Gilpin observer., 1899-01-12

TeIuulu OUTSIDE tne charmed circle are
present subjects of investigation. They
include some industries peculiar to the
West and some which are in compe-
tition with trusts already established.
The tremendous economic and political
influence of these modern aggregations
needs no discussion. Whether the evil
can be eradicated by peaceful methods
is problematical. That it can be miti-
gated is highly probable. An enact
ment whereby forfeiture and dissolu-
ton shall follow the direct or indirect
merging of any home corporation into
general combination of kindred inter-
ests In other states, by whatever name
such combination shall be known, is
urgently demanded. Let us prevent as
1ar as we can the spread of this con-
tagion within our borders. and resist
Dy all methods known to the law the
extension of the so-called trust system
TO the pursuits which have thus far
go greatly promoted our prosperity and
the development of our resources.
Our convention platforms declared
for a reform of abuses connected with
the administration of civil affairs.
prominent among them is the disar-
fangement of routine service conse-
quent upon changes of administration.
Appomtive positions involving purely
clerical or mechanical work now CON
stltute prizes to be distributed rs polit-
zeal rewards and their allotment is apt
TO be made without due regard to the
effect of change upon the transaction
of public business. Efficiency in the
management of details nearly always
comes from experience, and compe-
tency rather than partisanship should
be made the standard of selection and
retention. AS far as possible, public
affairs should be managed as private
ones are. The extension, therefore. of
what are called civil service rules to all
grades of public employment below
positions expressly created by law and
filled at stated periods by executive
appointment would greatly add to the
efficiency and economy of public ad-
miniStrationS.
l commend to your careful attention
the report and recommendations of the
board of charities and corrections
This board serving the public interest
without reward. has performed con
stant and conscientious service. which
cannot be too highly commended. The
unsatisfactory condition of some of the
state institutions falling within the
boards inspection may be due in some
part TO inadequate support. They
must also be the result of inefficient or
negligent control and operation. That
they exist seems highly probable. Com
mittees of investigation appointed by
you will be heartily supported by the
executive. and if abuses exist those re-
sponsible for them must shoulder the
consequences.
Employment of state convicts in
some manner conSonant with the vel
fare of free labor is imperatively de-
manded. | realize and appreciate the
objection to prison labor, as well as
the contention that where convicts are
idle free labor supports them. The
welfare of the state and the principles
of humanity alike admonsh us that
confinement in idleness is wrong. and
that by some means the time of the
unhappy inmates of our penal walls
should be occupied in self-sustaining
pursuits. A prison farm, state mines,
the construction and repair of public
roads, suggest themselves as worthy
of consideration and as furnishing
avenues of employment beneficial to
the convict and the state and harm
less to law-abiding workers of the
land.
1 may be pardoned for suggesting
that no more noble or generous deed
be placed to the credit of the Twelfth
General Assembly than to open the
doors of the Soldiers and Sailors
Home to the poor and stranded ex-
confederate soldier. whose days are
almost numbered, and who can find
home and shelter nowhere else. 1t
would serve to unite the bond of
brotherhood, already strong, between
the veteran of the blue and his erst-
while adversary. spread the balm of
sweet charity over the sears Of the
past, and call down upon your heads
not only the approval of the boys in
blue. but the unspeakable blessing of
honest and grateful beneficiaries
whose long and weary and Respondent
struggle for life would be thus ended
forever.
The enactment of measures against
by carriers between
and individuals, for fair
and equitable adjustment of rates and
transportations. for the regulation Of
water distribution, for the protection
and promotion of our mining, live stock
and agricultural interests readily sug
gest themselves to your consideration
and solutions of these and other prob
lens of legislation on lines of equity
and conservatism. intent upon securing
benefit to all and infiicting injury to
none, pledge you the willing cooper
alton of the executive.
The too common practice, however,
of introducing bills aimed at some ad-
mitted abuse, or pretending some need
ed reform. but really designed to levy
tribute upon some pursuit or franchise,
should. and, ! am sure, will meet your
vigorous condemnation. The true re-
former, Jealous for the excelsior of
prevalent abuses, Is easily distn-
guished from the blaclimailer who, in
the lobbies of the general assembly of
every state deludes well meaning mem
bers into giving the sanction of their
unl thu f1n1.1. IL Il,uit.