would
not be given only upon the policy of, you
tickle me and will tickle you States
manship, to our great discredit, is least
thought of in the majority of cases in the
selection of representatives; scheming
politicians ignore qualifications or merit,
and act for self, regardless of the essentials
that are requisite to constitute good and
competent law makers, and the result in
too many instances seats in the responsible
positions, men who have not the first
qualifications men who have no more idea
of the needs of a community than an
untettered native. These become the
easily managed tools Of shrewder and de-
signing men, and make poor and danger
Gus legislators. SO with another class
who too often worm in the early days of
territories, those who are possessed with
of but little principal, less scruple, but
cheek to brazenly suggest and press mat
ters upon the public which is helpless, but
cannot fail to interpret sinister and self
ish des gn 1t is easy work for a child to
throw torpedo that would effect serious
results, but the brain that invented the
missile was that of another Dakota legis-
lature is not without these class of men,
fortunately but few and much of the
valuable time of the session has been
wasted in the consideration of fire-brand
emanations from parties who have not
the native ability or education to frame
their own bills, or publicly advocate them;
simply introduce, look wise and slyly trade
on local measures to gain notoriety their
lack of ability or integrity prevents them
from otherwise acquiring. Such men
soon frd their level, and an apprcci"tive
public will promptly condemn them to
merited oblivion. Lincoln county fortu
nately is not cursed with such represen-
tation this session, but with one who
seems to intend what their judgement die
tates for the best good. Leading news
paper men are too timid in these matters,
public measures should be more elaborate
ly discussed so that members can be en-
lightened as to the views of their constitu-
ents, and that the latter may aid or dis
approve as their minds are made.
Much of the attempted legislation has
been of no general public benefit. It was
not needed, not expected, neither did the
public demand It, There is more truth
than poetry in the adage, or present say
ing, There is too much legislation. But
few of our laws, practical observation has
shown necessary to be changed or abrogat-
ed now, and proper candid consideration
of what changes were required or that the
people asked by those best informed would
have been much better than general
inkering and onslaught that has been
forced by many of the would-be-wise
members. We are frank to say the re-
moval of the capital at this time is uncall-
ed for, is only an act designed by scheming
third-rate politicians; although bill being
introduced and by some worked up into a
matter of interest, members who are
above originating measures prematurely
of course have been obliged to assume a
position independent of an expressed wish
of their constituents, and vote as their
best judgement dictates Many differ as
to the expediency of a present removal,
Individually we do not concede the neces-
sity, policy Or that good can be done now
by change of location The people did
not consider it in the last falls canvass.
| have not agitated it since, nor do they now
ask it; they in short are not prepared for
a removal as no place can be designated in
the present unsettled condition OF our ter
ritory that would be liable to prove bene-
fetal to the people at large. Could the
whole scheme be unmasked and the true,
naked facts disclosed to the public, the
inception would as many think, be shown
to have been caused by unscrupulous
spectators who thereby have sought to
enrich themselves at the expense Of the
public, and regardless of their wishes, and
regardless of the effect than that of good
to them. There are several measures be-
ing introduced at this late hour of the
session that would be beneficial, but the
press of local schemes and the brief period
of time left will doubtless fail of being ma
tured into laws One very important one
that of establishing reform school for thu
benefit of youthful offenders. The De
troit prison is called reform institute
but is no more, no less than a peniten
tiary, a state prison, and persons of al
ages and sexes are there together incarce
rated. Our attention has been unpleas
antly called to the absolute necessity 0
the establishment Of genuine reform
school in the territory, as there has oc
cured in our own district within the pas
two years several convictions that woul
have been better subserved as to goo
after-results had there been some othe
place than state prison to condemn
youth to hard labor instead of the reform
atory discipline of humane school
The Chicago & Northwestern railroa
company announce that until June the
will transport westward all kinds of see
) grain at greatly reduced rates about ont