Durango semi-weekly herald., 1904-10-31

ARGUMENT 7

Following is circular letter being
sent out by the Durango Business
Mems League. composed of upwards
of forty OF the leading business firms
OF the city. without regard to poll
tics. 1t should be carefully read by
every voter.
The Durango Business Mems
League, an organization intended to
promote the interests of La Plata
county and the welfare Of its citizens.
believing that the present campaign in
wolves business rather than political
issues, and recognizing that the in
terests OF all producers and of bust
ness men. as well as of all good cit
izens, are identical. and that the
prosperity of each is essential to the
success Of the other. desires to call
your attention to the following reso-
lutions adopted by the League. and
to brief statement Of some of
the reasons that prompted their adop-
tion. The resolutions are as follows:
Whereas during the past two years
considerable lawlessness has existed
In this state, which has been men
ace to the business interests of the
community affected, and has had a
large influence in preventing the EN-
ployment of foreign and domestic
capital in the whole state. including
Durango and other cities in South
western Colorado.
An uyhA a afRcianf nd
ministration of Governor ]. H Pea
body. this lawlessness has been in a
large measure repressed and conf
6ence restored, and the assurance OF
continuance of this policy will beget
full confidence and revive every in,
dustry.
Therefore, be 1t
terests of this community will
be conserved by the reelection
of Governor James H. Peabody
and that we urge all good citizens
regardless OF political affiliations. to
unite with us to accomplish this re
suit"
An investigation of the official re-
cords and reports will show that Gov,
ernor Peabody's administration has
been one Of the most efficient. bust
ness-like and economical that Colo
RADIO has enjoyed. The increase OF
revenue collected by the Auditor
Treasurer, Secretary. Land Board and
Insurance department. due almost
wholly to increased efficiency. alone
amounts to more than $3.50 1000. 90
Expenses for which the administra
ton is responsible Exclusive of the
military debt hereinafter referred to)
have been LESS THAN oNE-THiRD
those OF the Orman administration
Immediately perceeding it. and LESS
PER CAPITA than those of any for
mer administration.
Neither Adams. Thomas, Orman
nor Peabody should be charged with
payments made necessary to make
up deficiencies of former administra
tions or for expenditures required by
the administration had no control
Yet the enemies OF Governor Peabody
for the purpose OF deceiving and mis-
leading voters, include in their fig
ures payments made for
Outstanding warrants. for
mer administration, -. $670 900. .OC
Deficiency warrants, Thorn
as and Adams admins
tratlOns .............. l5S,oOO.W
Appropriation for Insane
Asylum building ....... 200,0 900. .OC
And in addition thereto include
more than $500. .OOO.O paid out on di
rect appropriation OF the legislature
for matters like salaries of Judges
and other items for which the admin,
istration is in no wise responsible
The injustice and absurdity of such
a proposition is 50 apparent that the
most casual study of official figures
for the various administrations will
show the truth of the assertion that
Governor Peabody's administration
has been the most efficient and eco
nomical with which the State has
been favored.
THE MILITARY DEBT ought not
to be charged to the present admins
tration. Largely, IL not wholly, 1t was
made necessary by the failure of for
mer Governors to deal promptly and
effectually with conditions which had
become intollerable. and which had
long retarded Colorado's progress
and especially by the cowardly policy
of Governor Or-man. who was content
to leave the mines In Telluride sin
the peaceable possession OF the strik-
ers" after the owners and their in
nocenu employees had been driven
therefrom with force OF arms and
cruelty untold.
What citizen, who wants the dignity
OF labor upheld and respected
who wants every man to have
the privilege OF working wher-
ever and for whomsoever he
chooses, without fear, intimidation
or violence, who wants peace
and prosperity for himself and his
neighbor. and who has or hopes for
property or savings for his old age.
will begrudge the cost necessary to
establish and maintain these condt-