New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1914-09-16
CAPITOL GOSSIP.

Where Congressman w. S. Hammond,
he Democratic gubernatorial candidate,
stands on the question of county option,
initiative and. referendum, the efficiency
and economy plan, good roads and other
saading issues featuring the present
sannpaign was made plain last week
yhen letter outlining his views on state
matters was read at the Democratic
gathering held in the Saint Paul Hotel.
When the meeting was planned it was
expected that Mr.. Hammond would be
present, but he is still busy in Washing
ION. It is expected that he will go more
INTO detail on the issues of the day in his
Eeynote speech in Red Wing, which is
now set for September %.
Mr.. Hammond's views were given
emphatic endorsement by those present
aad the committee members expressed
4 positive determination to see Mr..
hammond and the entire ticket through
70 the finish. Mr.. Hammond's course
m staying at his post of duty was highly
commended and the committeeman
Brought the news that Mr.. Hammond.s
absence from the state is not hurting his
candidacy, but his devotion to official
duties is making him lots of friends.
:If the other counties will give Hammond
as good majority as my county will,
victory is certain was the report of
almost every committeeman.
The county option portion of Mr..
Hammond's letter was listened to with
great interest. He said: Eat present
there is focal option, and much sentiment
in, favor of substituting county option
In it's place. The legislative campaign
.aais year is being made largely upon this
issue No member OF the next Legislature
elected by county option constituency
md standing as county option candidate
.iiM vote against it, nor will one repre-
senting a community opposed to county
1ption and standing as local option
:andidate. vote for it. Whether there
xilE be a change in the unit or a con-
sinuance of the present system will be
aetermined by the character of the next
legislature, and it will be-. in effect,
aer7ied as soon as the election returns
are known. No recommendation OF a
geyeenor will make a man pledged to
sa,gport county option vote against it,
aor- sne pledged to oppose vote for it.
The voice of the people is mightier than
She voice of governor when they
speak legislators must listen, and the
Governor as we'll, and both bow to sove-
reign authority. In November, Their,
ttae, electors themselves will direct the
s,ourse to be taken, and that course
should be followed by the members OF
she State legislature and by the Chief
EXECUTIVE" This stand is similar to
hat taken by Governor johnson and
governor Eberhart and both were
endorsed by the voters OF the state.
Mr.. Hammond strongly urged re-
3uction of state taxes, declaring that
sIThe legislative appropriations of 1913
.wceed those of 1911 in the amount OF
W.275. 1900. We must see that the
appropriations for 1915 be no greater
han they were in 1911" AS means
awards securing this economy, Mr..
n arnmond approved the plan of the
,ffcieney and economy commission for
.he reorganization of state departments,
ehe budget system for keeping expen-
afit11res within the states income, and
t}e> merit system of appointing state
employees
The good roads plank in Mr.. Ham
mond's letter was another important
matter, brought up. Mr.. Hammond
saws that every year ought to show
substantial gain in mileage and marked
hetternent in the condition of our high
Tays. But he points out that in 1918
there was levied for road purpose in this
state. Sc 500, 900. an increase Of 200 per
cent in six years. ALREADY complaints
are heard of the immense amount of
money expended he said. 1--WE do not
Vant this discomfort to ripen into
=1ntagonism to road building. Although
She legislature of 1913 enacted a very
comprehensive road law, the next legis-
Ature will undoubtedly give the subject
A1rther consideration and seek to remove
some of the causes of dissatisfaction with
existing road legislation.