Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-03-04

the books. In fact, it contaiIh more words than it did
before. But because Of the facilities now provided for
the speedy amendment OF the constitution. that document
is Li.en no greater pernanency than an ordinary statute
has; it can be changed as readily; and it contains, there
fo'e' zone Of the real elements of a constitution.
That tremendous change. to which little real atten-
ten has been given, was inspired by the dictators of the
|No,rartisan league in order to facilitate the adoption OF
soc:slistic measures which would otherwise have been a
longer time before the people for consideration. Instant
action was desired. and instant action we have. Under
the state. subject only to the possible vote Of the people.
to a line of policy such as no other state has ever attempt
ed and the conditions are such that a popular vote, il
|taKen' Wall necessarily be taken amid conditions of strong
popular prejudice, rather than with the cool elaboration
that should characterize decisions which must affect the
future of a great state and the vital interests Of its pres
|ent and future population.
The state is committed to the principle Of state mo-
nopoly in its most important lines of marketing, in several
OF the most important lines of manufacture, as. for in
stance, Of flour and Of meat products: in banking, through
the state bank for which provision is made; in insurance
through its compulsory hail insurance and bonding pro-
visions; and in newspaper publication. through its news
paper bills. These are but a few of the items. but thew
are typical.
The state of North Dakota has no experience in any
OF the important lines of activity to which it is now COM
mitted. Its offictals. and the unofficial dictators who in
struct the officials In their actions, are unable to point to
the experience Of any other state, province or nation in
these matters under conditions like ours that such ex,
perience may be accepted as safe guidance for us. And,
for the financing of these enterprises, all of which are
purely experimental, SO far as we are concerned, proyis-
ion has been made for the raising of funds amounting to
some thirty million dollars. For such a state as Penn
sylvania or New York that would not be a large sum with
which to experiment. For North Dakota it means $40 for
every man, woman and child in the state, or 5000 for the
average family of five.
Back of this system of experimentation is the mos,
+'y1ahhlcal ana a1ctatorial spirit that has ever gained the
rascendance in an American state. The Nonpartisan league
movement is often described as a "people's movement"
That description is false. The league is organized from
the top. Such officers as it has had have been appointed
specifically in accordance with the will Of its chief organ.
izer' and its policies have been formulated by him, ano
by him transmitted to his subordinates and such as the
general membership as has been deemed proper from
time to time, not for consideration, but for immediate ex.
ecution. The rule of Mr.. Townley over a certain section
OF the people OF North Dakota is as autocratic as is the
rule OF Lenine over a certain group Of people in Russia.
The Socialist movement in this state, like the So.
cialist movement in practically every locality where II,
has made progress, is predicated on class divisions and
the incubation Of the spirit Of class antagonism. Citizens
have attended meetings for the purpose Of hearing politi-
- IA econon1c lSSueS dlScOSSed, and have been carried
OFF their feet by skillful, bitter and wicked appeals to class
prejudice. That which could not have won approval on
any sane and logical ground has been accepted as a means
OF Furnishing some mysterious persons or organizations
who Cor which) have been accused in some vague. but
plausible manner. Of "robbing the farmer"
The experiment to which the state stands committed
would be a grave matter il the men who had inspired the
action, and who. If the work is carried forward. will have
complete charge Of it, the selection Of sites, the letting o,
contracts, and the management Of the great business en-
terprises planned were themselves men OF demonstrated
business capacity. But from Mr.. Townley, the president
and dictator of the league, himself an insolvent. down
through his list Of major generals, the personnel Of tn.
league management IL one Of personal incompetency and
business failure. That does not brighten the outlook for
the people Of North Dakota.
And lastly, 10 far as this article is concerned. We have
the record Of the men conspicuous in league measurement
toward the government Of the nation, which has been one
OF hostility and contempt, As 1t has been one Of friendship
and sympathy with individuals and societie.. such as the
I. W. w. whose creed Is that OF crime, and who's. history
u ono 81 violsncs. b 4
North Dakota tAkss it, plunge into Socialism under
conda'ons which, sss not comfortable or reassurins.
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