The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1895-01-16
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there Is no possrDIe way or gerrIng immediate
relief by increasing the number, as only an
amendment TO the constitution would afford
That relief. Partial relief could doubtless be
reached by allowing the judges to dispense
with written opinions in all cases where, in
sheir Judgment, the same questions had been
Decided in previous opinions, or where only
Questions OF fact were at issue. Further
relief could also be reached by limit
ing the cases that could be appealed TO
the supreme court to those involving constitu-
tional issues, or where the title Of resi- estate
or the question OF franchises is raised, or
where the amount exceeds $500. It is doubt
less true that the fact that the court is i've or
six wears behind with its work, induces the
filing of many appeals which would not other
wise be taken. There would be less induce
nent for litigants In many Instances to take
their cases to higher court if they knew a
aecision could be reached in q few weeks. Ltti-
ration ought to be discouraged rather than en-
eouraged: and while it may be a heaven-born
right for the average citizen 60 go to law when
EVER he pleases. ] could never see the justice Of
taxing community several hundred dollars to
hefray the expenses Of a court In order that
two stubborn men might have the ownership
Of a ten-dollar calf decided.
There is now general demand from the peo-
pie OF the state for an intermediate or appel
late court. There seems no other feasible
method OF relieving the present congestion,
which works a great hardship to many worthy
iitigants especially those who have suits pend
Ing against corporations, or persons wealthy
enough 10 be able to to take appeals for the
kake of delay. II. however, court of this
character Is established, earnestly recon-
mend that it be temporary one 1t could be
10 arranged that it would terminate in five or
Six years. and any future legislature could pro-
vide for its continuance if it was found neces-
g3ry.
During the years when the population Of
Kansas was rapidly increasing, and new coun-
ties were being organized at each session Of the
Legislature, new judicial districts were created,
many of them anticipating a future growth of
The western portion OF the state that has not
been realized There has been in certain sec
lions Of the state marked decrease in the pop
nlation. and as the titles to the lands have be-
come settled litigation has rapidly decreased.
The number Of judicial districts is far in excess
Of the requirements Of the people. entailing
needless expense Of from $4,000 TO $4,000 per
rear The contrast between the number OF
roters in some OF these districts illustrates
torcibly the uselessness of having so many
Judges The Eleventh judicial district
east IL 315 votes at the late election. The vote
tast in the Sixteenth, Twenty-third. Twenty
fourth. Twenty-seventh, Thirty-frst, Thirty
second and Thirty-third amounted only to 49,
iO7, or only 800 more in the seven districts com
district had nearly as many voters, and prob
ably more population. than the entire seven
shove referred 10. Litigation depends upon
me character. number and wealth of the pea
ole The seven districts named had no large
cities where criminals find refuge They had
less commercial business, and a large
part Of the wealth Of these districts
consisted Of unoccupied lands owned
by non-residents. So there would be every
reason TO suppose the litigation would be less
in proportion TO the number Of inhabitants
rather than more. The First judicial district
cast 1893 votes, the Second 49l7, while the
Thirty-second cast only 1,070 votes. Every
thing else being equal, the judge of the First
district had fifteen times as much work as the
Judge OF the Thirty-second. The Fifteenth dis
trict cast 1881 votes the Thirty-frst l,I54
votes. Twelve OF the judicial districts have
nearly 900 more inhabitants than the other
ltwenty-three districts. The tendency of an
increase of districts is to increase litigation
The judge who has all the work that he can do
will not be inclined to encourage needless lti-
gction, or TO increase court expenses.
There ought to be complete redistricting
of the state for judicial purposes, and reduc-
hion of at least twelve districts in number
This would save TO the state in salaries Of
Judges alone $4,000 per year. am not unmind-
full OF the dificulsies in the way OF redistrict-
hng of the state, but / have confidence to be-
aieve that this legislature has the good judg-
ment, courage and ability to carry out reform
which commends Itself to the intelligence OF
every voter in the state.
Permanent School Fund.
The investment Of the permanent school
fund OF the state Is matter of grave public
poncern, and it should be guarded very care
fully. There are about So 100000 in this fund.
Several hundred thousand dollars of this
money are reinvested every year Too much
care cannot be taken in the quality of the Sc
curities purchased. The safety Of the fund is
of the highest importance, and should be pro-
tected more sacredly than even the funds in
khe state treasury
During the boom period, in Kansas, while
values were inflated, large amounts of bonds of
various kinds were purchased. would recon-
mend that a legislative committee be appoint
ed to thoroughly investigate the securities on
hand, with instructions to report the actual
rash value Of each, and to recommend such
steps as may be deemed advisable to FIX the
responsibility OF illegal investments, TO collect
Doubtful securities, and to suggest any neces-
sary legislation TO guard investments in the
future. And / would suggest that this oom-
mittee be appointed early in the session so
that it may report and recommend any amend
ments to the law that may be necessary for the
protection OF the fund
No penalty whatever is attached to the vio-
lation of the law by the school fund commits
sioners, in regard to the class OF bonds they
may purchase for the permanent investment Of
the various school funds. There are now thou
sands OF dollars invested in bonds which are
not authorized by law, and which may prove a
total loss to this fund. Bonds have been pur-
phased that are not even recognized by the
counties from which they purport to have been
issued. The laws governing this board should
be made more stringent and severe penalties |
should be provided for any violation
of them Each commissioner should |
give bond loan officer of not
less than Sl09O01 and the law should provide |
that he should be held liable on that bond for |
any loss that might arise from the purchase Of |
bonds not authorized by law. No more i'm |
portant duty devolves upon you than to guard |
with jealous care the funds set apart for edu- |
estional purposes.
InteTnpersnce.
The blighting influence of intemperance is
btir seen in our state. There is scarcely COM
nunity that does cot suffer from this cause, !
pnd happy is the family that is not directly af-
fected by it. Its approach is so inSidious that |
its danger is scarcely realized until it is too /
late 10 stay its evil effects How TO cure, or
Rven lessen the evil, has commanded the !
Earnest thought OF every lover of his race. /
be he statesman or moralist. Its demorsliztng /
effects are universally conceded, and can hard 1
~ be exaggerated. Much Of the poverty and 1
crime, the suffering and the Sorrowing existing |
to-day can be clearly traced TO its evil inlu- |
ence. Whatever tends to refine and elevate a /
people-to give them purer and nobler aspira-
tions-win surely tend TO lessen this evil The !
great work OF removing intemperance from our
land must be done through the churches /
schools and other eleyating helps. Law is
only help-an aSsistant-and never should be
placed before moral influences 1t in fact can
only be enacted when moral forces have Gre
Rted healthy public sentiment against irasm-
perance. il is valuable as an aid TO help ere
ste and maintain healthful public sentiment.
hut ought never to be substituted for it The /
great work OF advancing the cause OF temper