The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1912-09-27

good laws offered in the state of Ben
ton, Vest and Cockrell
Under republican rule in Illinois
members of the legislature receive the
extravagant salary of $4,000 term,
with mileage and other perquisites.
They may draw this entire amount at
the beginning of their first session.
The result has been that they work
about three days week, sometimes
less, and, with few exceptions idle
away the peoples time and money.
In Missouri the legislator, be he rep
resentative or senator, gets S. day
for period of ninety days each two
years and 81 day for every day there
after the legislature may remain in
session.
1t is not, therefore, surprising that
Missouri can boast of book full OF
progressive laws, nor is it strange that
Illinois has no corrupt practices act,
no anti-lobby act and no initiative and
referendum.
In Missouri any lawmaker who
dares to accept a pass from any rail
road or a frank from any telegraph,
telephone, express or other public
service corporation will find himself
facing felony charge before a jury
OF his peers. In Illinois, it is common
knowledge that passes of all kinds are
plentiful at the state capital as hon
iesty of purpose is scarce. Is it any
wonder, in the light of these facts,
that Illinois shocked the country with
its Lorimer scandal?
Illinois has been in control of the
republicans since 1892, when for
brief period the Immortal Altgeld
caused a stampede among the corrup-
tionists. Missouri's lawmaking body
has never been without democratic
control, in at least one branch, since
the civil war and most of the time the
lparty of Jefferson has been at the
helm in both houses.
Missourians know their state is
progressive and they know the demo-
cratic party made it SO. They know
| lliteracy among whites and blacks alike
is on the increase and they appreciate
the wise constitutional provision that
gives one-third of the states entire
revenue to public education.
Knowing these facts the militant
democracy of Missouri is only await
ing the day when it may cast its cleo
toral vote for Woodrow Wilson for
Ipresident and drive from the state
lfrouse the Mysterious stranger, Who,
because of democratic family quar-
rel, slipped in four years ago.
There are now fourteen democratic
congressman from Missouri, out of six
lteen. Unprejudiced observers say the
republicans will win only one Mis-
souri, district this year that of Richard
Bartholdt whose biennial election is
brought about through the influence
of the great brewery interests within
his bailiwick.
Champ Clark will be returned to
Washington, it is predicted, with a
greater majority than ever before, as
will Lloyd, Rucker, Alexander. Booher,
Shackleford, Borland, Dickinson, Ham
lin, Hensley, Russell and Rubey Two
young democrats-P Decker in the
fifteenth and William L. Igoe in the
eleventh st. Louis distriet-are al
most certain of election. Both are
able, forceful speakers and will add
tone to the already formidable dele
cation.
Not even the most rabid republican
will deny the assured victory Of El-
lott w. Major the present attorney
general, who is the democratic candi-
date for governor. He is opposed by
both republican and third termer,
who will only serve. however, to make
the democratic majority all the
greater
I