| Show TOO MUCH ECONOMY THE new state ot south dakota starts in business with the longest constitution and smallest salaries of any of the western commonwealths even the territories in most cases having a 9 higher payroll the constitution is just three times RB as long BB ao that of the united states a circumstance said to be owing to the fact that there were so many committees appointed by the convention that framed the instrument nearly every subject was referred to a separate committee and each committee persisted in having its report duly incorporated the result being a tediously and unnecessarily proux prolix document that might have been brought into one fourth of its comps compass and nd still be expressive and comprehensive enough for all immediate purposes in the matter of salaries the governor Is ie to have the munificent sum of 2600 the supreme court judges get the same earah amount less we believe than is paid such a position ADY anywhere Where in the country except perhaps portions of new england th eState treasurer will be paid 1800 per annum allum and the attorney general only 1000 this comes v very ery near being a beggarly array for men who have to devote their time attention and ability to the state a berte certain amount of dignity and appearance pe arance aranco must be maintained and they will scarcely be able to do so on laborers wages if the constitution makers were so severely verely ee economical because of a knowledge that is common to us an all that no matter how bow low the compensation aPen gation for places there can call be found plenty of men willing to take them it has not not as we look at things acted 41 wisely for it is a measure which virtually decrees that only rich men or those in independent circumstances can hold office this is not only an imitation on a cheap scale of places where titled aristocracy holds swa yand is therefore undemocratic and but is in effect a notice to the ranks containing some of the brightest talent and best ability in the land that they must keep out of politics this would not seem to be an auspicious beginning a new state like an old one has its proportion of comparatively poor men and they are often its chief pillars the legislature is to consist of 43 senators and vesting one third more than california and a few more than new york the constitution provides that the bonded debt shall never exceed and all appearances except the size of the legislature are are to the effect that the limit win will hardly ever be approached still it is a great and glorious thing to be invested with state sovereignty to have the privilege of employing and discharging your servants in accordance with your own will to pay your own debts and receive your own obligations the defects in the dakota charter can be attended to when the new machinery gets into fair working order we certainly have naught but good wishes for our enfranchised neighbor |
