The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1905-01-14
THE LEGISLATURE.

cSpIIonally strong ana able men.
II is, ther afore, within the power Of
the Eighth Session to accomplish
much good or great evil, according
as the spirit moves. In general,
every member of a legislative body,
in the beginning Of his career, is
ambitious TO do good. His hope
Is to accomplish something that
will rebound to his own credit and
benefit his State. It is in the late
watches of the session that he is
liable to forget his noble aspira.
tions, and, in order to further some
pet measure, plunge into all sorts
Of deals and combinations, thereby
furnishing his own name and do
ing irreprable damage to the State.
However, much of the unfavor-
able criticism directed against
State legislatures is unmerited.
There is generally more of incom-
potency and inexperience than dis
honesty. 1t is seldom that men are
nominated for the Office of legisla-
tor on account of even supposed
qualifications. Conventions nearly
always make those nominations
with a view to satisfying some
minor locality or individual and
thereby keep 1t or him in line.
This depIorable custom does not
seem to have been observed in the
nomination of members of the pres
ent legislators. The number of
brainy men in the body indicates
that more regard was had for quail
ity,. than for experience, when the
nominations were made. This Is
fortunate, because there is irnpor.
tant work to do and the promise is
tair Of its being done. r.
a. Hit were allowable to make sug-
gestions to SO respectable and capa-
bic a body of representatives, we
would endeavor to impress on them,
tlrst' the need of keeping in close
touch with the executive depart.
ment. There should be no clash,
40 lack OF confidence, no ill-will be-
tween the Republican members and
the Governor. Again, every effort
should be put forth to maintain cor.
dial relations between senators and
representatives. We have seen Idaho
legislatures when tae house and the
senate were constantly wrangling,
save only when they united to
struggle against the Governor.
These three cornered fights have
been kept up from the middle to
the close Of a session, resulting in
shame to the members, embarrass.
ment to the administration and dis
grace to the State. 1t is earnestly
hoped that the present legislature
will not become similarly embroiled,
The Eighth Session has a grand
opportunity to distinguish itself,
There Is creative work to be done
policies to inaugurate and fix,
The Governor has recommended
reorganization of the land depart
ment. 1t is no doubt needed. tn
properly do it will take time and
brains. He suggets a constitution. |
al amendment to enable the State
TO lend substantial encouragement
to the North and South railroad
That suggestion should have re.
spectful consideration, but will, |
possibly, tail of approval IN the end. |
The school law needs some over |
hauling and amending. SO as to nut |
q stop to the text book swindle,
The two mile limit law ought to be
repealed or amended SO as to mean
something and mean it hard and
fast. The Governor recommends
the creation ofthe Office Of Auditor
General, itinerant. as an anpex to
the Office Of State Insurance In.
specNtor. A good idea, but il
might be better to require the State
Auditor to perform the duties oil,
lttnerant auditor. Then we come
to State depository legislation.
This legislature, as it has the
brains. ought to have the couraye
and the integrity to enact a law
that will secure to the people the !