The Colorado statesman., 1907-01-12
INAUGURAL
ADDRESS
Many Reforms Advocated by
the New Governor

With the thunder Of artillery and
the huzzahs from thousands of throats
the people for miles around have been
informed that with the advent of a
new chief executive, Colorado has en-
tered upon another two years of peace,
prosperity and happiness.
For the first time in history the in
augural services were held in church
Trinity M. E., the building erected
when the new governor was it's pastor.
The large auditorium was crowded to
overhOwing by an enthusiastic crowd
who cheered generously all the newly
| elected officers as they were sworn in,
but were most Yociferous when the
| chancellor was transformed into the
governor. His address was listened to
| most attentively, and it's salient points
generously applauded. The following
are the most interesting and important
passages:
Gentlemen of the Sixteenth General
Assembly: A few days ago you lis
tened to the comprehensive biennial
message of Governor Mcdonald, who
now retires from office, with the un-
qualified respect of all the people in
|
characterized by efficiency, economy
and rare practical sagacity. 1 am sure
his recommendations will have great
weight with you because expressed in
the temperate language of man who
Is free from prejudice.
| To-day we are all joining in prayers
that God may give to Governor and
Mrs. Jesse F. Mcdonald many years of
life in the midst of the people whom
they love so well.
| The work which we are expected to
| do in this Sixteenth General Assembly
is for the most part the work which we
have promised to do. The state plat
form of the majority of the members
Of this assembly contains an interest
ing variety Of pledges. The platform
of the minority contains some of the
same pledges, though clothed in some
what more lurid language. We need
to keep constantly in mind the fact
that we are representatives; that we
represent the people to whom we have
made definite and specific pledges. The
majority party in this assembly is so
largely in evidence that every pledge
made to the people must be kept both
in letter and in spirit If we expect to
retain the respect and the good will OF
the people who have believed us to be
true men.
When a man accepts a nomination
under state platform, he pledges him
self to carry out the program in the
event that he shall come into office as
a member of the General Assembly.
He has no alternative on the question
of keeping the party pledges, his only
honorable course is to decline to ac-
cept a nomination. Every considera-
ton of moral honesty demands that he
shall keep faith with his party which
is only another way of saying that he
must keep faith with the people. Let
us now consider these pledges in de-
tail.
First-We have promised to enact a
law for the government of the railway
commerce of the state in harmony
with the national rate law and to Gre
ate a railway commission to be elected
by the people. This is difficult and
complex subject. 1t does not mean
legislation which is hostile to the rail-
roads.
1t means that, while the state gives
amazing opportunities to all railway
corporations, they all shall be held to
a strict account for their stewardship
as servants of the people. All railway
legislation should have in view the de-
velopment of industries, the increase
of trade and the comfort of the people.
We shall do nothing to drive capital
away from Colorado. We shall do ev-
erything to invite both capital and
people to Colorado We need to keep
constantly in mind the fact that the
railroads are not public property, but
capital invested in rendering public
service. This capital invested in rem
dering a public service has increased
all other values tenfold and more So
| this capital is entitled to the protec-
ton of the law precisely as all other
| capital-no more and no less. Not only
so, but this capital shall have the pro-
| lection of the law precisely as all other
capital-no more and no less.
| If the Congress of the United States,
In the eagerness to make strong
law, has succeeded In making law
which cannot be enforced without
damage to both the railway and the
shipper, 1t Is evident that we must put
much study into this question. The
weak and impracticable parts of the
national law must be omitted from our
program.
| Our pledges on the subject of edu-
cation are limited to one line. about
the Agricultural College. But you need
to consider the whole question of edu-
cation at public expense. You will
need to do some thinking on your own
account IF you arrive at any worthy
solution of our problem.
First of all you ought to give much
time to the consideration of what is
necessary to enrich the life of the pub
| lie school proper-that is, the grade
school. The recommendations of the
superintendent of public instruction
will help you to find the questions
which need to be studied. If any
changes or betterments need 10 be
made in the school laws, you ought to