The Elbert County tribune., 1910-08-19
GOVERNOR SHAFROTH'S MESSAGE
TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Y

tion and overshadow all other aues-
lions, 1t is almost impossible to con-
centrste public attention upon the vote
initiative removes the temptation OF
legislators to vote against the win OF
the people. because q removes the In
eyes, or the defeat of popular measures
In their votes. Special interests are
members OF General Assemblies for the
defeat of bills, when the people can
have the measures submitted to them
and their decision be final. This law
would therefore produce purifying
and beneficial effect upon every legis-
appeal In behalf OF measures must be
to reason and not to selfish motives.
AS those who are not intelligent are
mitted the law acts automatically as
an educational qualification, and gives
the most intelligent expression of the
people.
The Referendum is a veto of the
electors upon any measures passed by
the General Assembly which is regard
ed as detrimental to the public well
fare. AS the law Is now. no matter
how reprehensible the Legislation may
the full term of two years. and as 1t Is
very difficult to repeal legislation. It
laws passed by the General Assembly
control and govern the people. u IS
objectionable that they should have an
opportunity to defeat the same.
Those who think that the sentiment
for the enactment OF these measures
is local to the state OF. Colorado. or
partisan, are sadly mistaken. The peo-
pie Sf Maine, oregon, Missourii Utah;
Oklahoma have by large majorities
adopted constitutional amendments for
number of cities, by vote. have made
, these measures applicable to their re-
spective municipal governments.
Many recent platforms of the Demo-
cratic and Republican parties In con-
ventions of various states have de-
providing for the Initiative and Refer
endum is now well under way in
in the national House Of Representa-
t1ves against the rules of that body,
speaker. was a spontaneous expression
of the representatives in behalf Of the
rule of the people. The movement in
Lords has its foundation in the fact
that 1t is not representative parlia-
mentary body.
The law OF the Initiative and Refer
endum places the government nearer
to the people; and that has always been
the aim 81 the trainers of all republi-
can forms OF government.
The Pure Australian Ballot.
By reason Of the fact that the names
Of unfit candidates are placed with
ness on the the w9rthy and % m
the interest OF good government that
the law should provide that the voter
indicate each candidate for whom he
desires to vote, Instead of making 1t
easy for him to vote for the good and
I the bad by one vote for a party ticket.
of the voter. upon the qualifications of
each candidate who seeks to conduct
would compel better nominations by
political parties; would prevent the
or on f0T of psps Of wnn
compel closer inquiry upon the part
Of the voter; as to the candidates
fore be educational in Its tendency.
The Direct Primary Lnw.
Under the present system of NOM
mating candidates for office. there
grows up in every state number of
power by reason of being supported
the great corporate interests of such
states. As delegates are named and
elected by such Influences. they are
men, who dictate the candidates and
platform declarations of the party.
This method is inimical to good gov
ernment and tends to elect candidates
and pass measures detrimental to the
Interests of the people. Under the Di,,
from the Influence of any other per-
son or corporation. casts his vote for
be most worthy of political preferment.
The Direct Primary Law is not an ex-
pertinent. No state which has adopt
ed 1t has ever repealed it.. There are
twenty-six states OF the Union now
making Direct Primary nominations
public meeting a few W days days before Hi II, Il the
convening of the extra session of the
Legislature. which he called to enact
words:
This is your contest. not mine. and
IL action is postponed the issue will
remain. You cannot get rid of it. try
| as you may. 1t is not my issue. 1t
is the issue of the people OF this state
| government for their own purposes"
The Bank Guaranty Law.
The business of banking affects SO
many OF the people. both directly and
sidered proper that afe-guards should
| be created and enforced in favor of de-
positors and for the prevention of dis
positor has a most vital interest in the
bank. The accumulation OF years may
| bank is the place where moneys are
, kept. and suspension. or failure. not
SSniy affects the Individual depositors,
paralyzes the industry OF the entire
community; It's effect on stocks and
bonds is almost Instantly felt. 1t cre-
ates panics and affects the value of all
forms of property. Banks are quasi
with power TO do business by the cor
porate laws of a state. Every one con-
cedes they should be regulated by law.
of the regulating statutes. In my judg-
ment the best form of regulation is
BY a law requiring by either bond. or
by the creation or a fund, the guar
anty of deposits.
The most satisfactory law of this
character which have been able to
find Is the Texas Bank Guaranty Law.
II provides that all banks incorporated
IN In that state should pay into fund
per cent. upon the deposits held by the
banks. as a guaranty for the payment
OF the deposits of any falling bank.
That II the bank does not care to make
such payments. II may execute a bond.
with good and sufficient security.
guaranteeing the payment of it's own
deposits. BY the creation of a guar
anty fund 1t establishes In the banks
confidence which prevents. or at least
modifies. acute conditions during mon