Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1909-03-05
GOVERNOR DICKERSON'S
POSITION

Governor Dickerson has issued the
following statement setting forth his
views on the anti.gambling bill:
Gambling is II curse. There is no
moral defense of this great evil and the
ant fact the better will it he for the
welfare of our people. BY all means
this legislature should pass Il law which
will ctfectually put an end to gambling
desk it will receive my signature and
my unqualified approval.
y good portion Of the present session
of the legislature has been wasted i'll
frivolous argument ON this question,
time which could have, been more pro-
titably spent in carrying into effect
legislation which is much needed for
the bettcrment Of our state. | have
hoped that the members would awaken
to this fact and that this question would
be settled before this. Instead it nov
appears that the ~anti.ganbiing mcasurc
is in danger of defeat. This would he Il
great injury to Nevada; the Legislature
should deem it tic IL important ques-
tion to be settled. The bill in its
present form does not meet the require
mcntS. II is but sop Ia rcfurmcrS; an
attempt to quiet them and stay if
possible more radical legislation along
these lines. This should not he allowed.
The bill should bc amended to include
every game of chance where cards and
money enter into the pastimc. The
home and pIrlorS of the rich should not
he made more sacred than the common
gambling brothel when it comes to
furnishing those who would carry on
this great evil. | would urge upon the
senate the necessity of making viola
tioIS of this law Il felony. punishable
in the pa%nitcntiary. No sanc nan
can defend the charge that gamh-
ling is Il terrible curse and to
carry il on III defiance of law and
| with the assurance that it will be
treated only rs u misdcmcanOr will
not bc effective. The only result of the
prcucnt measure would De to drive
gambling under cover. make it only
unlawful, but far more unfair than III
present and deprive the different coun.
ties of Nevada of Il source of revenue
which in a number Of instances is prac-
t;cally the sole source of support of
county and town governments. Make
it still stronger. Make the law ciTeC-
tive November L 1910, instead of jan
nary /, 1910. Give the people III oppor-
tunity to vote their approval of it. if
necessary. This they will surely do.
Once this is done the question is effect
lively ont of politics for only by Il vote of
the pcovle can the question be repealed
or acted upon. These are my scnti-
mcnts and Just as soon rs the legislature
passes Il bill that will come anywhere
near meeting the requirements it vii
not only receive my signature as gov
ernor of Nevada but my hearty and un-
qualified approval rs II citizen of this
state.
ID. S. Dickcrson.'
While the governor starts off with a
honily against gambling. he does not
go very far before he turns a complete
somcrsault and lands on both feet in
the camp of the opposition. His final
stand is 50 inconsistent with his opening
remark that it does not seem possible
that his signed statement is the product
of a single brain. But we must so ron.
slider it and give the governor full credit
for his views. however. inconsistent they
may he.
Governor. if gambling is II curse
why do you wish to extend its life he
You'd the date set in Bill II ms it passed
the assembly? Why should the curse DC
prolonged beyond that date when you
admit that the people want the curse
abOlishcdr Why not join with the best
sentiment Of the people Of this state
and assist them in Kidding Nevada of
this 'cursc'2
IL Governor DiCkCrsOn issued his
statement for the purpose of infurnc.
ing votes tn the sihatc, the sclf.rcspcct-
ing members of that body should resent
it by their votes, His duty is to ap.
prove or disapproyc Legislation. not to
enact it.
But why discuss the governors state.
mcnt further. NointcIligcnt reader can
fail to understand his position on this
important question. lie has taken his
position voluntarily and he must bear
its full responsibility.
THE PEOPLE WIN
=aas==