The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-01-13

vested in Kansas and should be allowed to
realize . reasonable profit on the amount in
vested The people Of the state are too fair
minded to SO limit the rate Of TRANSFORMATION
over railroad lines as to cripple the companies.
prevent them from realizing a reasonable in
come on their capital. or from paying TO the
great army Of laboring men they employ good
wages They believe however. that the rail-
munfties and out OF this belief has grown
much Of the feeling Of dissatisfaction which
now prevails
Laws passed in the heated discussion OF
partisan controversy are often defective, some
times unconstitutional Remedies through
the courts are generally tedious and expensive.
and frequently inadequate to meet the case.
and especially is this true where the discrim-
nations are made In matters Of interstate COM
merce. and consequently matters over which
our local courts have no control But in all
matters of state commerce the state has very
great powers OF regulation and control The
benefits and obligations accruing to and resting
upon the state and the railroads are dependent
and mutual Each desires the largest advan-
tage possible consistent with tho rights OF the
other, and hswever and whenever the differ
ence is adjusted it must be done on the basis
of the reciprocal rights Of parties
The new law-juSt passed at the special seS-
sion-is entitled to fair trial II called into
use for the purpose OF enforcing rights or re-
dressing wrongs it is hoped that its provisions
may be ample; but I would expect better re-
suits IL an honest attempt should be made to
adjust matters along friendly lines, legal meth
DDS being resorted to only when friendly meth
DDS fail am satisfied that the people are
fair and will meet the railroad companies half
wav. If the managers OF the railroad compa-
MES are willing to have an equitable ADJUST
ment OF the difficulties which exist. ] have no
doubt that the representatives Of the people
will be equally willing to meet them on basis
of fair aess and think we could accomplish in
two years OF effort In this direction. more than
we have accomplished in a decade Of strife and
contention.
Prohibition
For 10 years the prohibition of the manufac-
ture and sale of intoxicating liquors has been
the settled policy of this state but the enforce
ment of this law has been attended with indif-
ferent success The difficulty of the situation
has been owing largely to the fact that pro-
hioition has been made a political rather than
an economic question. This perversion Of the
question has resulted in sue cond ltior that
in Kansas prohibition and temperance are not
synonymous The misfortune of prohibition is
that it has largely been made a political QueS-
tion every two years. to lapse during long in
tervals, only to be rehabilitated and brought
into use at each recurring election for political
purposes
The result of the last two general elections in
Kansas demonstrated that, as purely political
question, it has about run its course AS an
economic question it is entitled to q much more
serious consideration, and ought to command
our earnest attention. AS the law now stands.
it is hardly profitable to discuss whether pro-
hibition is wise or unwise. Many OF our best
citizens differ on this proposition but prohibi-
ton is the policy of our state. part of our
lou I'D c1o
enactment, and the enforcement Of this law
is entirely outside the pale of dis
cussion. The talk that it is better that other
laws and different methods should be resorted
to for the enforcement OF 1t is idle The talk
that it should be disregarded and that Off .ers
should tacitly. II not openly consent to its viola
tion is vicious All laws should have an honest
enforcement the prohibitory law no more and
no less than other laws, and the present admin
istration stands squarely and unequivocally in
favor Of the enforcement of all laws, the pro-
hibltory law in no wise excepted
The metropolitan police system has failed to
meet the expectations of its friends and its
abolition meets with my approval The end of
the system will place the enforcement of this
law in the hands of the people through the
judges. county attorneys. sherffs and consta-
bles elected by them A reasonable number of
citizens in any community can secure the en-
forcement Of any law with reasonable GER
tainty. have great faith in the people The
abolition OF the metropolitan police system
leaves the enforcement Of the prohibitory law.
like the enforcement of other laws in their
hands through the agency Of the local officers,
and there am willing to leave it for an honest
trial.
Inaura nee.
Our insurance laws afford ample prote ction
to our people and their honest enforcement is
much to be desired. The law gives the COM
missioner the right to make an examination of
the books, assets and business of all companies
doing business in the state either himself or
by bis agents. for the purpose of determining
the solvency OF such companies and the wisdom
of permitting them to do business In this state.
No fixed charge is provided for this service
and no report OF such examin tion is required
to be filed. The law should fix the charges for
such examinations and require full reports of
all examinations to be made and filed. that the
public may have some knowledge Of the char
acter and result Of such examinations All in
insurance companies, orders and societies of
any kind doing insurance business in the state
should be put under the charge Of the insur-
ance department
The Information furnished in the report OF
the bank commissioner Is very gratifying.
Our state banks are becoming more secure
than ever, and their condition affords reason
for congratulation I heartily concur in the
recommendation OF the commissioner that
building and loan associations within the state
be placed under the control of that depart
ment, and that outside associations be
Quired to give security for the protection of
Kansas investors q condition precedent to
also recommends the creation of q guarantee
one thing connected with the business Of bank
ing would be more desirable than some pro.