Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1893-01-05

many instances they have been the
pioneers, and have been operated al
laloss:that we are yet very ANXIOUS that
more roads should I've huiit. especially
those which shall connect the eastern
portion OF the state with our rich
mining region in the Black Hills: yet
we know that without the people
I he roads would be valueless and they
should not be permitted to become
our masters.
The Republican state convention
held at Madison passed unanimously
Il resolution asking that the board of
rallroad commissioners be hereafter
made elective. with such increased
powers. as sllal! make abuse of its
privilege by any railroad in this state
longer impossible. There are many
OF our citizens who honestly question
the expcdicncy OF making these
commissioners elective, on the
ground that its effect may be to
bring the railroads into our politics.
and that a board appointed by the
Governor is quite as likely to be
efficient, as ii selected by a con-
Hention. 1t was however in response
to a popular demand that the reso-
luton referred to was passed, and it
is my duty tn present this matter to
YOU for your consideration. Mean
time 1t is hoped that our present
railroad board may be vested with
such Increased power as was con-
tcmpiatcd by the resolution.
Inc prosperity OF our public insti-
tntions is something which our pco-
pie Very much desire. Although so
young as a state, we point with pride
to the provision which has been
made for the education Of our
children, and the care of our
unforunates. These institutions can
not be maintained without money.
and the people pay it willingly for
such a purpose. Appropriations
amounting in the aggregate to a con-
siderable sum, will perhaps be asked
Tor their support by those having
them in immediate charge. While
we ought to remember that, their
proper maintenance is imperative.
yet conjure YOU that you carefully
examine all claims impartialiy. and
never forget that reckless use of the
peoples money is criminal.
IN estimate of appropriations
required for the maintenance of the
Soldiers Home, and for such repairs
ana improvements as seem necessary.
Is prepared by the board having this
institution in charge. and will he
presented to you for your con-
sideration. II gives our people
pleasure To know that its conduct
thus far has been marked success
The hi. hearted nan "no has been
the commandment since the establish
ment of the Home. has made it in
the highest sense what was con-
tcmplated in the law creating il. To
him and to his noble wife the thanks
OF the people are freely given. 1t
is hoped their successor will be
equally worthy.
The provision of homes for
old soldiers is in no sense regarded
rs charity. but has been adopted
by the government, and scY-
cral OF the states. as the most
proper means 10 be employed for the
discharge Of some part of the obi
CATION which the people feel 10 the
men who have not only performed
the highest duty known to an
American citizen, but helped To save
the government in doing it. II is
believed you will make all necessary
appropriation for the maintenance OF
this institution.
t Is believed that our present bal
lot system is susceptible OF improve
mcnt. Our experience has taught Us
that whatever may be done to sim
pity the ballot. and make 1t plain to
those least able to understand it,
ought TO be- The free. untram-
mel!ed expression Of the will Of the
voter is the object sought to be OBJ
tanned. and it is thought that this
may better be accomplished. by so
arranging the ballot that the names
OF the candidates for office of each
party represented, should appear in
separate columns, with such other
changes from our present method. as
your experience and wisdom may
suggest.
Our constitution provides that 1.-THE
Judges OF the supreme court. circuit
courts. and county courts shall be
chosen at the first election held
under the provisions of this
and thereafter as pro-
yided by law. and the legislature may
provide for the election of such
officers on Il different day from that