The Topeka state journal., 1897-02-20

nearly two-thirds as we have in Ne
braska, and tell the people il they viii
something. 1t won't do, my friends.
Those. who are the majority must bear
the responsibility, they will be entitled
to the credit for what is done. want to
urge upon those who have been success
paign the necessity of making these states
which they control the bright and shining
an example for other states. I want
those in charge in these states which we
control, to make their laws so good, that
even the eastern brethren can take them.
and go before the people, and ask their
enacted and put into operation. (Great
applause.)
Let it be known to the nation that in the
states which we control, that we expect
to follow the motto of equality before the
law; that we expect to protect every dol
Iar invested IN the state, and that while
we protect the corporation from injustice
and hostility. We shall protect the people
from the greed and avarice of those who
refuse to recognize the rights of others
besides themselves. And if we place our
serves upon this hrm foundation, and al
low neither prejudice nor favoritism to
drive US from the strict line of duty, be-
lleve my friends that a start has been
made, that will spread, until throughout
this Union the people will enjoy better
laws than they enjoy today.
And just one thought in conclusion. I
want to say to you my friends that not
only is it right for person to renember
the responsibility which he assumes, not
only is it right for the elected officer to
carry out the promises which he has
made, but want to suggest that the peo-
pie have been awakened to the study
of governmental questions during the
late campaign, that this is the worst time
in the world to forget to carry out his
pledges. and to betray the people who
elected him. When the people are asleep,
you can do anything; when the people are
awake. you had better watch out what
you do. 1 one of those who believes
that man is better when he is watched.
In our state of Nebraska, and / think in
yours, the constitution provides that no
bill can become a law unless it is voted
upon, unless the roll is called. and unless
vote for the law. That is the law in our
state Now, the object in calling the roll,
is simply to put a man on record. have
seen it in congress where on a rising vote,
a man would vote one way. and on d
Men are small boys larger grown. Q-augh-
ter) do not believe that a man ever
gets too old to be the better for being
watched. and more than that, l believe
that a man who means well will be glad
to be watched. because he is always anx-
1ouS to have whatever aid he can to
strengthen his good resolves. My friends
I want you to remember the lesson that is
taught you by the roll call; the constitu>
tion makes you vote the roll call so
that the people will know what you do.
l want you to carry that with you, and
if every legislator will remember the
principle involved in the roll call, and viii
act everywhere, just as he does upon ro1l
call. he will have nothing to be sorry for
when the legislature is over, and there
say, ''If you don't do so and so I will tell
what know about you
of being permitted to speak to you. They
say every person has a hobby. and 1 am
no exception to the rule. l think the
hobby which 1 have is the desire to see
this principle of equality before the law,
which was taught US by our forefathers.
by jefferson and Jackson among the
Democrats and by Lincoln and the early
Republicans--my desire is to that
principle made part of the statute law
of this land, so that everywhere we shall
have the love of American institutions
and love of governmental government
that shall be so good, that every citizen
will be willing to die, if need be, to per-
petuate it. 1 thank you.