Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1903-02-19
INDICATES CHANGES WHICH ARE NEEDED
Ballot Law Requires Amending in Order to
Get Expression Of Voters
RAILROADS LIKE THE REVENUE BILL
One of Union PaciAc's Lobby Ex-
presses Opinion the Proposed
Law f. "GeneraIIy sat-
isfactOry."
CFrom a star corresnondsn,.l

acts Wlthln the next Few days, viii renew
his recommendation that provision be
made for submitting constitutional amend
ments to the voters Of Nebraska at the
next general election. He urged this in
his message which he delivered before the
legislature at the opening Of the session.
A resolution already has passed the
senate providing for the calling of a con-
stitutional convention, but even this has
not reached the house. The governor.
however, is not in favor Of constitutional
convention. He will not therefore, be
guided in his actions by this resolution.
Governor Mickey, deeply imbued with
the necessity for providing for amendments
to the constitution at this session OF the
legislature, pointed out this morning that
but twelve days remain in which bill or
resolution Of this character could be in
| troduced, hence his desire for action.
Twenty eight Of the forty legislative days
| in which bills can be introduced are passed
with today. In discussing this matter this
morning the governor said:
There is no question but that we need
some amendments to our state constitu-
tion. Neither is there any question but
that provisions for those amendments
| should be made by this Legislature. 1t is
not my desire or purpose. however. to prod
the Legislators. They know their business,
naturally assume. and hsye the desire
and ability to attend to it.t made my
recommendations in my message, yet
shall deem it my place to again lay this
matter before them IL some action is not
| taken within a few days. l have had the
matter under serious consideration"
Convention a Mistake.
The governor thinks It would be a mis-
take for the legislature 10 provide for q
constitutional convention rather than the
submission OF proposed amendments to be
voted on at the next general election. In
explaining his views he said:
"our state Go already burdeued with a
terrible debt. Our every effort should be
directed to relieve the state Of this tre-
mendous burden. We certainly should do
nothing that would add to n. But IL wD
called a constitutional convention we
would be deviating from this course very
widely. It has been estimated, and wisely,
| / think, that such a convention would cost
at least $500 900. Now, when you consider
the amount of this states indebtedness.
| together with the fact that we would not
be assured of getting our constitution
amended even after we Aad expended
| S2OO, 900 for a constitutional convention,
you will see the wisdom for suggesting
! another course. II is by no means certain
that constitutional convention would re-
suit as the people wanted IL 20. And even
81 It did, IT would require two years at
least to submit the action OF the con-
vention to the ratification OF the voters, so
after all we would be taking the most
round about and uncertain course. What
we want is prompt action. appreciate
the fact that there is a chance involved
in a popular election. but l think, II I
interpret the sentiment OF the people
Alright on this matter OF amending the con-
stitution, there is no question but that.
properly submitted. II would carry.
Again as to this matter OF expense, Il
does seem to me. that as we are Just now
doing our utmost to perfect revenue bill
that will provide for relief from this enor-
nous state debt, we ought. 1T least, not
to proceed with any plan calculated TO
entail further debt upon the state until
this revenue legislation is closed up.
Ballot Law at Fault.
81 really think that before any steps are
taken to amend the constitution we ought
TO amend our ballot law. so that we may
have some assurance that when an amend
ment is submitted 10 the voters they will
vote on it. Too often amendments are lost,
simply by default. you may say; voters
| overlook them And why? Simply because
the amendments are placed at the bottom
| OF the general ticket and the voters, In the
majority Of cases, do not see them until Il
| is too late. How many ballots are counted
where these amendments have not been
voted on!
80 would recommend that these ballots
be placed at the top of the general ticket,
or that a separate ballot be provided for
them. In either case the voter would not
fail to see and vote on them. Matters OF
such great importance as constitutional
amendments have no business being stuck
down at the bottom Of a general ticket.
hope the legislature will take action in this
direction without unnecessary delay
Amendments that are Needed.
As to the most important amendments
the governor said:
I'm the first and foremost place, We
should provide for enlargement Of our su-
preme court. BY all means that important
body should have hve members. And the
salaries of these hve members should. by
all means, be raised. Each iurist should
get $1,000. With nve eminent men on our
supreme bench at decent salaries like these,
we would be assured much better and more
satisfactory decisions. The state would be
far better on. And while am on this mat
ter Of salaries. / will say that we could,
with profit to the state. add to the salaries
OF the state ofieers especially the state
. treasurer. / want to lay particular en-
. phasis upon that. The state treasurer ought
20 get more money than he does. II he was
paid a liberal salary II certainly would
: have a tendency TO inspire the most scrupu-
: Ious integrity. Oftentimes men In public
once who are underpaid are tempted oy
that very fact to appropriate the states
funds 10 their own use. not meaning to do
any wrong. but take temporary advantage
Of the money entrusted 70 their care and
custody as 0fncers OF the law. II h the
a duty OF the state 10 correct such conditions
repeat, give the state treasurer decent
salary. And give other state O1heers more