El Nuevo mexicano., 1917-02-15
Most Inconsiderate

1t appears now that Mr.. II. o. Bursun
elected to private life by the voters by
handsome majority at the last election
yearns for the retirement which the peopl
rendered him, but is a victim of his friends
Mr.. Bursum, 1t seems, is anxious and eat
err to get away from the state capitol; al
xious to get off the floor of the house an
senate and eager to obliterate himself fror
public view in accordance with the suggei
ton of the electorate. 1t isn't Mfr. Bursum'
fault he is following the lieutenant governo
around nor telling the legislators what {
do; every time he tries to bolt for the raj
road station his friends grab him by tn
coattails, the lawmakers insist that the
don't know anything about passing laws
that they can't think or act without his d
~rection. that the legislature might as wei
adjourn as to try to do anything withou
that wise counsel" which the people so en-
Enthusiastically decided they could get aloni
without.
We get ali this from the Socorro Chieftair
which says:
1T is understood that Mr.. Bursum has
made several efforts to return home
and look after his personal business af-
fairs, and each time has been prevented
by a large number of prominent Repub-
licans who insist that he remain in a
ia Fe and aid them with his advice on
matters Of public Importance.
ut is known here in Mr.. .Bursum's
nome county and town that he is strong
ly in favor of the advanced legislation
needed for the rapid development Of the
great resources of this state, and IL the
Republicans will listen to him they will
make no mistake. 1t is well known that
in the past the Republicans have repeat
eddy refused to follow the advice given
by Mr.. Bursum, but have, instead, fol-
lowed other leaders, with the result that
the party has met defeat where it would
have secured victory but for the doing
f. of the very things he advised against.
st is understood that Mr.. Bursum will
again attempt to get away from affairs
OF state and retur to his private bust
but If the state is to be benefited by
his staying in Santa Fe his friends there
will join with others in insisting that he
remain a short time longer at the work
being imposed upon him." =
This puts a new and startling phase or
the situation. 1t gives rise to considerable
curiosity as to who all these prominent gen
tlemen are who are clinging desperately te
Mr.. Bursum, to prevent his going home be
cause the legislature of the state Of New
Mexico can't be run without him. The wide
divergence between the views of these gen
tlemen and the voters of the state makes
their identity OF intense interest to the pub
lie. sfs n
1t is interesting also to learn that the Re
publicans have been refusing to follow Mr.
Bursum's advice. Was this in the last cam
paign. when he advised them to nominate
him for governors? What advice of Mr.. Bur
SUMS was disregarded that resulted In his
defeat? This is something that the people
ought to know, by all means.
Did he advise all candidates to pay their
taxes? Did he advise reforms in the animal
bounty law? Did he advise a change in the
manner of building roads in Socorro county
or a reform in the state prison, or high
or taxes for corporations? Did he want
them to put an a~nti-corporation lobby plank
in the party platform? Did he advise re-
forms in the jury laws, making it impossible
for politicians to seek to pervert Justice in
this regard? Did he advise against the Re-
publican publicity campaign?
Well, anyhow-in simple justice to Mr..
Bursum we believe the people should pro.
test at the selfish attitude of "a large num-
Der Of prominent Republicans" who are in
considerably OBTAINING him at the legisla-
tive session, and preventing him from exer'
cising the coveted privilege conferred on
him by the voters of going back home and
attending to his private affairs. Just for
once we believe the people will be willing
to sacrifice their own desires and struggle
along in the laborious attempt to pass q few
laws without Mr.. Bursum's help. 1t might
be a good thing and give us more confidence
In ourselves If we could Just demonstrate
once that it was possible to hold a session
without his guiding hand. 1t may seem rev.
dictionary to suggest such a thing. but In
view of the result of the November Z cleo.
ton It is possible that the experiment might
be tried this year without much improperly.
And supposing he should die, or move away,
what would we do?
Meanwhile, who are the gentlemen who
are clamorinG desperately against Mr.. Bur
sums leaving Them to face the law making
responsibility all alone, with no brains nor
initiative nor experience nor ability to APP
ply to the task; who can't make a motion
unless Mr.. Bursum holds their hand?
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