La Junta tribune., 1916-09-02
PROSPERITY IN COLORADO.
Prohibition and Industrial Peace
Most Potent Factors In Bringing
This Condition About.

The remarkable prosperity and
growth which Colorado is enjoying
this year is in evidence everywhere
II is seen in the crowded condition OF
Denver's streets, in the congested con-
dition of her hotels and restaurants,
in the revival of building which is
greater than in any year since 1910.
and in all the statistics oDtainable at
the State House.
For instance the number of auto
mobile licenses issued in the whole
Of 1914 was 1876. Up to July LIST,
OF this year there had been SO. .O12 is
sued. The receipts of the insurance
department from January l, to July
81, 1914, were s323.47s.l7. During
the same time this year they were
SS6O,422.03. The fishing and shoot
ing licenses brought in s23,914l5
IN the first seven months of 1914.
and 1872 504.l7 for the same period
this year. The oil inspector turned
in S6,s3S.56 up to July 3lst, in
1914, and sl4,116.27 this year. And
so II goes in every department ex-
cept two. These are the courts,
where there is marked falling of
IN litigation, and the penal institu-
tions where the decrease in the num-
her OF inmates is causing much CON
cern lest the mileage OF convict built
roads will make poor showing in
comparison with previous years.
OF course, a number of factors
have contributed to this happy re-
suit, but certainly everyone not
blinded by partisan prejudices must
admit that two of the most potent
factors are prohibition and the in
dustrial peace brought about by the
present state administration.
Labor is better paid than ever be-
fore, is In greater demand than for
years, is generally happy and con-
tented: while capital is showing re-
newed confidence in the fairness OF
our courts and people and is making
Investments more freely than for a
long time.
The Utility Commission and the
Industrial Commission, both pro-
duets OF this republican party. have
| made a remarkable record and have
not been seriously criticised by any
responsible body OF citizens. The at
tack on the Industrial Commission
made a week ago by few labor afi-
,at0rs at Colorado Springs, who at
The same meeting endorsed the beer
amendment and opposed woman's
outrage. was In reality the greatest
Sind OF tribute to their honesty and
iair dealing.
The voters OF the state will have
m opportunity on September l2th,
TO show whether they really appre-
ciate the opportunity OF selecting
candidates for public office. on that
date the primaries will be held. Two
years ago the lack Of interest shown
was astonishing. In the entire state
the vote east was only thirty-five per
cent OF the November vote. Strange
10 say the farming communities
made a much poorer showing than
the mining communities and the
large cities. For instance in Mesa
county the primary vote was only ls
per cent OF the November vote: in
Delta county 90 per cent: in Ere
mont and Prowers counties 25 per
cent; in Weld 27 per cent: while in
Lake II was As per cent; In Pueblo
81 per cent and In Teller 6l per cent,
This seems to Indicate that the
farmers and ranchers are unwilling
TO take time from their farm work
TO assist In making nominations.
II this indifference continues there
viii inevitably be an agitation to re-
peal the primary Law and return Il
the old boss-ridden convention sys'
ten. II took years and years o'
hard work to bring about this grea'
reform. and Il is little less than .
disgrace that the privilege OF givinl
every voter the right to help seloc'
his party's standard bearers is no
more generally appreciated.
Denver. August 2sth.