Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-10-10

you that the hour is at hand. when we
ought to enact many OF the benefcent
measures now being asked for here.
The laborer Is worthy OF his hire" and
he is entitled to perform that labor un-
der safe conditions and to be surround
ed by every precaution and protection.
PREVENTION OF STRIKES.
There must continue to be differences
between employer and employed. Every
time such difference results in a
strike" there is loss not only Immediate
and substantial to those participating.
but consequently to the State. PRODUCE
ton has been reduced, consumption re-
stricted, and the sum total OF aggregate
wealth lessened. To just what extent
the State ought to intervene Is a debat-
able question, but that its good offices
might be invoked to adjust or at least
to suggest honorable terms of settle
ment. will not be challenged Many
States and countries have boards of ar
bitration for this purpose. 1t would
probably be going to far to say that the
decision OF such board should be final
and conclusive. but II one authorized by
law and properly constituted could here
settlement, popular opinion would. in
most cases. bring adjustment without
resort to coercive measures.
DIRECT PRIMARIES.
The day of the so-called political
boss" has closed. Vermont never knew
him in the sense that he has existed in
some of the great cities and in other
commemorative, where as the king
maker" on the day of convention or alb
solute dictator when party policies were
to be defined, he was master OF the
State. but In some degree We accepted
the leadership Of certain citizens of COM
manding ability. The direct primary
has successfully been invoked elsewhere
to register the will Of the people. In
some cases the methods have been cum
casionally impotent.
A simple, inexpensive method, one that
will ensure the full, free choice of our
citizenship, and one adapted to the pecu-
liar conditions which exist here, Is to be
found In the recent enactments OF the
most progressive States
CAMPAIGN EXPENSES.
The restriction Of expenditures by cam
didates for office within such limits as
would make 1t possible for the average
citizen TO aspire to any position in the
government. and the publication of
sworn statements both before and after
elections are safeguards that should sur
round the ballot-box and make It sacred
TO the people and the State. Recent dis
closures have demonstrated that fabu-
lous sums of money have been expended
In the elections OF some OF the States.
The high Ideals the lofty aims, the great
purpose which characterizes the incom-
parable citizenship OF our splendid
Commonwealth demand. that public Of
flee shall be offered neither on the auc-
ton block or at private sale. Limit then
the expenditures OF candidates and nom-
inees; require every expenditure and
promise OF place or pay to be published,
and disfranchise forever those who dis.
obey. Thus may the honor of our on.
Gals continue unsullied and the fair
name OF the State remain unsullied.
CONCLUSION.
During the last two years and espe.
clally for the past few months. our
nation has been passing through a per-
iod OF intense political unrest, greater
than we have experienced at any time
during the last half-century.
There has been a general uplift or a
demand In fact, for general advance
along all lines which could result in a
betterment OF the social and physical
conditions of our people
This progressive spirit has been plant
ed In the fertile soil OF our Common
wealth and II rapidly securing n strong
hold with our manila W. ha.,. e.iA