The age-herald., 1899-01-11
THOMAS TAKES
 OATH OF OFFICE
lnaugurated Governor of State
 of Colorado.
HE JUMPED ON THE TRUSTS
Saying That Combinations Had Natur- ally Flourished and Expanded Under Kindly Influences of the Present
 Regime-An Inheritance Tax

Denver Col, January 1O.-Charles s. Thomas, democrat was inaugurated gov ernor of Colorado today, the oath of office being administered by Chief Justice Camp bell The governor then delivered his in- augural address, at the conclusion of which the other state officers-elect were sworn in.
 The inaugural exercises were held in the hall of the house of representatives, which were beautifully dcorated with the national coors. A large audience was in attendance and at the close of the exercises the gov ernor held a public reception.
 Governor Thomas in his inaugural ad- dress recommended an inheritance tax. He suggested an amendment of the insurance laws so as to encourage the organization of local stock, joint and mutual companies with view to keeping in the state DOT tion of the money now paid to foreign in- surance companies amounting to over $3,- 5OO,O0O annually. Insurance companies on the mutual assessment plan he said, should be prohibited from doing business in the state, or required to deposit securities for the protection of their state policy holders.
 He recommended legislation to abolish the truck or scrip system employed by many corporations in payment of their employees and the creation of the office of state su- perintendent of banks.
 On the subject of trusts. Governor Thomas said: "The combinations known as trusts have naturally hourished and expanded un- der the friendly influences of the present administration. In the process of absorp- ton they have overlooked nothing. The few pursuits which yet remain outside the charmed circle present subject of n- vestigation. They include some industries peculiar to the west, and some which are in competition with trusts already estab- lished. The tremendous economic and po- litical influence of these modern aggrega- tions need no discussion. Whether the evil cam be eradicated by peaceful methods Is probematical. That it can be mitigated is highly probable.
 An enactment whereby forfeiture and dissolution shall follow the direct indi- rect merging of any home corporation into a general combination of kindred interests in other states, by whatever name such combination shall be known is urgently de- manded. Let us prevent, as far as we can, N the spread of this contagion within our borders and resist by all methods known to the law the extension of the so-called trust system to the pursuits which have thus far so greatly promoted our prosperity and the development of our resources.
 Separation of church and state is an admlttetd essential to constitutional gov ernment. Every reason upon which that doctrine is founded demands Hike divorce between the trusts and state. If the rem edy suggested be severe, 1t must be remem- bered that the, disease is desperate. Many of our sisters commonwealths are helpless in the presence of creatures they have brought into being, but can no longer con trol Let us profit by the:r mournful cx- nmDle if we would avoid their fate"
 The governor recommended the appoint rnent of a legislative committee to investi- gate the charge of all excess warrants, said to have been issued in violation of law and held in various portions of the country with a view to legislation concern ing them for the best interests of all par ties concerned.
 In conclusion the governor strongly ad- vised action for the destruction repres- sion of the lobby.