The Delta independent., 1898-04-01

The following is the preamble and set
OF resolutions passed by the Business
Mems Association Of Pueblo, February
10. who ask a convention OF all the
citizens OF the state. and in the selection
OF delegates in the ratio Of one delegate
TO every 100 votes cast in the late presi-
dental election, to attend mass con-
vention to be held in Pueblo at the hour
Of 10 a. m., May 20, 1898:
Whereas, The number Of Office hold
ers DOW in existence in the state OF Colo
rado are, in the Judgment OF the Busi-
ness Mems association, far in excess Of
the actual number required, and.
Whereas, The people are burdened
TO an alarming extent with taxes to pay
the great army OF state. county and city
officials, and,
Whereas, The grievance cannot be
remedied, in our judgment, under the
present fee system. and,
Whereas, The fee system acts as an
inducement for the officer to rustic for
business in order to secure fees in suf-
|icent amount to make his full legal
allowance sure, and,
Whereas, The state. district, county
and city officials in Colorado get larger
salaries under the laws than those Of
my other states or territories, and,
Whereas. The business OF the coun-
Dry and its resources will not justify
Duch lavish expenditures OF money, and,
Whereas. The adoption OF q salary
nVstem such as 10 now in force in all Of
'she older states, making the salary for
the same official service the same in
Colorado Us in those states. would re-
1uce our taxes at least one-third, and,
b Whereas, There has been great change
our financial system and otherwise,
Dhich changes have made it necessary
. reorganize and formulate different
ans OF operation in all lines Of business
0Bcept Office. holding. and general re-
Enlistment OF affairs to meet these con.
tions, and,
Whereas, The average official is re-
1Diving under the fee system. ss rule
y least twice the amount that his ability
Dould command in any other capacity,
I'D.
Whereas. Every other state that has
Dschsd the sdvancsd ground that Colo
ndo occupies pays no such salaries. and.
Whereas, In our judgment, there
woad be just ss many Office seekers
With equal ability under the salary
systso - there is under the present fee
system. and.
Where's, 1t is the desire Of the Busi.
nsaD Aen's Association to push every
interest, not only locally. but through
out the state. therefore be it
Resolved. That we deem it necessary
to re-sdjust the official salaries in every
capacity in this state, 80 as TO have them
conform to business conditions. Be it
further
Resolved. That it is the sense OF this
Association that the legislators to be
chosen this fall should be selected with
view to abolishing the fee system and
establishing fixed salaries with such re-
strictions as would prohibit the squander-
ing Of public money in useless channels
by rewarding political friends at the tax
payers expense. Be it further
Resolved, That the press OF the state
be requested to take up this matter and
draw the ecomparisous between the official
salaries paid in the state OF Colorado
and those Of much older and better
developed states, to the end that reform
in this line may be made political is
sue BY all parties in the election next
fall of = Legislative ticket. Be it further
Resolved. That the press and people
OF the city OF Pueblo be asked to join
the Business Mems Association in an
invitation to all Chambers Of Commerce.
business bodies and taxpayers through