Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1912-05-17

the prohibitory question would be the
principle plank in my platform. On
this question l have not changed my
mind, believing that every question
not based upon the fundamental prin-
ciples of our government should be
submitted from time to time to the
people. l believe in the rule of the
majority Of the people, on the prohib-
itory as we'll as all other questions,
and BELIEVING in the intelligence Of the
voters of this state, l am willing to
abide by their decision.
However, l do not believe that re-
submission is the only question in
volved in the approaching campaign.
The people of Kansas are clamoring
for release from the burdensome tax
alton which they are now called up
on to pay and l feel that the prohib-
itory law is the cause of a large per
cent of this eVer-increasing outlay of
money.
Lower taxation and the initiative
and referendum should perhaps be
termed the paramount issues. This
would not conflict with resubmission
being my principle plank, as that is
merely am application of the initiaf
tive and referendum to the prohibit
tory question. The iniative and refer,
endum is needed so that a majority
may express their wishes. The recall
is for the same purpose; whenever
an official ceases to represent or car
ry out the wishes Of the majority,
that majority should have the power
to replace him by one who will repre-
sent them. Honest officials do not
fear the recall.
The present State administration
was elected on a platform by which
we were promised relief from our bur
densome taxes, but our taxes have
increased annually. By abolishing
contingent funds and dispensing
with the numerous deputy attorneys,
special officers, spoilers, and others
now drawing salaries for enforcing
or pretending to enforce the prohibit
tory law; by a careful and economi-
cal administration of all State depart
ments and by dispensing with all ur-
necessary employees, a material re-
duction in taxes could be accomplish
ed.
l believe in the principles Of indi-
vidual liberty as enunciated in the
Declaration of Independence and fur
Their guaranteed by the Constitution
of the United States: That all men
are endowed with certain inalienable
rights, among which are life, liberty
and the pursuit Of happiness; to Sc
cure these rights, governments are
established, and all laws, State and
National, should conform with this
wise declaration of our forefathers.
With the recall in effect, l favor
a four-year term for all State and
county offices, with only one term.
This would dispense with half the
primaries and regular elections,
which would save over $4,000 each
time to the taxpayers of the State.
also favor the assessment Of real
estate only once in four years, i'm
stead Of every two years, as now.
This would save another 100000 Or
more.
favor the repeal of all sumptuary
laws which are now an infringement
on the natural rights of the people.
We have too many laws and not
enough justice. Our laws should be
made so clear and simple that all
could understand them; so just that
all would be ready to uphold them.
There is no such thing as a senti
meIt against the enforcement of law!
against murder, robbery, arson OF
kindred crimes, and all are ready to
assist the officers in enforcing these
laws. Such, however, is not the case
where the laws interfere with person
al liberties. The citizens of Kansas
are law abiding, but have a greater
respect for justice than for the law
All laws should be confined to the
preservation Of justice and the pro
lection Of persons and property.
am opposed to the fee system in
all State and county offices, and Is
pecialy to the present system Of fees
for the attorney general, deputies
and county attorneys where prosecu.
tons Of the prOhibitory law are con
cemed. Every State and county Of.
fetal should be on a salary, without
the possibility Of grating under cove,