The Kalispell bee. [volume] (Kalispell, Mont.) 1900-192?, 1901-01-12

know that a single rebuke. however
severe, cannot be expected to do more
than procrastinate the time when, if
vigorous prohibitory measures are
not enacted, their assault will be re-
newed with augmented strength and
more determined purpose.
1T will not be denied in those cases
where deliberate and unprovoked
assault is made on corporate rights,
or where organized hostility to cor
porate existence amounting to dep
rivatiOn of constitutional guarantees
prevails, that the law of self preser.
walton is quite as strong and should
be quite as available in artificial as
in natural persons but in our common
wealth. where the courts are open to
every sutton and where the rights of
property are held sacred and invio-
ably by whomsoeyer possessed, such
a state of affairs is likely to be
more imaginary than real, sa whatever
may be said of the official or paid
representatives in mitigation OF the
long continued practice OF corporate
interference in the political affairs of
| this state, all must admit that the in
| fluence intended to affect political
life ctficiously thrust into party con-
tests or efficiously brought to bear
on legislative action is inconsistent
with good government, is a palpable
abuse of corporate privileges, and
should be met with public reproba-
ton whenever and wherever it makes
its appearance.
THE voter is trustee in the most
comprehensive sense, exercising his
trust in behalf of what he considers
the best interests Of the people. He
cannot delegate his power to another.
willingly or unwillingly, and any
scheme by which this prostitution of
the elective franchise is effected
ought to be severely denounced and
punished to the extent, if necessary.
of forfeiture of their property and
franchises, and in case of foreign cor
porations, prohibiting them from car
rying on business in the state.
1T is confidently asserted ami
plausibly maintained by those whose
business it is to look after party in
terests at the polls that the spirit and
purpose of the Australian system of
voting which obtains in this state, is
violated and intimidation and coer-
clon made easy on the part of corpor-
alive representatives in various ways,
but notably by holding a watch on
their employe when he enters the vot-
ing booth and ascertaining the time
taken to mark his ticket. Each tick
ct having at its head a circle in which
cross can be made, requires but a
moment in which to vote a straight
ticket. Any longer time spent in the
booth than is necessary to vote
straight ticket is at once evidence
against the voter that he has scratch
ed his ticket and results in the dis
charge. 1t is common knowledge that
this sort Of espionage has been snc-
cessfilly employed to defeat Il free
and independent expression of the
voters choice. The opportunity
ought to be removed
Il recommend that the law be so
amended as to omit this circle from
the ballot
PAN-AMERICAN EXPOSITION.
An act to encourage the holding of
a Pan-American exposition on the Nj
agara frontier in the state of New
York, beginning ON the first day of
May, 1901. and closing on the first day
November, 1901, was passed by con-
gress, and approved March 8, 1899.
1T is believed that such an exhibit
ton as this state ought to make could
be installed in place of general OK
hibit, and that we should not under
take the erection of state building
for that purpose.
II submit the matter to your con-
sideration, with the recommendation
that suitable appropriation be made
to secure a creditable display of such
of our resources as can be collected
for that purpose.
MONTANA STATE CAPITOL.
This building, the foundation stone
of which was laid July 4, 1898 is now
in course of erection, being practi-
cally completed externally up to the
terrace at the base of the dome. 1t
is much to be regretted that it is not
ready for occupancy. 1t is not eX
pected that the capitol will be ready
for occupancy until next summer.
our attention will hereafter be
c2l.el to the subject and an estimate
furnished of the amount necessary to