Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-03-30

never be degraded into a more instru-
mentality for placing and keeping in
public employment insolent and ineffi-
cient political puppets, whose first
care is to serve some political master.
&c. l suggest the adoption and strict
enforcement of a rigid corrupt prac-
tees act, applicable TO primaries as
well as to elections, which shall
limit political expenditures to reasona-
BILE sums, forbid campaign subscrip-
lions by corporations and require time
ly disclosures of all campaign contri-
buttons.
CHANGE PRIMARY LAW.
az. | would urge such changes in
primary and election law as will help
to better and freer expression of the
peoples choice of candidates and Off
GERS. Among such changes | suggest
separate ballots for national, state,
county and judicial offices, TO avoid
the confusion incident to a big blanket
ballot This desirable result would be
further helped through material short
ening of the ballot by substantial re-
duction Of the number of elective Off
GERS. | suggest also such changes as
will avoid the unseemly scramble
among candidates for first place on the
primary ballot.
IS. Consolidation of taxing bodies
in Chicago and Cook county, and, so
far as is practicable, of other public
functions there and elsewhere in the
state, in the interests of economy and
good service, is of prime importance
and should receive the too long neg
lected attention which it merits.
FAVIRS THE INITIATIVE.
80 There should be carried out in
good faith the direction and spirit of
the great vote given in favor of the
initiative and referendum, through
constitutional amendment, which shall
secure opportunity for effective and au-
thOritative expression of the popular
will.
40. Wise and timely conservation
vi Oul Adlul dl IObOul CcS SuOulu DC Gl-
fected, with justice to all concerned,
and without favoritism or special priv,
ilege or the creation of a huge politi,
cal agency.
IL 4 simplification of the law of
! practice and procedure in our courts
should be promptly provided, substi.
tuting modern for antiquated methods
and facilitating the speedy and mex.
pensive administration of justice.
~. The wise, efficient and eco
nomical administration of our great
educational, charitable, penal and re
formatory institutions, wholly in the
interests Of the best obtainable results
and never with reference to partisan
or personal advantage. should ever be
the first care of the state.
LABOR INVESTIGATION.
"13. l urge persistent and continu
GUS investigation into conditions OF
labor, and the Inauguration and en-
forcement of wise and salutary legis
lation directed towards (a) improve
ment of hygienic and sanitary condi
lions of factories and other places OF
employment; (b) ascertaining anC
guarding against occupational dis
eases; tc) adoption from time 10 time
as reason, justice, science and human
ity suggest, OF methods and appliance.
for increasing the safety, comfort anC
well being of miners, railroad men anC
others who are engaged in hazardou.
and nfhar Orc,1nafiouS- ldA ar;,,,;p n .
ing the abuses of child labor.
IA. The evils of the so-called 1oar
shark business should be promptly anC
effectively eradicated through legisla
ton, civil and criminal.
SEEKS CAPABLE MEN.
'15. The foregoing enumeration
does not include various other and per
haps equally necessary and meritori
Gus subjects of legislative action, bu
we cannot reasonably hope effectively
70 inaugurate or carry out Legislative
reform without the nomination anC
election of honest, capable, incorrupt
ible public officers in all department.
of government
To this end urge the voters O
all parties to scrutiniZe carefully al
candidates for public office, and Il
make character, probity and believed
fitness and honesty Of purpose the su
preme test of selection Only witt
Trustworthy men in Office generally
will the public honor be safeguarded
and an end come OF so-called graft,
DOODLE Jackpot and official corrup
ton generally, under whatever nam
or guise it may exist or appear, bu
which in its last analysis is simple
bribery and plain public plundering
against which I, in common with right
minded citizens generally, have al
ways stood. and will continue 10 stant
firmly and unalrerahJv