The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1910-08-13

Harry l.. Lubers called the House to
order. simultaneously Lieutenant Gov
ernor Fitzgerald, presiding officer OF
the Senate. pounded the gavel for or
der In the upper branch and the ex-
traordinary session of the Seventeenth
General Assembly was then under
way.
After the employees Of both houses
were sworn In the senators marched
over to the House chamber. where the
message Of Governor Shafroth was
read. which is in full as follows:
To the Senators and Representatives Of
the Seventeenth General Assembly OF
the State of Colorado:
Gentlemen:
General Assembly were elected by the
people upon platform. which declared
In favor of certain measures. to be en-
acted at the regular session of this
Legislature. The other members were
elected upon platforms that contained
some of the same promises. Bills COW
ering each of the platform pledges
we're duly introduced. but all failed of
Passage.
The fact that the General Assembly
single one of the pledges upon which
Its members were elected, and the fact
ed into laws at regular session. as
fully explained in my address which
accompanied the call for this extra ses.
sion. constitute such an extraordinary
occasion as justifies the calling of
special session Of the General Assem-
bly, Besides a law amending the con-
stitution so as to permit the initiation
and referendum of measures. unless
passed now, could not be, voted upon
until the November election in 1919:
the Headless Ballot could not become
operative. unless passed with an emer-
fail election Of 1912. The Railroad
Commission Act of this state a few
weeks ago was declared unconstitu-
tlonal and such commission Is urS-
emily needed.
l have always believed that II the
could convene for the, purpose OF con-
stdering only the pledges upon which
they were elected. and If they knew
state of Colorado desired those prom
ises enacted into laws. that they would
Same no thst IN the people ia
parts of the state have clearly ex-
pressed themselves in behalf Of some
people of the various political parties
q this state believe that pledges upon
which officials are elected to office
members of this General Assembly
laws in accordance with the promises
made 20 the people. 1t must be borne
In mind that there Is at stake in these
measures most vital principles of self
government,
With the exception of the redemption
OF the pledges, this General Assembly
has made the best record Of any in the
history OF the state of Colorado.
The creation eat n Of STATE Immigration
mission are examples of excellent con-
structive legislation. which must pro-
duee enormous benefits to Colorado.
than candidates themselves. and the
state itself, from contributing to po-
future prevent large Corruption funds
and thereby make elections purer and
more satisfactory to the people,
er to examine and thoroughly investi-
gate. by witnesses under oath. the ac-
and county offices is bound to have
salutary effect and largely prevent
graft and extravaganza.
1ect the rescutng and redemption of
delinquent children. and the laws deal
Ing with penitentiary .convicts are the
any legislative body.
The law establishing the Home for
name institution for the care of our
unfortunates and meets with tAe ap-
proval of all.
acts stand to your credit.
The appropriations which were made
most needed, and such a showing in
durable brick and stone buildings has
never been equalled by any three pre-
There has been. or is now being con-
strueted ,trae ID, :, from your your appropriations
at cost Of the eaeh t@o
and a central heating and lighting
plant at the University, at cost of
nal school at Greeley. at. cost OF
100000; building and plant at the
State school of Mines. at a cost of s75.-
hull m at ha For Mont nf.1
Detectives, at a cost of $4,000: build
Ing at the State Normal School at Gun
to accommodate the exhibits of the
State Historical Association. now in
the state Capitol. at a cost Of 100000;
Children. at cost of $4,000 buildings
at the School for the Deaf and Blind.
at spT, Of scsaa1 i1s1oe e3r RoXI bTidnE at G
Of 100000; building. with artesian
well and sewer system. at the Indus
900; the completion of building and
purchase Of land and. at the thee oaE oAaEricultn,rIl
Of $4,000. which could not have been
built by contract for less than 100000;
she eqmpleion Of buiding At the
contract for less than $4,000.
improvements and repairs at state in
stitutions have been wisely expended:
these institutions nave also been pro-
vided with larger maintenance funds
than ever before in the history of the
state.
AS proud as I am of these achieve
ments Of this General Assembly. I feel
that 1t would be a shame II such an
excellent record should be marred by
the failure to redeem the pledges made
to the people. 1t is said that promises
which cannot be enforced in law are
more sacred than legal obligations. be-
cause they imply confidence and
trust which appeal to the integrity
and honor of the person promising; A
a feeling Of resentment, occurs when
electors find that they have been duped
and deceived. Do not let such splen-
did record as is yours be overshad-
owed by failure to redeem our con-
tracts of honor.
InItiative and Referendum.
In my Judgment one of the most i'm