Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1895-01-11
PRICE FIVE CENTS

products upon the market at time
when they are at the highest point; bad
roads often prevent this. Good roads en-
able him to deliver them in much better
condition than they are otherwise de-
livered, and with saving Of time, expense
and energy.
We believe that there are few thinking
people who doubt that the farmer Of North
Dakota will eventually have diversity Of
products to market. When that time
comes-and we will not have long to
an early effort to establish and improve
our highways will be appreciated. Good
roads are the fOrerunners of other i'm
provements-the erection of good farm
residences, planting of groves and in
creased valuation OF land. Moreover. when
we construct a good highway, we build
that which those who come after us will
enjoy, for they are permanent.
The system under which our roads are
built does not produce the best results at
talnable. There is enough work done and
sufficient amount of money expended,
struct roads that would last for years.
l am OF the opinion that if roads were
built and kept in repair by judicious
system of contract and convict labor, under
the direction OF competent road engineer
III each township or county, more desirable
tanned.
would recommend: 1. That the plan
of road work now authorized by law be
abolished, and that the work be done by
contract and convict labor, the expense to
!s be met by, taxation: q. That the
that the work be performed under the ai-
rectlon OF road engineer. 8. That. in
order to secure greater uniformity, joint
committee be appointed, to whom all road
bills be referred.
PRIMARIES AND CAUCUsEs.
Under The election laws of this state,
voters exercise the right of suffrage without
thinking men who would consent to their
repeal and the re enactment of those pre-
vlously in force. After holding two gem
| eral elections under their provisions, no
glarlng Inconsistencies, either in the spirit
or letter OF the law, have been made mani
| fest.
Ii evils exist in the choice and selection
OF men to fill public offices, they are to be
| traced to the primary and the caucus Much
thought is being devoted to the problem.
how 10 induce the voter to give them proper
attention. The primary should be kept
pure and just, for evils there perpetrated
are not speedily remedied.
1t has long been favOrite criticism of
those opposed to popular government, that
owing to lack of interest on the part OF
the voter and the INSCRIPTIONS methods of
professional caucus workers. free govern
ment Will fail. Such is possible but not
probable. We have that confidence in human
nature TO believe that man sooner or later
will invariably assert their rights and ex-
ercise their prerogatives in rebuking de-
signing men. Free government is not
failure; but if it suffers adverse criticisms
it may De attributed to defective primaries,
10 guard against dangers from any
source is as much the duty of the repre-
sentatives of the people as it is to provide
for their correction If, in your opinion,
the system now in vogue, is or should be-
come a menace to the liberties of the peo-
measures as will avert it, for the demoral-
ization of our politics means the ruin OF
our liberties.
Provision should be made by this legisla-
tive assembly for taking the enumeration
of the Inhabitants Of the state, as required
by the constitution. The enumeration
should be made as economically and speed
lily as is consistent with the nature and i'm
pOrtance of che undertaking.
RUSSIAN CACTUS.
The attention of the Legislative assembly
doubtless will be called to the reports Of
damages being done by the rapid spread of
what is commonly known as the Russian
Cactus.
1t is question that demands thorough
investigation to determine whether it is
expedlent and constitutional for the state
to undertake its eradication or to extend
aid to the districts overrun by it.
ENCOURAGEMENT OF INDUSTRIES.
The results of the last two years have
not been very encouraging to those en-
gagged in agriculture, either in North Da-
kota or elsewhere. 1t has led many to
doubt the propriety of combining our agri-
cultural. products to wheat alone, and TO
devote time and attention to other branches
of farming. The cultivation of many plants,
heretofore supposed to be Improbable, has
been carried on successfully in various
parts of the state, and warrants the predic-
ton that the state of North Dakota will
eventually furnish variety of products
for the markets of other states. Measures
that will encourage the farmer to raise a
greater variety for home markets, if for no
other, should receive encouragement.
Industries are often benefited or injured
by indirect measures as much as by those
having an immediate design. Every sec
tion of our state will eventually become
wealth producing. Having the interests of
the whole state to consider, rather than
that of any particular section or industry q
liberal policy should be pursued in order
thai the active cooperation of men
engaged in various enterprises, which
are or may become profitable be secured:
no other policy will result in full and sat,
isfactory development of our resources.
NATIVE COAL.
By previous legislative enactments the
development of our coal fields has been
stimulated. Its use has proven salts
factory: and il this legislative assem-
bly, can further the same it should be done.
The greatest expense that our people have
is the item of fuel. II this can be reduced
by the use of native coal the consumer will
be much benefited, and, at the same time.
employment will be furnished many men
and capitalt find prof table investment. The
great sums of money being sent out OF the
state annually for coal if kept here would
materially benefit the state as well as the
people.
shall be grateful if any measure that
is reasonably certain of aiding in the further
development Of our coal fields receives rec.
Ognition by your honorable body.
Continued ON 8th pago.)