The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1886-05-12

EDITOR HERALD - o timely suggestion
70 the voters to be careful in the selection Of
candidates, especially for the Office Of State
Senator and members of Assembly, deserves
the approval and respectful consideration Of
every voter. There never was a time when
the demand for a better and purer Legisla-
ture was more imperative than the present.
To c%ontemplate upon the doings of our law
makers during the past dozen or more years
ellis one with feelings Of both shame and
indignation.
The people OF no State north of Mason and
Dixon's line, have had their confidence 50
fouIly betrayed and their just demands SO
peremptorily rejected as the people ofPenn-
r~ylyania, and it is time to call a halt. or at
least issue q warning.
By a system of unjust discrimination in
freights, that thing that meets at Harris
burg-the Legislature, allows the West to
place the product of the field and shop into
our markets at a less cost, for transportation
than we can ship from one county TO an
other. The new constitution amply pro-
yides against such unfair discrimination,
bnt the Legislature refuses TO pass an act TO
give II effect. About thirteen years have
passed away since the new constitution went
into effect, and the people are suffering TO
day from the wrongs this constitution was
intended to remedy.
When some one proposes TO have the pro
visions OF the constitution carried into effect
by an anti-discrimina;ion bill, TWO or three
railroad officials go TO Harrisburg, ana in
twenty-four hours carry the legislature
away in their breeehes pockets. No mount
of argument can defeat Doodle. No amount
or earnest entreaiy can obtain equal Justice
when fraud, perjury, bribery and corruption
rule the roost.
Corporations, with powers that are dan
gerous. can be created on short notice if the
pay is big enough, but the common people
are no more than the dust Of the summer
threshing floor. The just demands of the
farmer, the mechanic and the day Iaborer
are regarded with about thesame respect and
consideration as were the tears OF mothers
that moistened the auction block during
the days of human slavery in America. 1t
is said that q certain member not over c
hundred miles away made asreech about
the Border Raid Bill, and then voted exact
ly The opposite.
The amendments to our tax laws seems
to make them more unequal every time one
is made, but one thing can always be taken
for granted that corporations and ~corporated
capital get the benefit. To say the least they
are in 4 bad shape at this time.
Our liquor or license laws are so construc-
ted Is 10 admit. of about as many different
constructions as there are hairs on an orai-
mary sized dogs oaUA.
When the people ask the privilege TO vote
upon the question of prohibition, the Legis-
lature says no When they ask for high
license, the Legislature smiles and SAYS,
wait until we get ready, There are a score
Of evils that could be reH1edied oy legisla-
ton. but vii! it be done?
The condition into which the organization
Of the Republican party in this county has
drifted, is somewhat ~unfavorable to bring
about the reform necessary. There are hon
orable and competent gentlemen in the
county who would not agree to
themselves as candidates and enter into the
coming canvass, in which the usages and
rales Of the party cannot be enforced for
van OF . presiding officer. The canvass
promises to be exciting, if mot scu-rloas.
and those who prefer fair play and honest,
dealing don't feel much inclined. It Is not
the intention of your correspondent to pass
any personal reflection upon any candidate.
or to accuse honest members OF the Legisla-
iure of corruption. This Communication is
only intended for the guilty. Should this
canvass become scurrilous and the wishes
and best interests of the people be set aside,
there viii be a day of reckoning in the
failure.
Existing circumstances afford 4 favorable
opportunity for q reform that would be com
m~endable-let those who wish to be candi-
dates SO their intentions, remsin
at home. and let the matter with the peo-
pie. and let the successful candidates paw
the costs for holdingt the primary.
Y.