The Chanute times., 1900-11-16

the laws WIFI SO lntTeuCn inc NCPup
Iican party in the hearts of the peo-
pie that they cannot be shaken from
their hold on public affairs.
Serious trouble is likely to arise
over the disfranchisement of the
colored man in the south unless the
matter is handled with a great deal
of skill and forbearance. Those
negroes have a constitutional right
to all the privileges of citizenship and
it will be the duty of this government
to see that they are protected in that
right.
A state, doubtless, has a right to
make an educational qualification
necessary to the right of suffrage,
and we believe such regulation to
be most excellent and salutary
provision, bur such laws must apply
to all classes alike and not discrim-
mate for or against any one class of
citizens.
The exigencies of war and needs
of commerce demand that the 18th
mian canal project be pushed to a
speedy consummation. The matter
has now been delayed by conflicting
Interests and dilatory tactics, far be-
yond what il should be. This is a
matter in which there should be no
patty divisions.
There seems to be a growing SEN
timent in this country that no pres
ident should be allowed to succeed
himself. 1t does seem that this
would be very wise measure. II
the presidential term were made SIX
or eight years instead of four and
then the president made ineligible
to succeeding term, a great evil
would be obviated.
The fewer of these upheavals in
business we usually have in presiden'
tial years, the better for the businesi
interests of the country. AS it now
is, the last half of presidents first
term is usually devoted to schemes
for reelection, to the detriment OF
the public service.
If the Republican law makers
now take hold of the live issues be-
fore the people and to come before
the people the next four years and
legislate IN an intelligent manner, no
power on earth can overthrow them
four years from now, let alone the
Democratic party, which has shown
its incompetency on many occasions
heretofore. The Republican party
in Kansas now has a chance to dis
tinguish itself and make itself solid
with the people. There are several
things of Importance to be looked af-
ter during the coming session. The
first thing, of course, is to knock
out this dishonest fraudulent double
header ticket. Governor Stanley
has a number of reforms and econ
omies to suggest that will doubtless
be materially to the interest of the
state.
Appropriate and intelligent railroad
legislation is demanded and must at
tract good deal of attention the
coming winter.
The legislature should pass law,
if it is necessary, making all valua-
BILE franchises taxable. There are
many in the state that are valuable
and they should pay their proper
ton of the burdens of taxation.
The senatorial fight will come up
before the legislature at the very
outset and it looks now like it will be
a warm contest. We hope the Re-
publicans will keep their heads and
not disgrace the state by an abusive
personal fight
Either Mr.. Baker or Mr. Burton
should have the seat. There is no
need of third man being considered.
They made the fight before the
people and one or the other is EMIT
led to the place and should have it.
Let the forces line up and which ever
side is in the majority is entitled to
the plum.