The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1915-01-18

~RoBARLY By the time his III
printed The house committee
Of privileges and elections at
santa ~ viii have considered the
contests against three Democratic
members of that body, placed in the
hands Of the committee BY Inc speak
cr last Friday. Il may be that tho
committee win have determined upon
fs recommendation to the house;
which. in view OF the political com
plexion % the house, Is likely TO
mean the nnal action.
Il has been rumored freely about
santa n with hat singular freedom
y with which rumor circuiatcs in the
capital. that the three Democratsc
- mentbersh sxo from Union county
and one from sierra, are 20 be UNI
seated. whether there is ground FOR
the contests or not-because the Re-
publican majority. or liz leaders. de-
mand a two-thirda majority In both
houses. giving the parry control Of
legislation without regard 20 the ex-
ecutive veto.
We do not believe this rumor TO be
true. and we will persist in refusing
20 accept Il ne true until final action
by the house shall have confirmed a.;
and should the house take such arbi-
trary nnsi action we. In conjunction
with some Atty thousand New Mexico
voters. win have been bitterly dis
IA. -u-Lf-faa H. -. auts- e.g.. ~
face value the statements OF the
speaker. Republican hoase leaders
and Republican party leaders at the
opening Of the session. that fairness
toward the minority and square deal
ing with the people are to be the
dominant forces in control OF this
{, - f4ahfAtufe. rpfssff~
The people, az well as the mem
bers OF the house Of Representatives.
81 should be placed In possession OF all
The facts In connection with these
contests before FINAL action Is taken.
In this way only can the majority
deal fairly with the minority and
s~auarely with the people.
II Il can be shown that the three
Democrats heing contested. or any
or them. hold their seats By reason
of Illegal voting. or other fraud or
election irregularity. there can be no
harm In stating the case fully and
fairly 10 the people. Il Is their right
!. 20 know. In fact everything can be
gained 20 the majority by such d
course, II the Democrats being con-
tested are holding their seats through
a wrong, the people do not want
them there.
But hasty OF summary action vii
leave the Inevitable and iadelibi'
impression with the people that II
unseating these Democrats-if the,
shall be unseated-the majority IL
the house has been guilty OF a grave
wrong. That popular feeling will b.
sufficient TO counteract. 10 a larg'
extent. an the sound and thoughtfuliS
consir cred legislation tho majority
may pass. In ~ far as It's position
go with the people h concerned. And
this feeling Of a grave public wrons
will be universal. unless the people
are given facts TO the contrary. fact
beyond dispute. and time 10 consider
and digest them.
The day OF the strong arm, m
mailed hsi. the big stick TIE steam
roller IL gone In This state. Men Is
powerful positions in the majority
party al santa Fe may not believe
this. Bu, II is true; and an injustice
an unsea,ing without cause Of hon
estiy elected citizens from thei
places In this legislature. an unseat
Ing o. these men without conyincinl
the people first that the action 3
l just. viii teach such men the. hna
lesson. The people cannot be con
WINGED Of the Justice Of this actlo
after a is committed, whether IL
Just or NOS. ~ the record Of th
majority party ne Santa pc were al
ferent. the situation might be ali
ferent; but that record II one % ~
- Justice. The majority party. unles
a desires 20 deliberately sacrific
its admitted advantageous position
should proceed In this matter wit
thought and care, IL should, 20 pu
ID biuntly. proceed fairly and honest
~ with the oon,ostees and the pee
nile as II has promised 90 DO.