The Delta independent., 1907-01-11

warranto proceedings against such un-
lawful combination.
consider this to be one OF the most
important subjects on which you will
be called to rgislate Colorado being
one OF the younger states 1t Is now pos
sible to protect It's citizenship from
these monopolies upon their rights.
Railroad Commission.
One of the subjects you will have TO-
consideration Is law providing TO"
the creation of board OF railroad COM
missioners ard prescribing its duties.
Personally | am OF the opinion thai
such n board should be elected by the
people for Il term of six years. one
member retiring every two years. Tho
enactment of law of this character
is one on which there is great d.
versity OF opinion and 1t will be hard
to satisfy everyone. | believe the law
should be conservative. protecting the
rights of the people. but at the same
time should not be such as will cripple
the railroads in their efficiency. The
people can be protected without con
fscating the railroads. The national
law recently enacted seems to meet
the reQuirems nts pretty generally, but
at the same time many of its provis-
ions would be cumbersome for n state
to attempt to enforce. The commits
sion should have power to hear COM
plants and order reductions in rates
when the same seem to them to be out
OF proportion.
I also believe that the board OF rail
road commissioners should perform
the duties row performed by the state
board OF equalization in the assessment
OF corporate property. the latter board
being left with the power Of eQualizinE
as between the counties as the consu-
tuition now provides. 1t might also be
permissible to grant an appeal in as
sessment matters from the board OF
railroad commissioners to the board o.
equalization at the fall meeting OF the
board. realize this will require
constitutional amendment. but be-
lieve the interests OF the state de-
mand II.
1t Is impossible for the state board
of equalization to become sufficiently
acquainted with the value Of railroad
and other corporate property assessed
by II. in the limited time at its dis
posal. The board can not. therefore.
make an as Sc ssment that Is either Just
to the other taxpayers OF the state or
the railroads themselves. A board OF
railroad commissioners. in the dis
. discharge of the other duties attached
acquainted with the railroad property.
its value. earnings. etc. and could in
telliGently make the assessment
State Engineer.
The state engineers report is one
which should be OF great value 10 thu
people OF Colorado That official has
used great pains and care II its prep
aration This Is department OF the
government which is constantly grow
Ing in usefulness and Importance.
Practically all the state road building
comes unicr his supervision and he g
charged by law with multiplicity OF
duties which increase year by year as
the state advances along material
lines.
The subject OF good roads and their
Importance Is treated by him In very
thorough manner. and | am sure pc
rusai OF his remarks on this subject
will be interesting and beneficial.
Executive Mansion.
AsI nm now retiring from ofIicc.
believe | can. with becoming modss;y.
recommend that the Legislature make
provision for an executive mansion 10
be maintained by tn. state. II is not
necessary that such n home should be
magnificent. but simply good. sub
staniial dwelling. in close proximity to
the capitol building.
This would he n great convenience
TO the executive and an honor TO N"
state. and | believe the state Is now
wealthy enough so It can AFFORD to
maintain such n residence. otherwise l
would not think OF making such n rec
ommcndation.
Term Of Office.
While on the above subject It might
f,t- tyi, he lie
tors. my views as to the term OF offce
OF the governor. | believe IA constitu-
,ionai amendment should be submitted
to the people. providing n change In
tho tenure OF ofiicc from two to four
years. with n provision that he shall
not be eligible for two consecutive
terms A great many OF the states
now elect a governor for four years
and the remainder Of the state ticket
biennially There are many arguments
which can be advanced for this change.
am firmly convinced II such n change
is made the people will be the gamers
by n much better administration Of the
affairs OF state. as the governor will
then have an opportunity to accom-
plish something for them.
U. s. Senators.
There Is n rapidly increasing senti-
mcnt in this country that United
States senators should be elected by
the direct vote OF the people. | be
lieve large majority Of the citizens OF
Colorado favor this plan. but Of course
V Ia matter that can not be regulated
BY state Legislatures and will require
n national constitutional amendmcn;
to bring II about. You can lend moral
force to the movement by memorable
ing Congress to give the people the op-