The sun., 1910-06-21

HAt-A WI ANNANA NuNMAN ~ NNaNAAa NNNAMN
or not Il was brought TO tight or indicate,
n those particular inyestir ,t.Ons
hut With respect 60 uiher Corrupi prao.
iices not 20 shown OF indicated the resola
ton provides that the committee 10 TO pro
ceed upon -spscinc charge verified npOl
knowledge Of corrupt prartlce-. or oHlcia
misoondnc, in connection with Legislation
or the Legislature or with any matter o'
proceeding before any State department
board. body or odlcer
have not overlooked the general claus
OF the resolution relating 10 any other mat
tiers pertaining 10 the cOnd,h.t Of the busi
ness Of the state and its ofireru bot thers
- danger that ia general words may bo
deemed limited by the sDecific Language
above mentioned with fesBs-t 10 corrupt
practices. In snCh a matter there should
he no ambiguity
The resolution further provides that
any person charged with Oficial mis-
conduct shall BE- entitled Co be represented
by counsel and 10 suhpGna and examine
and crOsa-eHamine Witnesses IL thus
contemplates with respect 10 such matters
virtual trial upon specific charges. veri-
hed upon knowledge by those who present
them. This provision 10 Of such a character
and the probability OF specihc charges veFi-
Ned upon knowledge being presented IL 40
slight that u would seem likely that tho
actual invepiGatiOn bv the committee Of
corrupt practices would be limited 10 what
Was shown In the Senate inquiry OF de-
velOped before tho Superintendent Of In
surAnce
] believe that this 10 a mistake and that
the purposes that your honorable body
had In view In providing for an investiga-
tiOn viii he attained only by giving such
authority tO the committee that u may be
neither ignored nor b dSfied. trusting 20
10 discretion 20 conduct the Investigation
In thorough and at the same time just and
reasonable manner
IL should also be remembered that tho
Junction Of the COMMITTEES 10 70 investigate
10 the end that such remedial legislation
may be enacted or change Of method in
the conduct Of public business be adopted
as will prevent . recurrence Of any abusea
or evils disclOsed. To accomplish this
result believe II would b better for the
committee 20 proceed a. an investiGating
COMMITTEES and not be resolved by q re-
quired course Of procedure into q trial
court
also question the wisdom Of limiting the
power OF the committee With respect 70
charges ot Oficial misconduct against
for once 70 thoss that may he
received before September /. 1910 This
may he Questioned quite a. much IN the
Interest Of those uniuatly accused aa In the
Interest Of thu people a. large 10 charges
grave 70 warrant the attention
ot the COMMITTEES are currently reported
Z VIII not help matters that they may not
oe the subject Of Investigation by the CON-
mttee. II IN tho other hand the charges |
're mere baaeless rumors. designed un- |
Justly 10 aneci q candidate for once. the |
power Of the COMMITTEES 10 make q prompt |
examination viii tend not only 70 discour- |
'Ec their circulation, but will AFFORD |
Instant opportunity 10 expose their worth |
essnesa
] make this recommendation 20 the end |
hat nothing should be lOat through want of |
'Ower Or thorouGhneas and believing that |
'ro"ceding conducted broadly and with 4
iire"tness a. this OppoFtuhe time will not \
'nly result IN an Improvement Of met hods /
With respect 70 legislative action and pro-
edure but aiso protect the honor and dig
lity of Oficers of Govern ment who In the
main In and out ~ the LEGISLATURE arc
'onorahly striving 10 do their duty and
sho deiest and desire 10 eradicate the
orrupi and improper practices Of the few
" which they are involved IN an unjust and
ommon reproach