The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1917-05-12
rur SENATE DESERVES PRAISE

THE SENATE DESERVES PRAISE.
Since tha special session 81 the state
Legislature has adjourned there has
been more or less criticism Of the at
t3tude OF the senate IN holding nut In
opposition . ~ certain legislation de-
Isired by abe house. thus keeping the
legislature In session n couple OF DAVIS
longer than would have been necessary
had these obstructive tactics not beea
employed. However. the action OF the
/ senate saved thousands Of dollars 90
the taxpayers Of New Mexico n Ina,
body. instead OF being criticised and
held up TO Scorn. should receive the
commentator VI the people os the
state.
As soon II was rumored that there
was likely to be an extra session sey.
erai OF the old political ~barnacies
stuck up their ears, as they scented
ia chance. in case the legislature was
convened. TO get through laws which
would result In landing some OF their
friends and themselves IN well paying
positions u is known that acme %
these men. even before the governor
had issued his proclamation calling
the special session. were hanging
around him trying to get his assent TO
certain bills. one u which was one pro-
viding for the formation ~ a cavalry
regiment.
When the legislature convened the
same old gnng was on hand to dictate
Just what should be done. Members 90
this crowd were on the floor almost
constantly. particularly in the house.
acting as a steering committee for
bills IN which they were interested
In other words. these men entirely lost
sisht OF the patriotic motives and
urgen; necessity which Inspired the
legislature to meet In special session
and attempted TO take advantage "
the crisis In the affairs of the nation
TO strengthen their political machine
Isnd fasten upon the people of this
sreat commonwealth burdens in the
way OF taxation which were absolutely
necessary and 10 provide fat positions
for political lame ducks -
IL should not be forgotten that IN
the senate there was unanimity Of ac-
tion-something unheard OF in this
state before, therefore the stand taken
By that body against certain steps pro-
posed by the house cannot in any way
be construed as playing politics. The
senate stood resolutely against the de-
signs Of the politicians In the house
and finally succeeded In bringing the
members Of the last named body to
time Senators Barth and Kaseman OF
B%ernaiiilo: Senator Clark Of san Mig
uel and senator Reinburg OF Dona
Ana were the leaders In this opposition
but they had the hearty and unflinch-
Ing support OF their colleagues ~
holding out against legislation which
they knew would not be approved by
the majority OF the people OF the
state.
The house, dominated by the Repul-
lican bosses. wanted an appropriation
OF $500. coo for state defense. which
sum was 20 be expended hy the val
committee This sum was not needed
Tor the purpose ~ buying seed fr~
the farmers and other legitimate eN-
pcnses. u vas hoped with this fund
10 organize u regiment Of state cavalry
o~stensibiy for border defense. but tho
real purpose Of which was TO provide
tat plums for some OF the boys This
idea. II carried out. would have saddlrd
an expense onto the state FOR which
there was no justification.
Also. the house proposed Ia levy o.
tax for building roads, an idea adj
yanced and nurtured by gentlemen
who hoped thereby TO have the m0ncr
spent in their vicinity; Il was, In fact
merely a scheme to get roads built 20
certain shesp ranches.
The senate blocked the scheme 90
loot tho state. for which that body de-
serves the thanks % the people. all
though the Republican majority there.
in Is not above oensure for failing 70
compel the rich mining corporations
OF the state 70 bear their just share
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