Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1907-03-07
HOCH PRODS LEGISLATURE.

HUH uOUO LLuiOLhi UItLs
Topeka, Kan, Feb. &c - Gov.
Hoch prodded the legislature today
by special message, which he read
himself, instead of letting his secre-
tary transmit the message. The
message follows:
ITO the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives:
THE limit of time provided by
the constitution for legislative ses-
sion will soon expire and but few
enactments of a general nature
have reached the executive depart
ment for the signature of the gov
ernor The work of the legislature
up to date, so far as the enactment
of law is concerned. has chiefly
been of a legal nature. The many
measures recommended in the regu-
lar executive biennial message, and
which seem to be desired by the
people, have thus far, with few ex-
ceptions, failed to be crystalized in
to law. l cannot permit this legis-
lature to adjourn without again call
ing to your attention some of these
measures In two biennial mes
sages | have urged the enactment
of a primary election law. | believe
the people are demanding such a
law and will be sorely disappointed
if this legislature adjourns without
responding to this demand. | real
ize the difficulty of agreement up
on the specific provisions of a law
of this kind, but l cannot too strong.
iy urge those who hold these diver
gent views to make every reason
able sacrifice and agree upon some
kind OF primary election law that
will at least in some measure meet
the exigencies of the occasion. No
personal consideration, no pride OF
| authorship, no antagonism between
the two houses, should prevent some
| agreement on the subjects.
The people believe that free rail
road transportation is species of
| favoriteism which should not be toll
Grated and that it tends to corrupt
politics. l do not share this view
to the extent that it is entertained
by some others, but l share it to a
| large extent, and l trust this legis-
lature will not adjourn until it has
| followed the example of the con-
gress of the United States and abol-
| ished the free pass save in eXcep-
tional cases as reason may sug-
gest.
In my biennial message | urged
| the legislature TO equip the board OF
railroad commissioners with great
err facilities and funds in order that
| it might be able to thoroughly in
vestigate and intelligently decide
the great questions with which it
must grapple. and I nope this
recommendation will be crystalized
into law
"On the 9th of February. 1907,
transmitted to the legislature a
special message recommending the
passage of a bill relating to intoxi-
eating liquors. This bill was care
fully prepared by Ex-Attorney Gen
eral c. c. Coleman. Assistant Attor-
ney General c. w. Trickett, Assist
ant Attorney General John Marshall,
and carefully scrutinized by other
able lawyers, but it has not only
not as yet been enacted into law
but l understand has been Adversely
reported by the committee of the
senate to which it was referred
Executive, judicial and legislative
officers should need no stimulus OF
public sentiment to prompt them tc
the performance of constitutional
duties, but if they did need it IN
Kansas the people furnished it. in
abundance at the election in this
state last November. The enforce
ment of the proh:bitory law was
made a distinct and even vehement
issue in the campaign, and witt
practical unanimity the people de
clared in favor of the enforcement
of the constitutional provision. But
constitutions do not enforce them
serves. Legislatures must furnisi
the statutory means for their en-
forcement. Executive and judicia
officers must depend upon the legis
lature for these enactments. The
en- more thought, perhaps, to thi:
question than any other attorney:
in the state, and they have haC
more practical experience than am
others. Their Judgment and recon
mendation can not be lightly disre
garded by this legislature. Taes:
are matters of very great import
ance, gentlemen. and the people
look to you for their solution.
cannot too strongly urge them upo:
you in these closing days of you
session. 1t is the duty of the goy
ernor to call the attention OF tn,
legislature to matters of state in
terest and Importance When h,
has done this he has exhausted hi.
} legislative power and the response
!. bility must thereafter rest with tn,
legislature.
y (Signed) e. w. HOCH,
Governor"