Heroic Figure Billy Judson

HEROIC FIGURE BILLY JUDSON

"Squatulant" on the Necks of the Legislators

ADRIAN TIMES SEES IT

The Adrian Times, Republican, Gives the Administration Terrific Scoring

A most scathing denunciation of republican politics comes from the editorial columns of the Adrian Times, the republican organ of Lenawee count, and a strong supporter of the election of those whom it now denounces. Mr. Judson is made particularly prominent in the editorial headed "A Day in Lansing," and which is here given in full:

Any thoughtful, disinterested citizen who will spend a day or two mingling in the crowd at Lansing at the opening of the legislature may study state politic very near the focus and speedily gain impressions that are neither pleasing nor inspiring. To the casual, unreflecting observer it is an attractive spectacle, a panorama of active life and political sagacity, where certain prominent citizens are lifted into the broad glare and others plunged into the shadows. Should the observer work his way behind the scenes and get a glimpse of the machinery, wit its array of dirty ropes and wires, he is likely to come away holding his nose and ready to swear that government by the people is a failure.

It is probable that never before in the history of Michigan has the machinery of office in Lansing been so absolutely dominated by two or three professional politicians. To be exact and specific, he whole organization at Lansing last Wednesday was dictated and controlled by Tip Atwood and Billy Judson, the ex-hog drover of Chelsea, made the puppets dance. And they did dance, though many of them scowled fiercely and threatened to kick off the capitol ceiling.

In the lobby of the Downey house it was openly charged by scores of applicants for petty places that Atwood and Judson, with the tacit approval of the governor, had a slate prepared long in advance, and it contained the name of every man to be appointed, from the highest state position to the humblest assistant janitor. Not one was overlooked and not one could by any possibility be appointed unless his name was on the slate. In former years senators and members had authority to designate most of the minor appointments, but this year they were not even consulted. The places were filled by a power superior to them. A few of the members whose friends were taken care of, looked happy, but there were fierce denunciation and dire threats on the part of the great majority who were ignored.

It is amazing and disheartening to observe the weakness of our free institutions, which permits two professional politicians to dominate the whole state, and practically grasp the legislature by the throat. If this condition is to continue, it would be well to erase the grand coat of arms of Michigan over the speaker's desk in the state house and paint in its place a heroic figure of Billy Judson, "squatulant," like a fat Buddha on the necks of the one hundred members of the house, while Tip Atwood's sleek figure should adorn the corresponding niche in the senate chamber.

An arrangement of this kind would tend to fix the responsibility and notify the people who are their rulers. A state campaign on the issue may become necessary in the future, and it can come none too quickly for the honor and welfare of Michigan.