El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1913-08-29
PUBLIC UTILITIES
BOARDS INCREASE
Many States Favor New Sys-
tem-Hunt Arraigns Arr
IONA Legislature.

Colorado Springs. Colo. Aug. 29-The
; feature of the session of the conference
, of governors today was an address by
governor Edward F. dunno, OF Illinois,
who spoke on the Growth of Public
Control of Utilities" His address was
: an extensive treatise on the develop
ment of the plan in the various states
of the union more particularly since
1905, when the movement began to
show itself in definite form.
The tendency of modern times in the
United States is plainly for the direct
control of public utilities" he said.
The movement is advancing by leaps
and bounds. and 1 believe that within
a. few short years there will not be a
state in the union which has not a pub
lie utility commission, empowered by
law to control the service and the rates
of the corporations of the state.
The control when placed in the
hands Of a. small compact commission
which does its work scientifically, and
in the open sunlight, must be effective
If we Judge it upon the experience Of
the states where it has already been
put into force"
Hunt Arraigns Law Makers.
Inefficency and subserviency TO
political intrigue are charges preferred
against the first Arizona state 1egisla-
ture by governor Hunt in a paper read
by the secretary before the conference
of western governors at Colorado
Springs
Governor Hunt says that during the
first session the legislature was sub
servient to the will Of the people, but
after that it was subserVient to the
will of the interests"
The people of Arizona decided upon
large and radical reforms, the decision
having been clear cut as to both the
language and majority at the polls.
The first legislature, in its firSt seS-
sion, fresh from the people, was re-
sponsive to the popular will. The very
in special session year later, fresh
from the various special interests
touched by industrial and social re-
forms, was in an entirely different
mood. There had been no change in
public sentiment, no new orders issued
jOrity had simply become inefficient.
1t was playing petty politics and try
ing to lay the foundation for a war of
the special interests upon the various
popular reforms demanded by progress
siYe people,
Tells of Own Fight.
This is followed by a detailed story
of the fight made upon the governors
prison reform policies in the legislature.
He continues:
what is the cause of the legislative
inefficiency summed up in this case,
which consists of ceasing service in
behalf Of the broad platform OF hui
manity adopted by the majority, when
SuCn course can benefit nobody but
handful of selfish interests? As a
rule, the longer a legislature is in ses-
sion, OF the same membership is sub
Ject to call in special session, the less
efficient it becomes from the stand
point Of public service. The exDlana-
ton is not difficult. The people. hav-
ing elected the legislature and defined
its duties, are likely to forget, or take
II for granted that orders once given
viii stand as a guide for legislative
action in any direction But the inter-
ests never forget or take anything for
granted They are always at work
stirring up strife, stirring up divisions
among the majority, and holding out
promise Of a political reward to fac
uons- This unceasing labor, both dur
Ing q session and between sessions, the
steady attack upon officers who re-
main true to their pledges, the creation
OF raise issues as means of attack
upon real but hidden issues, serve to
make the legislature dull to the pres
ence Of popular influence. or power.
The inefficient legislature takes It for
granted that the people have forgot
ten or no longer care, and that poIiti-
cal reward can come only through
those interests lowering around the
legislative elbow
Governor Hunt closed by advocat-
ing single legislative house.
Conference Closes.
ne conference of governors Of the
CLllec states came to d close at 1890 !
O'CLOCK this afternoon. By the official
program the last business session was
20 nave been held tomorrow afternoon. J
out on Wednesday the program was |
dcNdnced by holding an extra session
On Mount Manitou.