The Monte Vista journal., 1913-01-18

political trades. The assemblies held
during the past year have proven con-
clusively that they too will be con-
trolled by the same influences, and
to an exaggerated degree. because of
the lack of responsibility Of assembly
action. therefore recommend that
the assembly feature Of the direct pri-
mary law be repealed, If 1t cannot be
amended to effectively carry out its
original purpose.
There has grown up the custom of
giving executive officers two terms of
office. The apparent reason for this
is that people believe one term of two
years is not sufficiently long to carry
out any definite policy. There is no
doubt that many evils in administra-
ton arise through candidacy for re-
election. | am thoroughly convinced
that only one term should be allowed
to elective executive officers, and
that II an additional period of service
be deemed advisable, the term of ser
vice be extended to four years and re-
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 should
be given every inducement to re-entei
the field, cheap water made available
and every possible means employed to
secure a 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-
walton of the coal. The expense OF
administration could very properly be
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 it is
operating, to make the act more ef-
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, l 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 1t enabled new localities
to secure settlers. Certain 1t is that
those neighborhoods that have en-
joyed free transportation have not
settled faster than those to which 1t
was refused. The need is for 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 ef-
ficient method Of Administration OF
the game and fish department. II our
streams can be kept we'll stocked with
trout they will prove a 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
men acquainted with the country and
with thorough understanding of
game conditions
Capitol Building.
For some time the State Capitol