Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1907-01-11
EXTRACTS FROM THE MESSAGE
Some Of the Laws Governor Good.
ing Would Have the
Legislature Enact.

oeS$ssA@ &-As<(ts
In the last two campaigns we nave
heard great deal about the necessity
for the re-eDactment of the test oath.
l see no reason why the test oath should
not be re-enacted," says Coy. Frank r.
Gooding In the message to the Idaho
Legislature. Continuing, he urges that
when such legislation is enacted it shall
not be local in its character, but shall
be made to reach all classes of crimes
alike. The test oath, which originally
was framed to disfranchise the Nor
mons, not only those who practised
polygamy. but those who advocated it
and those who subscribed to the doc
trines of any religious organization or
sect which indorsad or countenanced
polygamy, Coy. Gooding would have
amended so rs to disfranchise all voters
in Idaho who do not live clean lives
under the law.
He urges radial legislation for the
control OF the railroads operating in
Idaho. He recommends the creation of
q State railroad commission of three
members, to be appointed by the Cover
nor. clothed with full power to establish
maximum rates, enforcing entire pub
licity in relation to railroad transporta-
tion within the State, and correct rail
way abuses of which the people have
complained.
He states that deplorable condition
has confronted the people of Idaho, ow-
ing to the lack of proper railroad equip
ment to handle the traffic Of the State.
This condition has become so alarming.
he says, that it threatens to seriously
cripple the growth of Idaho. Under
present conditions, he says, "the State
is ut the entire mercy of railroad com
panies, whose sole aim is to pay enor-
nous dividends.
He expresses the opinion that railroad
rates in Idaho are most exorbi tant, in
many cases. He urges that recipro-
cal demurrage provision be included in
the act creating the commission.
He urges stringent anti-pass legisla-
ton, not only prohibiting all State and
county officials from receiving free
transportation from the railroads, but
prohibiting all citizens of the State, I'M
less actual employees of the corpora
tions granting the favors, from accept
ing any passes or franks from railroad,
telegraph or telephone panies. This
legislation, he urges, should follow the
lines. of the Federal law
He reviews, at length. the legal pro-
ceeding following the arrest of Harry
Orchard. Steve Adams, Charles Fl. Moy-
err William D. Haywood and George A.
Pettibone, charged with the assassina-
tion OF Former Coy. Frank Steunen
berg. He urges that Canyon county be
relieved of the payment of any part of
the expense of the prosecution, mas
much as the case is one in which all the
people of Idaho are equally interested.
He deplores the fact that many labor
organizations have criticised the action
OF the State officers in taking up the
prosecution and says:
This is murder case, and as such
1t should be tried regardless of the posi-
tion the accused men may have occu-
pied. or may now occupy, in labor or
CARNATIONS. They are entitled to
fair trial. The character of our conrts
and our citizenship ensure it to them. !"
He recommends the passage of law
creating a state board of health and
providing for the registration of births
marriages and deaths.
He urges the Republican majority of
the Legislature to live up to the party's
campaign promises and enact a direct
primary law for the nomination of all
State and county officers by direct vote
an antitrust law, an employers liabili-
ty act and law establishing an eight
hour day for underground miners.