The Delta independent., 1920-10-29
A STATEMENT TO THE VOTERS
OF DELTA COUNTY.
Third Of Series Of Letters by r. r.
Rockwell. Republican Candidate
for State Senator.


In discussing the work of needed
legislation for the next assembly, /
wish to first call your attention to
my idea of state government. I be-
lieve that it is the function of state
as well as national government to
give to every man equal opportuni-
ties, knowing no difference between
employer and employee, between FAR
mer, business or professional man. All
have their rights and responsibilities
toward the state and all deserve the
same protection. On this policy our
forefathers wrote our constitution and
on this policy our country has grown
to be the greatest Republic in the
world. Any change in these fundamen-
tai principles will lose to us and our
descendants advantages which we now
have.
II is on this issue that the Nom
Partisan League is opposing me. l am
and have been for thirteen years ac-
lively engaged in farming, stock
raising. and fruit ranching. recog-
nize as well as any man the difficult
ties OF unorganized labor and the In
organized producer. do not however,
believe that class legislation which
would exempt farm implements from
taxation, or state ownership of pack
ing houses and elevators to be han
died by political employees at state
expense. will benefit in the least our
present conditions. ] do believe. how
ever, that such a program carried out
both state and nationally as is no
doubt intended, will eventually lose
to us the benefits of our present op-
portunities and will result in class
hatred. class government and perhaps
destruction. These theories lose sight
of the human selfishness of indivi-
duals. Class legislation is contrary to
our history and oppose it even
though I am of the class supposed to
be benefited.
On the other hand. l do believe in
organization of individuals for bust
ness purposes, as is shown by the fact
that l am at this time president of
the Delta County Live Stock Associa-
ton. and a member of the Advisory
Board OF the State Stockgrowers As
sociation. The Republican State plat
form recommends and endorses coop
erative organizations of farmers. with
laws to compel railroads to build trac-
kage to their elevators etc. 1t declares
for state regulation of packing houses.
elevators etc. II they interfere with
the proper distribution of food detri-
mental to the producer. 1t is absolute
ly opposed however to any kind of
state ownership.
or the needed legislation at this
time l shall mention
1. A code such as is now in effect
in Illinois to cut out all needless
Boards and Bureaus and make the
rest responsible to the Governor and
the people. Such a law should save
thousands OF dollars to the tax PAYERS
and result in much greater efficiency.
2. A Blue Sky Law that will make
II possible for investors to find out
the assets. liabilities and moral stand
ing of stock companies doing nusi
ness In this state.
B. Some sort of uniform text books
\ in the public schools. As is known
have twice endeavored to pass this
bill, and last time succeeded in get
ting II through the House, but 1t was
killed by the Senate committee.
4. a bill similar to the one | pre-
scented last session compelling the
railroads to maintain an average rate
of speed of at least 12 miles an hour
while Transporting live stock and per-
ishable goods.
S. A change in the Highway Com
mission so that we may get less poll
tics and more results for the money
spent on state roads.
6. Full recognition for all institu-
tions on the western slope as those on
the eastern slope.
In conclusion let me say that | be,
lieve that the educational amendment
should be passed for the benefit of
our institutions of higher learning.
II 1t does | pledge myself to do all in
my power to see that the Gunnison
Normal gets its proportionate share
of the money expended.
II you see Fit to elect me to the res
ponsible position of State Senator I
pledge myself to carry ont the plat
form stated above to the best OF my
ability.