The Time Not Propitious

Agitation of the questión of again submitting to the people au amendment to the constitution relativo to au Lacrease iu the salaries of certain state oflicers has already commenced. In view of the recent developments in amendment frauds, and the fact tlnit those guilty of the fraud are as vet uupunished, the time does not seem propitious to ask the people to again consider the matter. We are heartily in favor of paying all state officials enough sothat they eau give their best efïbrts to the service, and believe that a fair salary attached to the official positions will be the best guarantee of ellicient work that eau be given. We believe the ieople will willingly grant such compensation wlien the proper time comes. The recent amendment frauds are still too fresh in the minds of the voters to prevent them looking with suspicion on any attempt to tinkfjr with the constitution. We sineerely believe thatthere are several state officials whose salaries ouglit to be raised, and we would gladly vote for and advocate the raising of the salaries to a decent coinpeusation for the work done. The Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Attorney General, are especially deserviug, and ought to reccive better pay. But we belieye that the people would look with extreme disfavor on any proposition to increase salaries of state officers-elect. What their vote would be on an amendment raising salaries after expiration of present terms is diflieult to teil. lt is certain that the disgraceful result of the last vote to amend the constitution relative to an increase of salaries will make voters extremely conservative, should the matter come to them for decisión in the near future.