The Colorado statesman., 1923-02-03

N
e. tive legislation.
However, the country will watch the
acts of their representatives in the
State Assembly with diligence; and
woe unto the one who is caught say
Ing coo, coo, Coue!
The oldest member of the House Is
Simpson Il. Butler of Denver, who is
81 and still going strong. What this
veteran thinks no one knows, for wis
dom has taught him silence. The young
est member is Ralph Kullerstrand of
Ouray. That name ought to get him
somewhere, and 1t might be well to
make note of 1t.
Already we think we note an evil
In our Legislative procedure. 1t is
statutory enactment that all bills must
be introduced the first fifteen days of
the session, the appropriation bills
alone excepted. The result of this pro-
cedure is II great flood of bills, which
pile up at once, and WHICH is almost
certain 10 produce legislative indigesS
ton; the hopper is so full that the mill
grinds slowly, and sometimes it is
choked up, because of the avalanche
of stuff" that is fed into it at once.
We are honestly in doubt whether ii
is wise plan to follow or not
Much criticism is heard everywhere
about our civil service law. In one re-
spect it is a success, namely, in build
ing up bipartisan machine, says
one; another argues that civil service
does not necessarily mean the best
service" and we suspect that there is
wisdom in both suggestions.
Recently the writer has been serv-
ing as member of a committee of
five to visit the state Institutions and
make report thereon for the Legisla-
ture. Without going into detail, we
will say that 1t has made us a little
prouder of our state to visit these in
stitutions and to see the magnificent
things that Colorado is doing for her
unfortunate and dependent citizens.
Comparisons are invidious; but If the
parents of boys and girls could see
just what is being done for those who
have stepped aside 1t would do their
hearts good. And to the men and
women who are employed in these in
stitutions we take off our hats to them
all. If there is finer type of humani-
tartan service performed anywhere we
do not know of it. All hail to Colp-
RADIO and her workers in this regard.
Poverty has its compensations. The
other day Representative Rees was
called before the bar of the House TO
explain where he secured his new tie,
the same being one of the flashy red
variety. We refer to this here only
because the salary paid a representa-
tive is so small that the appearance
of such an article of apparel may well
excite alarm, especially as lobbyists are
abroad in the land. We are going TO
play safe. for we have brought all the
old ties with us which admiring friends
have given us for Christmas, 10, these
many years.
If our constituents are proud of
their representatives and senator's this
winter, because of their magnificent
oratorical achievements in public life,
it is only fair to give credit to the in
spirntional effect of Denver's climate.
by golly, there are some wonderful
tlings up here, and we are-enjoyln'
'em.
Attorney Pershing addressed the Bar
Association and certain members of
the Legislature on the administrative
code proposed by Governor Sweet We
hear that Pershing is Republican,
but we really don't think thht hurts
him much-and the governor is wise
in his method.
OF all legislation the most talked of
is the proposed new administrative
code bill recommended by Governor
Sweet and introduced by Representa-
tive Lacy. This bill would dispose of
seventy-two boards and bureaus and
organize and departmentlze the state
government under nine heads. the es
timated saving of which would be
$534, 900 to the taxpayer.
Labor, too, is certain to fare well
during the session. Not many measures
are being asked for, but the efforts
are being centered in a few items of
real worth.
One bill proposed, If enacted into
law, will do away with the board of
capitol managers; there seems to be a
general demand for such legislation.
Child welfare bills are not being over
looked, nor is the question of prOhi-
bition. All state institutions will be
cared for In worthy way
Routt County Land Opened for Filing.
Denver.-The throwing open of 1900
acres of land in the heart of the an
thracite coal fields of Routt county