The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1917-04-12
THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION
AND POLITICAL CONDI-
TIONS IN NORTH DA-
KOTA
BY r. A. LathrOp.
BY R. A. Lathrop.

The writer has felt that there
is much interest in political ques-
tons at this time, and a good deal
of misunderstanding throughout
the state in regard to many issues
and that therefore it might not
be out of place to discuss them
through the Pioneer. First let me
clear the Editor Of any guilt in
this connection as it was at my
suggestion. that the articles are
published, and are written in the
hope Of throwing some light on
matters political and with the feel
ing that people n in a mood to
consider questions before us with
a more open mind than at any time
during the past two years. Frank
and full consideration, and even
friendly criticism, can result in no
harm, and should result in good.
Of course it is not possible to dis
cuss legislative doings, (being a
member) without bringing myself
into it somewhat, and in fact
shall touch upon the things that
L have tried to accomplish, and
give something Of my trend of
thought along political lines, for
when one holds an office of this
nature the public is entitled to
know these things. This first num-
Der is more Of an introduction
than anything else and an outline
of the purpose, and some general
observations as a foundation for
what comes later.
The writer sent a letter to all
members elect shortly before the
Legislature met, which was sent
out in the hopes Of minimizing a
prejudiced attitude that was pre-
valent, largely unjustifed it
seemed to me- and in the further
hopes Of inaugurating some re.
forms in the procedure. In this
was laid down several principles
or beliefs, as follows;
|. First, The belief that every
member had at heart the welfare
of the state.
Second, That many have toe
narrow a conception of the of.
flee, allowing local interests tc
govern actions rather than state.
wide considerations.
Third, Lack Of liberation of the
opinions Of the "other fellow
and that if approached in the right
spirit differences of opinion woulc
make for balanced legislation.
Fourth, That we should not
place too great faith in Legislation
as a cure for all our ills to the
extent that we forget, and possibly
neglect, personal responsibilities
Fifth, The danger of one-sided
ness if any one faction attempt.
to govern by itself, without con
sideration Of the opinions of tn,
whole body, or opposition to tn,
secret caucus system which i
sometimes used in politics, nor,
\ frequently with bad results rathe,
than good.
It was my feeling that if tn,
secret caucus was put into opera
ton, as was talked at the time
that it could result in nothing bu'
driving the Legislature into two
camps where it would be Difficult
to accomplish things, as, man,
members would decline to enter in
to any system that bound then
to vote other than their own per
sonal convictions. The results i
seems to me confirmed this view.
The failure Of folks to realiz,
that a person may disagree upo1
some political or enconomic be
lief and yet be honest is tn,
greatest stumbling block to con
certed action, or cooperation
along any line, but yet otis tru,
and pity it's it's true". So i,
anything that is said in these ar
ticles, it is said with this though
in mind, that the rank and file O
people are honest in their intent
and purposes. Personally hav