The Green Forest tribune., 1909-07-09
NOT RIGHT KIND OF CITIZENS
Legislators in Congress and State Leg islatures Not Representative of
 People.

I believe that the majority of law. makers in our state and national leg islatures are not truly representive American citizens. That is to say they do not truly represent the great majority of the people. This is a broad assertion and one which l re- gret to make, yet it is one which ev- cry true American should consider carefully. 1 have watched closely during the past winter the action of the legislatures in many states, as well as the proceedings of congress. In all it was evident to the most casual observer that there was a constant fight between the people and the cor porate interests. I have noticed, too, that in most of these contests the cor porations won. In most of these con- tests there have been some brave men who have stood up for the rights of the people. But there were not enough of them. There is something in the atmosphere about the state and national capitals that seems to have a secret and powerful influence that they can not resist on the men who are sent there to represent the people. In describing the atmosphere at Washington, D. C., Parson Brownlow said: "The moment 1 step off the train onto the platform at Washington feel like I want to steal something" There is perhaps no other city in the world where as much grating has been done as in our national capital And this in- fiuence has spread out and permeated the legislature of every state in the union. What has already been made public is enough to shock the sensi- tiveness and pride of every American citizen, yet it is no doubt that crop in the bucket has been told when com pared with what has already taken place. No man who is chosen to rep resent the people need want to go to the legislature whose honesty is as pure as snow, whose character and de- termination is as firm as the rock of Gibraltar, and whose courage is unfal- tering. He should also possess a hide as thick as that of a rhinoceros. He must expect to fight. He may even be expelled as was Senator Thomas of Texas. The people are not represent ed in the legislative halls. Therefore the men who are there, and who are supposed to represent them are not representative American citizens. The trust magnates and their satellites who throng the legislative halls are not representative citizens. The true American wants equality of opportuni- ties. He wants free government. He is opposed to special privileges and the means by which they are acquired. He is opposed to the methods used to corrupt the peoples chosen agents. He realizes that an end must come to all this sometime and that the sooner it is stopped the better for the coun. try. The public conscience is becom- ing aroused. Men who are elected to represent the people are being watched just as close as those who are elected to represent the trusts. The trusts and corporations make pol itics a business. The farmer has learned that if he secures laws for the protection of his interests he must do the same thing. And he is doing it. He is preparing to exact strict account from the men he elects to transact his business, make laws, and guard his interests. Instead of recog- nizing the legislator as his master, as heretofore, he now regards him as paid servant to do certain things he wants done, and expects for him to make good.-W. S. Morgan.