The weekly times-record. (Valley City, N.D.) 1912-1922, 1919-02-06
RESOLUTIONS
ARE DRAFTED

duOpI .CHe 1O1lOWlHS RESOLUTIONS ana
sumbit them as out tenets and de-
clarations of principles:
We re-afhrm our belief in the prin-
ciples Of democracy that have obtained
in the United States since the incep-
ton of our government. AS Ameri-
can citizens imbued with the spirit of
democracy, we view with serious mis-
givings the present political condi-
tions in North Dakota and we con-
denim the actions Of a few self-ap-
pointed leaders and agitators who
have fastened themselves on the body
polite of this state and who, through
coercive and un-American methods
are trying to divide the people of the
state into two classes-a dominant
minority and subservient majority.
We condemn the radical socialists in
the Non-Partisan League for repudi--
ating the platform which won them
their election. Having gained the con-
fdence Of a majority Of the voters by
proclaiming through their newspapers
and public speakers that paramount
measures enacted by them would be
referred to the people for approval,
they are now attempting, by the arbi-
trary use Of the Emergency clause to
prevent vote on the most vicious
measures; measures that will involve
the expenditure of millions of dollars
of the taxpayers money. We be-
lieve in the eternal truth set forth by
Thomas jefferson in the Declaration
of independence, that governments de-
rive their just powers from the con-
sent of the governed, and we condemn
the present political regime Of the
state for enacting legislation that in
voles the expenditure of millions Of
dollars, and that may seriously i'm
pair the states credit, without first
obtaining an intelligent public ex-
preston by free discussion any by a
majority vote.
North Dakota's school fund, which
is larger per capita than that of any
other state in the union, has always
been a source of pride to our citizens.
We are fully sensible to the fact that !
we hold this fund in trust through a
sacred compact with the federal gov
eminent and we are emphatically OPP
posed to any legislation that will
place this magnificent fund at the
mercy of private political machine
for speculative purposes.
We feel that the educational de-
partment of our state is one of SUI
preme Importance and that it's inf1u |
ence upon the rising generation can
not be overestimated. We, therefore,
condemn the late superintendent of
public instruction, N. C. Macdonald,
who, while aligned with faction that
boasts Of it's democracy, now obstin-
ately refuses to bow to the verdict of |
the people, expressed by ballot, but
who is employing the influence of the
present state regime in an effort to
perpetuate himself in Office; and fur
Their, we most alphabetically condemn
the pernicious activity of members of |
the state administration in obstruct-
ing the work in the office Of the pres
ent state superintendent.
We further condemn the pernicious
and un-democratic method in which
the laws proposed to the Sixteenth
Legislative assembly were submitted |
to and passed upon in secret caucus,
to by radical socialist lead
ers.
We further condemn and deprecate |
legislation forced upon land owners
Of the state, embodying the Single
tax, which saddles upon the farmers
an unjust burden Of taxation.
The people of our state having vot-
ed in favor of the establishment of a
state-owned terminal elevator and
there being logic in the argument
that such elevator would be more as
sured of success, provided -four mill
were built by the state and operated
in connection Herewith, we are in
favor of having established as speed
lily as possible such terminal elevator
and flour mill, such industries as state
owned being, however, in the expert
mental stage, we believe that that
two million dollars is the maximum
the state should invest there
in at this time. We are, however, not
in favor Of using the states credit or |
resources for experimenting in other !
state-owned industries until such time
as the state-owned elevator and mill (
have been fully and fairly tried out.
We favor the enactment of non
partisan primary election law for
state, county and legislative officers.
we are LII ldVOI VI dIlISIlOl1S Clc |
law touching the appointive power of
the governor. Too much power plac-
ed in the hands of one man is not con-
lucive to democracy. We are in fav-
Or of having our laws so framed that
no state officer or appointee can be
removed without cause
We are in favor Of putting forth
every effort to eliminate the dissen-
sion that has been created by the
of class hatred and we
pledge ourselves to labor to bring
about just dealing with a diversity of
interests, to the end that the state as
. whole may enjoy increased pros
,erity.
Inspired with feeling Of deep
gratitude that the World War has
ome to an endSwith victory complete
or the allied forces, we desire to ex-
,ress grateful appreciation for the
ervices Of the men of North Dakota t
Who have so nobly and heroically done
heir full share in upholding the ira |
itions and history Of American pa
riotism, love of freedom and devo-
ion to the principles on which our ma |
ion and our constitution are founded. {