Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1895-02-01
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

message which sound fairly we'll, but, from the
way he intercedes for capital, it is evident that
he is looking out for the money-leider; and in
this we are not disappointed. Morrill, would
be freak if he failed to remember the class to
which he belongs, or fails to secure for that
class all the benefits to be gained through his
exalted position.
Doubtless, it would be. preaching to dead ears
to say to the agricultural or laboring classes
that the way to secure favorable consideration
from our holders is to choose men from
the ranks of the people; and yet, we emphasize
the self-evident fact that as long as we elect
bankers and attorneys, that long will the masses
be treated, in their interests and desires, with
supreme contempt.
Two years ago, the demand in this state for a
change in our mortgage laws was universal,
and, because of the Populist influence and
power, a change was brought about, but not
detrimental to the money-ender, for the law, as
it now stands, is comparatively mild in its pro-
visions, and it was supposed, generally, that
that question, at least, settled; but the ere
deemer" governor reopened it on the old plea OF
"driving capital out of the state"
Now, while the governor states fact that
"capital is timid," he does not state fact that
loose mortgage laws would lower the rate OF in
terest, since the rate of interest is governed by
supply and demand of money and the kind of
security. As every one knows, good farm land
is the very best of security; yet, the governor
makes part of his plea on behalf of the farmers
who are now mortgaged, and who will have to
renew.
We admit, notwithstanding the Topeka Cap
ital spent much time, two years ago, and wrote
volumes, to prove that the farmers were paying
off their mortgages, that the farmers did not
pay off their mortgages, and that great many
lost their farms, and others renewed, and will
have to again renew; but the rate of interest is
not affected by the law, neither Gas the governor
intimates) is it hard to secure loans on lands in
eastern Kansas, provided the security is ample
as to the value of the land.
We are aware that "capital is tinid' of in
vestments in western Kansas-and no wonder,
since that part of the state has so many draw
backs as an agricultural section, and, withal,
bonded.
The fact is, the governor is trying to revive
an old scare of the money-lenders, and it does
"redeemer' governor no credit to attempt to
carry the state back to mortgage laws that even
according to Republican authority, were dis
grace to our statute-books.
Now, there are two classes invoved-the
lender and the borrower-and, while we have
no wish to drive needed capital away or deprive
the money-lender of one cent of his dues, yet,
to us, the borrower is of more consequence
than the lender. To Kansas, the borrowers
interests are of far greater moment than the in
terests of the lender, and it is Populist dogma
that borrowers should so far be shielded by the
state as to lose no part of his equity. Seem
inply, the governor sees but one side, and favors
but one party. Populism sees both parties and
weighs the interests of both parties, and, in so
doing. arrives at the conclusion that debt has
been. and is, more detrimental to the general
welfare of Kansas than all other drawbacks.
If the interest money the farmers send east
from Kansas were invested at home, in needed
new buildings, and in more clothing and other
necessities, the difference would be so great as
! TO make her inhabitants, of all classes sing for
joy.
We favor the liquidation of all debt, and to
that end we favor such legislation as will enable
the borrower to pay out at the earliest possible
date.
That part of the governors message that re-
fers to the question is wholly plea for class
of citizens who, largely, live in other states,
and who care naught for Kansas prosperity
bevoud the gathering in of interest money.
The true redeeming of Kansas is to redeem our
mortpaped property, and leave it intact in the
hands Of her citizens. Any other redemption
= :. fraud