The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1911-07-12

read. The people viii not select
Representatives, who fail TO declare
themselves on vital questiones before
the election. Mr.. Brown says: THE
people of this state have long experinced
the pernicious presence of public pat
ronage in politics, especially in pri-
mary elections and conventions, and its
powerful influences in the legislative
halls. 1t is a fact familiar 10 members
of the General Assembly that by ar
rangement of committees and improper
reference Of bills on certain occgssions
10 committees hostile TO their enact
ment into law that much valuable
legislation has, failed of passage. The
organization of the House by these
influences would be a great victory,
making the passage Of reform measures
much more difficult, if not impossible,
besides having its influence upon any
bin or measure opposed or fostered by
the power Of patronage.
Therefore having aught against no
individual, with the kindest of feelings,
and with an aim and purpose solely for
the public good, pledge my vote and
utmost influence and power, whether as
an individual member or as Speaker Of
the House, TO the retirement Of public
patronage forces of Kentucky from
their obnoxious and persistent meddling
and interference in politics and the
absolute removal of their baneful in
fuence over legislation.
'sThe trick of Third House is to
organize the House. pack its committees
on matters Of legislation marked for
slaughter or fsvorably regarded by it,
and have the Speaker refer the bill in
question to a hostile committee or one
favorable 10 its passage. The Third
House is paved with fair promises
and assumes the best intentions, but its
support of any mans candidacy for
Speaker is the safest and most uner-
ring evidence of a perfect understand
ing.
In view Of certain past experiences, l
pledge myself, If elected Speaker, to re-
fer TO bin to a hostile or biased COM
mittee, and shall endeavor TO the best
Of my knowledge and ability to have
every bill that is introduced reported
for the action Of the House. provided a
fair committee regards it at all worthy
or as having any chance OF passage.
THE young members Of the House
are working like veterans. The present
house is one that no Democrat or any
other American citizen. need apologize
for. believe that the country
thoroughly appreciates this, too.
Thus declared Speaker Champ
Clark. THE Democrats in the House
are fighting a good fight, continued
the speaker, as he looked up from desk
piled high with correspondence.
reports OF investigating committees,
and an assortment Of books sufficient
70 serve an ordinary man as complete
library.>
We are fulfilling as rapidly and as
literally as possible every promise made
TO the people.
I'VE promised in the Denver platform
70 reform the rules Of the House, and
We have done it, That is an accom-
plished fact
I'VE promised the people that we
would submit a proposition TO amend
ne Constitution 10 permit the people to
vote direct for United States Senators.
The House promptly passed such a
measure.
I'VE promised TO pass bin c7mpell-
ing Cae publication Of campaign ex.
penses before the elections. That has
been done.
We promised 70 admit New Mexico
and Arizona. We have done our best
70 bring about that. Il is up 70 the
Senate.
( I'VE promised 70 cut down the dis
bcrsemeats Of he Government We