St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-04-07

help to make taxation an OdiOuS burden,
they had practically Y no voice. They were
forced by numerical weakness to sit
still and watch the Republican majority
and complaisant governor do as they
pleased with the peoples money. This
has been the case for years. In 1886
the attention of the Democratic leaders
was called to the necessity of increasing
the party's strength in the legislature,
but with considerable lack of hind-sight
they let the matter go by default. This
year the people seem more determined
than ever to have radical Legislation
upon certain matters. Arranged in con-
else form, it appears that they desire
A reconstruction of the railroad COM
mission, by which the commissioners
may be made amenable to law foT
failure to inforce the laws regulating
traffic. The difficulty at the present
time seems to be not that there are not
enough railroad laws, but that there is
no way of reaching a commission which
appears determined to do nothing.
A revision of the liquor license laws
not return to low license, but some
change by which certain unjust pro
visions in the present law may be elemi-
mated.
A reorganization of the grain inspec-
ton system by which the machinery OF
the department may be taken out ct
politics, and the inspection operated in
the interests of all, and not alone for
the millers' clique of Minneapolis.
The abolishment of One-half, at least,
of the number of state commissions or
boards now in existence, and which
seemingly exist to support decoying Re-
publican officials.
The abOliShment of the state agricult-
ural farm and school.
The creation of a board of pardOnS,
taking from the governor that function.
The passage of an election expense
law similar to the present Australian
system.
Revision of the insurance laws.
To any of those propositions the Dem
ocrats can subscribe 'Amen," while the
Republicans to most of them are radi-
cally opposed. Since it is evident
through the public press and from the
sentiments expressed at public gather
ings throughout the state, that these
proposed measures meet with general
favor, there can be no reason why DEM
ocratS should not make campaign iss
sues of them, and attempt to gain con-
troll of the legislature on them.
1t is quite plain from the number of
COuHllCo III Ul1C OlQUC DOlAOSi otlN Oli any
issue but legislative one, that, in this
latter particular, neglect has worked to
the party's harm. In the first five leg
islative districts of the state, having a
total representation of seventeen, the
Democrats elect but two legislators, al
though they cast within third as many
votes as the Republicans do. Blue
Earth county. with Democratic major
itp for governor, sends but two Demo-
Gratis to the legislature out of five
elected. Crow Wing is Democratic for
governor, but sends no Democratic
member to the legislature. Stearns
county, noted for its Democratic major
tiles, can send only two Democrats to
the legislature, when five members are
elected. Dakota county another DEM
Ocratic stronghold, elects regu-
larly a Republican senator and
representative. LIE Sueur county
the home of Mr.. Doran, elects two Re-
publican lawmakers. Morrison county
In the Thirty-ninth district with 500
Democratic majority inconsistency
elects Republican to the house. Ram
members elected. Examples such, as
the above are found ali over the states
The legislative offices seem to be cons
sidered unimportant, and too trivial to
be fought for. Those who entertain
such opinions, make great mistake. 1t
is sometimes better for party to have
a majority of the legislature than to
elect governor.
AS the senators hold over the coming
session, only members of the house are
to be elected this fall. The importance
of the senatorial election to be decided
in January will make the contest for
representatives seats very lively. A
gain of twenty members throughout
the state, would give the Democrats the
power to decide who shall be Mime
sota's next United States senator.
Should the fight between Sabin and
Nelson become exceedingly fierce, there
would be chance to elect Democrat.
The prize offered is well worthy of an
earnest struggle,