The intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1887-1891, 1889-01-19

of the saloon on the morals of the
community and the politics OF the
country should be checked and confined
to the narrOwest possible limits. The
brOadest liberty consistent with welfare
of society, the peace and good will OF
the community, is the unquestiOned
right of the Individual.
Respect for law is firmly rooted in
the hearts OF the American people, but
their love of justice is unborn, and
is the surest guarantee OF a fetY
of the republic. Ii has been well
said that the only legitimate end OF
government il TO protect the citizen in
the enjoyment of life, liberty and prop
erty. When it assumes other functions
it is usurpation and oppression. The
problem is to fix and define Its limits.
An intelligent, self governing people
want as few laws as the welfare of the
state iustIfies and the protection OF the
citizens demand.
There is danger in the centraliZing
tendencies OF business, and in the
growth of monopolies and trusts which
tortify themselves by the aggregation
of capital, by the employment of large
bodies of men, and by other influences
permeatlng all branches of trade and
classes OF society. Unchecked by any
feeling of individual responsibility,
moved solely by love of gain, unfet.
tered by the duties of citizenship, they
are enabled to perpetuate themselves
by the adoption of methods and the
use of agents which scruple at no
means to accomplish their ends. The
result is the crowding out OF all healthy
nd hn cnpuiual nf fhn
strongest, which, under this process,
is by no means the fittest. This result
blunts the sensibilities of the citi-
zen, builds up and fosters classes
among the people and under
mines the fundamental principle
upon which the government fabric
is based. Several state constitutions
have wisely set forth that perpetui-
ties and monopo,ies are contrary to the
genius of a free state, and should not
be allowed.
Too many safeguards can not be
thrown around the manner of conduct
ing elections.
The worth of a citizen can be safely
measured by the estimate he places on
his right as a voter. A free and uncor-
rupted suffrage is the only realization
OF a government by the people. That
law maker who can devise a practical
electoral reform, which, by enabling
and inducing the citizen to cast free
unbiased ballot, insures the role of the
majority, will merit and receive the
plaudits of his fellowmen. The grow.
Ing belief in the corruption of the voter
in his fear and Independence, is des.
troying confidence in the republic, and
if not checked will endanger its perpe-
tuity. When the most precious boon
of an American citizen is degraded tc
the level of barter and sale our demo
cratic professions become mockery
and our republican institutions cheat
The execution of the law should be
firm and decisive and the administra,
ton of the affairs of the state thorough
and complete. TO accomplish this the
governor and his executive Officers
should be in accord. But the people
do not confer the highest office within
their gift upon any man for the sole
purpose of enabling him to reward his
adherents or punish his adversaries
The governor is the representative citi
zen of the state, aud by establishing {
high moral standard of oaicial conduct
he elevates the plane of citizenship
His view should be sufficiently broad
and comprehensive to take in the inter
est aud welfare of all classes, and ht
should be actuated by patriotic rather
than partisan motives. To faithfully
and efficiently discharge the trust OF 1
| confiding people, 10 promote their hap
piness and enhance their prosperity, il
worthy of the highest ambition, and a
shall fail or succeed in accomplishing
thesy objects, so may be judged.
!, After the address the oath OF Office
was administered to Lieutenant Goyer
nor-elect CIaycomb in the senate.