Rocky Ford enterprise., 1913-01-17

tndL II al duultiOudi pcliou VI beTVlCe
be deemed advisable. the term of ser.
election made impossible. By. adopt.
ing this arrangement and fixing the
time of the state election between the
presidential elections, the ballot would
be shortened, state politics to con-
siderable extent divorced from ma
tional politics, and voters attention
be concentrated on the direct issues
involved.
Mining.
There should be legislation to en-
courage mining. Prospectors shoul'
be given every inducement to re-enter
the field, cheap water made available,
and every possible means employed to
secure practicable scheme for the
reduction of low-grade ores.
There should be effective legislation
enacted for the preservation of the
lives and health of the workers in
the coal mines,- and the best conser-
vation of the coal. The expense OF
administration could very properly be
provided for by a small tax on the
coal output.
Banking Code.
A comprehensive banking code, con-
tanning the best known guaranty for
the protection of depositors. is imper-
atively demanded.
Protection For Our Securities.
Colorado has suffered much in the
past because of securities sold abroad
and afterwards found to be without
sufficient value. This state has made
its growth largely through borrowed
capital, and we must look to the same
source for many years to come tor
means with which to develop our re-
sources. If we are to secure this as.
sistance, we must see to it that paper
offered for sale has substantial back
ing; that enterprises projected are
meritorious. and that securities of all
kinds offered to the public represent
such value as will command the con-
fidence of the investing world.
Public Utilities.
Two plans are suggested for the
control of public utilities. The rail-
road commission proposes amend
ments to the law under which 1t is
operating, to make the act more eff
fective. 1t is urged that some i'm
portant advance has been made on
account of recent court decisions, and
that the surest way to save this ad-
vantage Is to retain thep resent law
and make it stronger by amendment.
The commission, however, suggests no
plan for including other public utili-
ties. On the other hand, bills have
been prepared. which, understand,
include the very provisions of the rail
way law already adjudicated and
which also comprehend the entire
field of public utilities. 1t seems to
me useless to have two commissions.
The time is ripe to abolish the pass
and franking evil. The pass system
has been defended by some on the
ground that it enabled new localities
to secure settlers. Certain it Is that
those neighborhoods that have en-
joyed free transportation have not
settled faster than those TO which it
was refused. The need is for a more
equitable adjustment under which the
travelling public would be placed on
an equality, the difference. in cost to
be used in lowering rates for all or
devoted to greater efficiency. To
avoid complications. the federal law
might be followed.
Game and Fish Department.
Perhaps one of the most difficult
problems is to determine a more eff
ficient method of administration of
the game and fish department. II our
streams can be kept well stocked with
trout they will prove great asset in
securing summer visitors. To accom-
pish this result numerous hatcheries
must be maintained and a better sys
TEN enforced to prevent the young
trout from destruction. Those placed
in charge of hatcheries should be
skilled in fish culture, and deputy
wardens should be active. industrious
game conditions.
Capitol Building.
For some time the State Capitol
building has been overcrowded. / be
lieve the new Museum building should
be arranged SO that IL will accommo-
date the Supreme Court, the Court of
Appeals and the library. BY this ar.
rangement. and by the proper adjust
ment of the offices of some of the
boards and bureaus. this crowded con-
dition of the Capitol could be relieved
and ample room provided for the con-
duct of the states business for many
years to come. In this connection II
might be well to consider the advis-
ability, in view of the near completion
of the new Museum building, of abol-
ishing the Capitol Board and placing
its duties in the hands of board of
elective state officials.
Conservation.
l believe in conservation in the
meaning of the prevention of waste
and monopoly. | am unalterably op-
posed to it in its definition of preserv-
ing things in their natural state unde-
veloped for future generations. I am
also opposed to putting our lands and
resources on a tenantry basis to pay
taxes into the federal treasury We
will never be able to settle our lands
and improve them properly unless the
people can own them. We can never
expect to discover and develop our