The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-04-04

their wider confidence. We could not
if we would and we would not if we
could escape this severe test. We will
not shirk our duty. We shrink not
from responsibility.
THAT we will prove equal to the
emergency in which we find ourselves
placed through our own efforts and
through our own desires, there can be
no doubt and the way to accomplish
that is to fulfill with courage, intel
lfgence and patriotism the promises
made before the election in order to
win the election. BY dlscharging our
duty thoroughly and well, subordinat-
ing personal desires to principle and
personal ambition to an exalted love
of country, we will not only receive
the endorsement of the people, but
what is far better-we will deserve
their endorsement. Chief among these
promises were:
Campaign Promises.
"First-An honest, intelligent revi-
sion of the tariff downward in order
to give every American citizen an equal
chance in the race of life and to ham,
per none unduly by special favor or
privilege, to reduce the cost of living
by eradicating the enormitieS and cru
elites of the present tariff bill and to
raise the necessary revenue to support
the government. Bills are already far
advanced in preparation looking to the
accomplishment of these beneficent
ends.
"Second-The passage of resolu
tion submitting to the states for ratifi-
cation a constitutional amendment
providing for the election of United
States senators by the popular vote.
This resolution has already been intro
duced and will soon be passed by the
house. Let us hope that We will send
it to the senate by a unanimous vote.
"Third-Such changes in the rules Of
the house as are necessary for the
thorough and intelligent consideration
of measures for the public good, several
of which changes are accomplished
facts. If other changes are deemed
wise they will be promptly made.
Il congratulate the house and the
contry and particularly do 1 congrat-
ulate the members of the committee on
ways and means, upon the success OF
the important and far-reaching expert
ment of selecting committees through
the instrumentality of a committee, an
experiment touching which dire predic-
tions were made and concerning the
operation of which grave doubts were
entertained, even by some honest re-
formers.
"Fourth-Economy in the public ex-
pense that labor may be lightly burden
ed. The literal fulfillment of that
promise which so nearly affects the
comfort and happiness of millions we
er place-by cutting down the running
expenses of the house by more than
$1SS, 900 a year. Economy, like charity.
should begin at home. That's where
we cannot with straight faces and Gle 7I
conscience reform expenses elsewhere
unless We reform them here at the
fountain head. The Democratic caucus
deserves well of the country for taking
this long and important step in the d.
rection of economy all along the line.
Reduction of Taxes.
1.-THE constitution gives the house the
practical control of the purse strings of
the country and the house should insist,
resolute1y and firmly, on exercising
that control to the end that the appro-
priation bills may be reduced to the
needs of the government economically
and effectively administered. 1t is our
duty to provide every dollar needed fo-
the proper and economical conduct of
the government, but it is equally our
duty to prevent waste and extravaganza
in public expenditures, for we should
never forget that it is a difficult task
for millions of families to live now in
decency and comfort.
Surely it is the part of wisdom,
craftsmanship, humanitarianiSm and
patriotism to legislate so as to reduce
their burdens to the minimum. The re-
Suscitation of the Holman rule will helm
desires to cripple the government in
any legitimate function, but no good
citizen desires that the people be load
ed down with unnecessary taxes.
'Fifth-The publication of campaign
contributions and disbursements before
the election. The bill to accomplish
that desired reform has been prepa red
and introduced. 1t will be speedily
passed by the house. The average citi-
zen, whatever his political faith, is ab-
SO1ntPlV honest dc
and cleanliness in politics; he believes
that too much money is spent in cleo
tion matters; and he proposes to put an
end to it.
CAS- the representatives of the aver
age man, it is our duty to carry out
his patriotic wishes in that regard to
the end that all men desirous of serv-
ing the public may have a fair chance
in politics and to the end that this
mighty republic, the political hope of
the world. may not be destroyed by cor
ruption in elections.
"Sixth-The admission of both Ari-
zona and New Mexico as states. 1 vi
olate no confidence in saying that so
far as the house is concerned, they
will be speedily admitted and they will
be admitted together.
''These are a few of the things
which we promised. We are not only
going to fulfill them, we have already
begun the great task. What we have
done is only an earnest of what we will
do. We this day report progress to
the American people. The rest will
follow.
mo man is fit to be a law giver for
great people who yields to the de-
mands and solicitations of the few
having access to his ear but is forget
full of that vast multitude who may
never hear his voice or look into his
face.
II suggest to my fellow members
on both sides of the big aisle-which is
the line of demarkation betwixt Us as
political partisans, but not as Ameri-
can citizens or American representa-
tives-that he serves his party best
who serves his country best.
''I am now ready to take the oath