The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-25

|
of the West" nestled at the foot of the
Rockies, now rivalled by Salt Lake
City in the inter-mountain region, 9TH
er cities to the north and south, and
the cities of the Pacific states as well,
I-aH fair specimens of American push
and energy.
The 1ransmississippi congress has
given consid Grafton and suggested and
| carried through amendments to min
ing laws; has promoted the establish
ment of national parks, the better pro-
lection of the forestry on the public
domain, and the many harbOrS of ref
| uge and commerce on the vast extent
| of coast line on the Pacific states,
| where over 1000 miles of the Pacific
| ocean washes the shores of California,
| Oregon and Washington.
| 1t is within the memory of all here
present that the recommendations and
encouragement by this congress has
/ been a potent factor in all national
/ improvements. The magnitude of its
/ benefits cannot be measured by expen-
ditures; the good accomplished by this
representative body in all its past ses-
sionS for the nation itself as well as
| for the states and territories which
have at all times been ably represent
| ed, cannot be over-estimated, and graf
itude from all communities is due to
the predecessors of this congress who
inspired and aided in having placed
upon the statute books of our country
the irrigation law, which is the crown
ing glory OF our country s many effect
i've Improvements and the most bene-
fetal and far-reaching law since the
Homestead Law was passed. The
subject of irrigation of our arid lands
is recognized to be SO important that
Il separate congress, similar to this
IN its organization, has been estab-
iished and will meet in annual session
as this congress has met The irri-
cation of the arid lands will provide
homes Tor millions; LANDS of the rich
est soil upon which the waste waters
of the mountain regions will be made
to flow. will blossom into perfect gar
dens and happy homes for the people.
increasing the wealth and power of
the nation.
Much yet remains to be accomp
lished- AS the United States contin-
ues to expand in population, necessary
legislation and improvements, as we'll
as public policies, will become appar
ent. Many subjects of national impor-
lance will be brought forward in the
present session. Discussion of every
subject is the best mode of arriving al
a correct decision.
Mingling with the educational fea-
lures of this great Louisiana Purchase
exposition, our proceedings will pass
to the history of the other fourteen
annual conferences that have preced-
ed this Our country has stepped to
the forefront as a world power, as |
Stunning responsibilities of new terri |
tory and millions of people, which has
come to our country as the fate O.
war. By invoking the blessings of d. |
vine providence we shall uphold our |
flag and our institutions and bestow |
upon the Philippine Islands the bless |
lngs of free government such as we
enjoy.
ReveII's Speech.
Alexander H Reven. of Chicago. !
spoke on the subject "A Single Six
Year Presidential Term" He said:
The National Business league has in ;
augurated movement to secure an
amendment to the constitution of the
United States which will fix the term
of office of the president at six years
instead of four years At the same
is proposed to make the president inc /
ligible to reelection.
am not aware that any one ques-
tions the expediency of the proposed +
all admit that the changes proposed {
would be sound public policy. 1t is per-
haps true that those who are engaged !
in politics for diversion, or for profit
may be lukewarm in the effort to pro-
long the period between elections But I
1t is not likely that the politician-the |
man who is trying to be polite and re-
sponsive to public demands will inter
pose to prevent an admittedly needed
and popular amendment.
All things considered it may be ac-
copied that the sentiment of the coun-
try is such that the amendment may
be secured upon the presentation of the
proper arguments to the electors and
those who, as officials, may be instru-
IN bringing II about. The Il
labor that is before US con~.sts in put
ting together and putting in order the
latent sentiment in re- n
gard to the proposed amendment 1t is
this labor which the National Business
league has undertaken to perform. 1t
is to this endeavor that all right mind H
ed electors are expected to extend
and industrious assistance.
No reasonable objection can be rats
ed against the lengthening of the presi-
dents term of Office.
AS things are now there is in fact
only about three years of settled con-
ditions and many would acknowledge
only two years. The fourth year is
given up to the campaign. In fact it is
only during the first two years of the
presidential term that business, and
that word does not mean the great
capitalists only, can feel that condi-
tons are settled. Along towards Tie
end of the term the policy which the
president has pursued is used by the
on which to unite in order
to create an issue for the oncorn1ng
The effect of all this is that
business becomes more or less, gamb-
dertial succession.
There is a growing tendency in this
and indeed in all countries to look
upon the government or the admins
tratiOn as the cause of the prosperity
OF adversely of the people. This ten
1ency dfSpOSeS the people to look more
and more to the government as the
author of their condition. Demagogues
and ignorantly finding this
tendency to exist, endeavor from time
to time to arouse the voter into active