The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1898-05-06
MENACE OF LEGISLATION.
The Social Science Club Discusses Some
of It's Features.

The meeting of the Social Science
club Tuesday was we'll attended
and was very interesting one. Pre-
vious to the reading of the paper, the
fact was presented to the club, that
the matter Of expense for observing
Memorial Day was becoming more
and more of a burden to the G.. A. r.
post as the ranks of the old veterans
are yearly growing thinner, and that
in a patriotic matter of that kind
others ought to and no doubt would
be glad to share a portion Of the bur-
dens at least, 1t was pointed out that
the G.. A. R. post did not feel able to
bear the expense of band for the &C.
casion, and also some other little mat
tiers in connection with the observ-
ance of the day. In order to get the
matter properly before the public it
was moved that the chair appoint
committee of three to solicit funds to
secure band, and for what other pur-
poses may be necessary to aid in the
proper observance of the day. The
chair appointed as such committee
Messrs. G f. Koehler, f. M. Currier
and W. L. Comstock. We have no
doubt but that our citizens will be
glad to respond to their call, and ten
der the G. A. R. post substantial aid
in defraying the expenses of the OBJ
servance of Memorial Day.
The paper of the evening was read
by Mr.. Geo. M. Palmer, on "The
Menace of Legislation" He reviewed
the ground which legislation has
grown to cover, referred to the fears
that are expressed and the uneasiness
always felt in business circles when
congress and state legislatures con-
vene. He gave list showing the
many attempts made through legisla-
tion to regulate matters which only a
few years ago were regarded as sub
jects which individuals were to de-
eide for themselves. He also referred
to the manner in which the rights of
the people have been disregarded and
valuable franchises have been given
away for no return whatever, and
other encroachments made. He did
not believe that the old state OF af-
fairs would ever return, but that the
tendency would be more and more
toward the regulation by legislation
of matters that heretofore were re-
garded as simply the questions for in
dividuals. The growth in the indus
trial world, the vast aggregations of
capital, the growth Of corporations,
trusts, etc, have made an entire
change in social conditions, and calls
for different handling of affairs than
was the case fifty years ago. He re-
ferred to the growth of corruption
and influences that are brought to
bear in securing legislation of various
kinds.
AS to the remedy he thought more
care should oe exercised in the selec-
tion of legislators. Men should be Sc
lected whose integrity is unquestion-
toned and who are familiar with pub
lie questions. He also referred to the
initiative and referendum, and
thought in this might be remedy for
the overplus of legislation, as he be-
lieved that much of the legislation
that now goes upon the. statute books,
would not be enacted if it had to run
the gauntlet of the peoples acceptance
before becoming law.
Mr.. A. E. Clark opened the discus
sion which was INDUCED in by quite a
number of those present.
The next meeting will be held on
Tuesday evening, May 18th, when
Rev, S. D. Works will read paper on
"The Institutional Church, and Rev.
Geo. 81. Davis will lead the discussion.
This will be the last meeting for the
club year.
n ~