The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1907-01-15
prosecutors in the administration of
Transportation Disasters.


justice.
Transportation Disasters.
Mortified as we frequently are by the
many accidents on land and sea, and
having the testimony of statisticians
that far more fatalities occur in the
daily walks Of life than in the most
sanguinary warfare, it is evident tina,
action should be taken more effectually
to safeguard the lives of passengers
and crews in our transportation SER
vice. Where employees are Overworkej
and their senses benumbed by loss of
sleep they are incompetent to be en-
trusted with the safety of human lives
1t is asserted, too, that the shortage
of cars and delay in train service are
due in no small measure to loading the
trains with excessive tonnage, causing
labor. A law regulating the hours of
service, therefore would solve other
problems than that of lessening the
casualties of travel. Only efficient ana
experienced. men should be employed
in this service. Official inspection,
with authority to correct abuses. of car
and engine equipment, tracks, bridges
and crossings would tend to protect
the lives of travellers and of those
employed in the service.
Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition.
The most important subject for your
consideration in conserving the well
fare of the state and guarding it's
treasury is presented in the proposal
to extend aid in the construction and
maintenance Of the Alaska Yukon
Pacific Exposition. The growth Of the
commonwealth. the intense energy and
patriotism Of it's citizenship, our inter-
ests in the affairs of the world find
concrete expression in the plan of
holding here on the shores of Puget
Sound a great International fair.
The project of the exposition is one
that deserves the earnest support of
every patriotic citizen of the entire
Northwest. The undertaking is one of
gigantic magnitude. For every dollar
Of public Or private funds invested in
the enterprise, the state will receive
Ia return in multiplied fold. Sound
business judgment and civic pride in
the states welfare justify an appro-
priation measured in amount by the
ability of the state and its paramount
duty to carefully maintain its institu-
tons and departments.
The expediency of cooperating with
the management Of the exposition was
endorsed in the platforms of the two
great political parties. That endorse
ment was affirmed by the people in
the November election. l may assume,
therefore. that the real vital question
for you to answer is what amount, IN
your judgment should be appropriate
ed.
To prevent arrangement of the
states revenues as now provided to
meet the usual expenditures, | rec
ommend that provision be made in
the measure for special levy upon the
taxable property of the state for the
years 1907. 1908. and 1909 to raise the
sum appropriated.
Recommended Legislation.
| recommend most earnestly the
enactment of the measures mentioned
in the platforms of the two great
political parties in the state campaign
of last year:
L. The division of the state into
congressional districts.
2. The proper safeguarding of all
public funds placed on deposit and
fixing the rate of interest which de-
positaries should pay on such funds
into the public treasury
5. The installation of additional
machinery in the factory operated by
convict labor at the state penitentiary
for the manufacture of jute fabrics, so
that the increased product may tend to
regulate its price to Washington far
mers.
The party platforms on which candi-
dates for office We're elected in 1906
We're in unison in favoring the enact
ment of a direct primary election law.
The discussion of this subject has de-
veloped such a distinct manifestation
of that popular will that I am war
ranted in assuming that you will enact
such a law in accordance with the
views of the people.
Following the language of the re-
publican party, it should be so franz
ed las to secure the nomination of
United States senators, congressman,
all state, county and municipal Of
ficers by direct vote of the people,.
These vital principles of self-gov-
eminent also should be preserved: The
humblest should have an equal chance
with the aspiring millionaire in his
to serve the people in public
office. Corporate favor or pletnoric
purse should not be a prerequisite to
the privilege of holding office. The
act should not discourage genuine lead
ership nor obliterate party organic
atoms, but it should disarm the pow
err of the political autocrat. If the
urinary election follows the meeting