Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-02-01
OUR DETECTIVES.

we knew full well that it meant conflicts troubles
and heart -burnngs. Yet chose our course de-
lberately Since that time this paper has moved
steadily slowly, but surely toward those detectives.
We have been forced by others to turn aside and
fight few rather bitter and disfiguring personal
battles but they purely incidental Except for
the direction we took in effort to the pub
lie we would not have encountered the highwaymen
who waylad us.
New Mexico was dominated by special interests
A politico-fnancial combine had the people by the
throat The government controlled by those
wishing special favors One group wanted tax ex-
emptions Another bevy wanted public monies
without interest Still another crowd wanted to
control the land office Yet another group of petty
pferers in the various counties wanted their hands
in the public treasury their feet in the public
trough. There were those who sought power for
the sake Of power A few sought high place for
the sef-satisfaction which from the ear
tickling plaudits Of the crowd
All Of these had formed themselves into the
tightest political combine any state in the union
has ever seen. The mine owners contributed large
sums to campaign funds in return for exemption
which relieved them from paying larger in
taxes Banks, which beneficiaries Of funds
without interest contributed liberal sums. The
land office was made a political weapon with which
to help political friends and to punish political
emics. Its friends sweetened the pot"
Politicians controlled the newspapers and de-
vlsed the campaign issues so to array the good
and intelligent people in two hostile neutral
izng each others votes while the swag contributed
by the special interests used to control votes of
the ignorant and vicious for whatever purpose
pleased their masters
The local offices turned pap to
the workers who handled the voters. The organ
ization had the power it crayed and the ambitious
were placed in high office. Everybody was happy
he New had he m
backward government in the United States.
The objectives toward which the journal started
were to aid the people in breaking this combine and
in getting a government responsive to the will of
the people We sought a fair division of the bur-
dens Of government, equal opportunity for every
man and a square deal for the humblest citizen
The first move necessary to the breaking Of the
srangle-hold of this gang to deprive it of the
illegitimate revenues which It received campaign
contributions. Any thinking man knows that the
mine-owners will cease making large political
trbutions whenever they no longer need protection.
Therefore, to attempt to bring mine taxation to
point where merit would settle the amount due the
state of prime importance. This was
son for launching mine-tax fight The prospects
fair that the mineowners will get out of politics
very soon. We base this opinion belief thai
it will be financially Improbable to continue their
contributions, as they will need protection when
they submit themselves to reign Of law and justice.
Under the lashngs of the Journal nearly all pub
lie money is now drawing three per cent interest.
In some instances it four per cent. The land
commissioner still has something over 100000
which draws no interest. We forced him to turn
more than 100000 to the state treasurer by
creating adverse public sentiment. This money
now draws interest. When the people force public
monies to be divided pro rata among all banks
which qualify to receive it, and each get its
share a matter of law. campaign contributions
bork tbnrr yru
The journal prepared and pressed bill to pas
sage last winter which makes it unnecessary for the
cattle and sheep TO dig up" in order to get
justice.
Petty grating, by minor officials, is becoming
extremely unpopular As the graft stops campaign
donations will stop.
The time is rapidly approaching when only legt-
innate campaign donations will be available Then
the corruption of voters with money will cease.
When this time comes our greatest evil will ds-
appear Better government will follow. 70 cut off
illegitimate and excessive campaign funds was our
first objective.
To arouse the public to a new sense Of civic
decency and to establish ideals Of what the
people will require of their officials second
objective Great Roadway Is being made in this
regard.
To force officials and party organizations to-
recognize fidelity to the public a prerequisite to
success is our third objective. This is coming with
exceedingly tagging step. But it is coming.
When the people get chance in cleo
tion to speak they will settle this question. The
party which is not responsive to the needs Of the
people will lose. In this practical way the people
will teach politicians much-needed lesson OF faith
fitness to a trust.
Our fourth objective is the amendment of
election laws to procure secrecy in voting and
to prevent fraud. severe corrupt practices act is
essential part Of this program. Jail sentences
for corruptmists is the way to make them believers
in good government.
An adequate primary election law, which viii
give the voter the protection of secrecy in his choice
of nominees, is essential to the breaking up of
gang control. Primaries have their drawbacks, but
in New Mexico where the people punished by
the bosses for mutiny the secrecy OF primary is
imperative to relief.
There is infinite number Of minor matters
of governmental machinery requiring cure. These
will come readily enough when the major Ills are
remedied.
The great constructive things Of government
which will help the people to contentment must
await largely the Of these mechanical troubles
Why the gang throws rocks at and compels
to turn aside to protect ourselves is clear enough
There is not room enough in New Mexico for both