The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1907-12-13

In the campaign of 1906 the state
b came the victim of a political ac'i
,-nt of a kind which frequently hap
pens. but is Sc dom permanent. a
combination was formed between
p,lltical-leaders having little incom
mon except the desire for office. BY
means of h%Ogusstone issues, false ac-
cusations against public servants. pc.
litical SANDER and misrepresentation.
sufficient delegates were elected from
the various counties to control the
state convention. The results have
been what might have been expected
from a political alliance of that char.
acter.
Standing upon the platform declar-
ing for the statewide primary. this
political combination has placed the
most prominent opponent of the
primary system in the most honorable
position in the gift of the state but
not until a legislative committee had
performed a whitewash for question:.
able official transactions-the most
humiliating spectacle in the history of
the state.
They have adopted political methods
as arbitrary and partisan Al any yet
employed in the state. In some
instances efficient men have been
removed from the public service from
purely political consideration. In some
instances persons have been appointed
to the service with little to recon-
mend them except their activity in
the common cause.
Posing as champions of the idea of
larger proportionate :aXes from the
corporations, they have increased
some corporation taxes. but material
lv reduced others, and have increased
the taxes of the farmers, merchants
and active business men in far greater
proportion. The aggregate taxes upon
the state is the largest II its history,
and a larger proportionate burden is
placed upon the farmers and 'Other
producing classes than ever before.
The majority of the people are fair,
honest and just. They believe in real
reform. but they have little patience
with the brand of reform which is
large in profession and protestasions
but small in performance. l do not
believe that a majority of the Repub-
licans of the state was behind this
political combination one year ago,
aud | do not believe that a majority
is behind it now.
The present legislature has passed
some good laws for which they should
receive full credit. The primary law
should be thoroughly tried. and ifit
will give to the peoplea more direct
and potential part IN politltal affairs,
it should be retained permanently.
Some other acts of the legislature are
in the right direction, and should be
fairly and fully tried before repeal or
material m~o-ification.
The burdens of taxation too often
fall in unjust proportion upon the
man with small capital or property
interests. Measures should be devised
both state and national to compel a
fair contribution from all classes OF
property and especially from accumul-
ated fortunes, vast estates and large
annual incomes This should be aone.
not in a vindictive spirit, but upon
principles Of absolute fairness and
intelligent justice to all interested
great and small.
Assur ng you Of my best efforts in
the public service in case of my cleo
ton again to congress-, and further
that | shall be satisfied with the yer
diet of the people at the polls, what
ever it may be, | remain, sincerely
yours.
-Eben w. Martin.