The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1910-10-04

why he should be elected governor
OF Kentucky.
The Democratic press of the state
has been discussing the availability
of the various candidates for several
months, but, without exception, the
discussion has been confined exclu-
sively to merits that would be APP
plicable TO a horse race or a prize
fight, but scarcely of practical value
to the people of a great common
wealth in choosing a chief magis-
trate. The press seems concerned
with whether one candidate is too
old. another too young; one too wei
known, another not well enough
known; whether one would be
strongest with this element. or an
other with that-until We wonder II
this nomination is to be made in the
interest of the taxpayers and citizens
of Kentucky, or in the interest OF
race track touts and gamblers, who
expect to stake money on the out
come of the general election.
Surely there are vital interests at
stake in Kentucky. Surely, We are
not satisfied that none of the mod
ern reforms in election machinery
methods of taxation and regulations
of special interests. apply to eondi-
ltions in Kentucky.
In other states people are agitat-
ling such matters as reform in the
courts, to expedite justice and re
lieve the grievous burden of litiga-
ton; tax reforms. to more equitably
adjust the burden of governmental
expenses and encourage enterprise;
prison reforms to encourage men and
women, who have taken a false step
to regain their characters; fixed com
pensation of workmen for loss OF
life or earning capacity; good roads
protection of human life on railroads
and IN factories; reform of the
school systems; reform in municipal
government; reforms that make the
city and state governments more re
sponsive to the will of the majority
by means of the initiative and refer
endum. the recall and the popular
primary.
d Has Kentucky no need of any o
these? Are her people not awake e
the needs of the hour? Or is thu
failure OF the leaders and candidates
of the majority party to espouse th'
cause of any of these reforms, bu
additional proof that our politica
machinery requires Improvement 4
: make it responsive to the will of thu
people?
President Taft in his speech II
New York Saturday expressed al
opinion that is gaining ground al
over the country. and II Kentucky 1
to keep pace with her sister common
r wealths. she must be alive to the Is
e sues of the hour. He said:
I Now. what are the specific evil
that have reused the people? be
lieve that they have been CROWN
lin this country for years and years
e and they can be briefly stated thus
Is The corrupt control OF legi
n lative and governmental agencie
= for the establishment. maintenance
and enjoyment OF unjust privilege
l. by individuals or corporate wealth
s To make this control effective ther
l. have been organized and maintaine
y corrupt machines within both partie
ie which break the current of con
municaton and responsive actio
= between the people and those VIII
y are elected 20 herve and represer
them.
!, Combinations of capital In II
a dustrial business. generally brougl
a. together for the ostensible and con
!. mendable purpose of reducing n
I cost OF production and distribution
N have too often had the real purpo'
It OF suppressing competition, control
e ing prices and maintaining m'
a nopoly."
II Give the voters actual control {
e, their party machinery by the populs
W election OF committeeman. as well 1
G the nomination of candidates, an
;; the initiative and referendum to il
> struct their legislators. and the n
call TO hold executives in check. an
= we will take a chance on all the az