Omaha daily bee., 1907-03-19
NEBRASKA PRESS COMMENT.

hearney HuDs Inc bee y IeluhEha hi1
very much to the point. In framing new
constitution we would run the risk of losing
more than we would gain. The really needed
changes can as The Bee points out, be
obtained by specific amendments adopted
in a manner similar TO the railway commits
sion amendment.
st. Paul Republican, A large quantity
OF fusion ammunition was fired into the
air on account Of Governor sheldon's al
legged failure to sign the 2-cent rate bill.
When he took bis pen in hand to remove
any possible doubt concerning its validity
he incidentally made monkeys OF lot
of would-be traducers.
Auburn Granger; An exchange remarks
that Judge Munger is a politician, not a
lawyer. why not a sigh OF relief? We
have always had to have lawyers on the
bench, and quite generally they are unable
to get away from their habits OF legal
legerdemain and be fair as judges. POSI-
bly, a politician will be better timber-no
worse at any rate-for a Judge than a
lawyer.
Lexington Pioneer: Several Nebraska
exchanges favor the removal Of the state
capital from Lincoln TO some other town
more centrally located as regards popula-
from all parts Of the state. The capitol
building is reported to be crumblng and
full Of cracks and It Is suggested It will
be waste Of money to attempt 20 repair
II. Remove the capital to more central
location and erect a new and substantial
building appears to be the idea. Either
Grand Island or Kearney would make an
excellent location.
Grand Island Independent: II is rather
interesting to compare Senator Ashton's
efforts to secure as many exceptions as
possible to the antl-pass law with the plat
form planks OF the two parties which nomi-
mated and supported him. These do not
agree. Look up the platforms and see.
The Independent has every assurance of the
reliability of its Lincoln correspondence.
II is by newspaper writer who is at the
state capitol every day ana is doing the
Legislative proceedings for one Of the larg-
est most reliable. independent and fearless
papers in the state.
York Tines No wonder the fusionists
assisted the republicans to so amend the
primary law as to destroy party lines and
give them power to dictate the nominations
of the republican party, 1t is in the in
terest of fusion to do this. But It is not
in the interest of the republican party.
II is necessary TO keep up party lines as
closely as possible If we wish to. maintain
supremacy In the state. Those republicans
who Joined the fuslonists in this scheme to
emasculate the republican party will not
be pleased with the reception given them
by their republican constituents when they
return home,
Kearney Hub; The Omaha Bee hits the
nah squRrely with the remark that when
he
TO the voters they will have to do so either
upon a record of promises performed or
upon q record OF broken pledges. It Is
undoubtedly true that there are some re-
publicans with whom the spirit is willing
but the flesh "am pow'ful weak" and
to these there is nothing but a fear Of per-
sonal consequences or OF party disaster that
counts. There are a few republicans-let
us give thanks there are only a few-who
have been flirting on the danger line who
are not fooling a single constituent, and
quite forgetful of the fable OF the ostrich.
York Democrat; brief visit to the
capital and the legislature last week was
reassuring. II is gratifying to take
squint at a legislative aggregation which
is really devoted to the public interests.
We have scarcely ever had legislature in
Nebraska whose paramount aim was the
public good. We were not there long
enough to observe thoroughly, but thought
we detected a wholesome atmosphere at the
state house. We saw little evidence Of the
unsavory outside pressure which has here
tofore prevailed there. The professional
lobbyist was conspicuous for his absence
Those who have hitherto lowered over the
scene of legislation with their insinuatng
and sinister methods were not there in
great numbers And II a few were left
they looked subdued II not whipped. We
saw little evidence OF the old-tlme per-
nicious activity of third house
Holdrege Citizen! It now looks as II
all the platform pledges of the republican
state convention will be filled The bills
for the abolition OF the free pass, the di-
rect primaries, and railroad legislation were
all up for discussion last week. and progress
was made. The discussion shows that there
are a number Of republicans opposed 70
the carrying out Of the pledges, especially
that Of the direct primaries, and IL is very
evident that some OF the so-called leaders
would deprive this law of some OF its
effectiveness Some OF these leaders are
making a record that ought to Indicate
plainly to their constituents that next time
the best place for them would be at home.
There seems 10 be an element in the re-
publican party that wants TO ally itself
with the railroads and other special in
terests who are wanting special favors
from the people OF Nebraska. These men
are afraid OF allowing the mass Of the
people the effective way OF making their
wishes known as they realize It viii not