New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1919-01-03

of irrigation that has been practiced
here since the early days of colon
ization in the Sixteenth Century, II
by far the most satisfactory and cer-
tain of productiveness; hence every
acre of land susceptible of irriga-
tion should be utilized. Many thous-
ands of acres in the Rio Grande val
ley, OF as rich soil as can be found
any where in the world, are now con-
verted into swamps and thus lost to
the farmers plow. Some method or
process of drainage should be adopt
ed and put in practical operation
for the purpose of reclaiming this
vast area of most valuable land. at
the earliest possible time.
/ The people have right to de-
| mand that economy, as distinguish
ed from extravaganza, be practiced
and observed in the administra alton
of the Government; yet, taxation, be
it ever so light, IS always a vexa-
tious proposition, and one that in
the nature of things cannot and will
not deal with equal justice in all
cases, and this by reason of its COM
plexity which battles all efforts. be
they ever SO we'll intentioned, to find
general rules or to make classifica-
tions which will apply with equal
justice to kindred subjects of taxa
tion, differently situated and condi-
toned. At its very best. that is
matter that requires the best and
undivided efforts and constant study
and attention Of men qualified and
mentally equipped for that delicate
undertaking. On this subject such
legislation will be recommended as
shall be considered to be best cal
culated to accomplish the desired
results.
I might properly close my remarks
at this point, without further taxing
your patience and benevolent at.en-
ton; but I am loath to let this op-
portunity pass without calling the
attention of the young meh of our
State to the lessons taught us by
the happenings OF this day, so emin-
emily calculated to inspire US all to
higher and nobler eforts and end
eavor
Men are born under vastly diff
ferent conditions and circumstances; Il
and the poor mans son who measures
his probabilities Of success in life
by comparison with the means that
capr:cious fortune has scattered in
the path Of wealth and influence is
apt to lose heart at sight of what
at first glance may appear to him
to be a most unequal struggle; yet,
if he will only appeal to his Mother
land for counsel and advice, he will
hear the encouraging voice of his
beloved country say to him: My
son, be not disheartened by the cir
cumstance of birth; you are all my
ch ldren and, within the pale of the
law. you all stand on an equal plane,
with equal rights. with equal pri-
vilegcs and with equal opportunities
for, behold If it fell to the lot of
the immortal Washington, born of
rich parentage, to lead the Armies
of the Revolution and to secure the
of your country, it be- !
came the glor GUS privilege of the
son of toll and labor to save that
from destruction, to unity
it and to make it the proud and
noble nation to which you belong"
and so it has come to pass that both
in life, typified in Lincoln
and Washington, upon the altar Of
our common country. now receive,
and for generations without end will
receive, the undivided respect, vene-
ration and loving gratitude of man
kind.
Those two noble figures, surround
ed by a bright galaxy of resplendent
names who adorn the political firm
ament of your country, proclaim to
you and to the world that in the
land of the Stars and Stripes there
are no privileged classes, but that
The avenues to place and distinction
are open equally to you all, If vou
will but do your part, and follow
strictly the road that leads to i'm
But remember, my young
friends, that there are no short cuts
you may reach that end;
hose short cuts that always look
INVITING and alluring, invariably prove
'atal and end in tragedy; there is
,ut one sure road to success, and
hat is not a path of roses either.
t is rather Via Dolorosa, such as
marked the progress of the innocent ,
martyr Of Golgotha; but At the end
here is crown. |;
Hence. / say to you. young men OF
lew Mexico, who. are now basking /,
n the bright sunlight of life's allur- /.
ng spring-time. if you would still add ,,
Al Al l !
ory of our State, seek inspiration
rom the great men that have arisen
rom the various walks of life in our
ommon country, and you will not
all, for it has been truthfully said /
y a poet that,
Lives of great men all remind US
We can make our own sublime,
And, departing, leave behind US T..
on the sands of time"