The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1889-01-25
AFFAIRS OF STATE.
Message Of Governor Humphrey
to the Kansas Legislature.
The Outlook for the State Good-The Prac-
tice OF Issuing Municipal Bonds Criti.
cised-otlier Matters Considered
at Length.

Topeka Kan, Jan. 17.-Governor Hum.
phrey's message was sent to the Legisla-
ture yesterday. Following are its main
features:
To the Legislature: t4 t
The provisions of the Constitution AZ the sec
ond Monday in January as the commencement
OF the executive term and the second Tuesday
n January rs the day on which the Legislature
shall convene In regular session; contemplating
that the two events shall always occur on con-
secutive days BY reason OF an exceptional and
unforeseen condition Of things, the order Of the
dates thus fixed has this year been reversed,
and you have been in session six days The
duty also enioined by the Constitution upon the
executive at the commencement Of each ses-
sion, TO communicate Information and recon-
knend such measures as he may deem expedient,
has been performed by my immediate predec-
essor, whose term expired but yesterday.
Such an event has not occurred before under
like conditions in the States history. The in
cident of dates occurred in 1861, but the Cover
nor then elect was his own successor, and in
1896 a condition similar to the present will exist
unless the then Governor shall succeed him
SELF This unanticipated state OF affairs Is sug-
gestive OF the need of constitutional revision,
and prompts the inquiry, whether 1t would not
be well to provide by law that the outgoing
with his successor, to be delivered TO the Leg
tslature. a message reviewing the condition Of
State affairs since the last preceding regular
session of that body, with such suggestions and
recommendations as he may deem expedient
His experience necessarily gives him famil-
arity with the various interests Of the Common
wealth, and accurate knowledge of the condi-
ton and business requirements Of its institu-
tions and thoroughness OF Information in all
matters of public concern. This information
should be communicated to the Legislature
as early as possible after its organization.
and it would seem appropriate to devolve
that duty upon The retiring Governor For
practice We have a precedent in the valuable
retiring message of my distinguished prede-
cessor, Governor George T. Anthony, trans
united TO the Legislature on the 18th day Of
January. 1sTs. by his SUCCESSORS precedent
that should have the sanction OF the law.
As stated this duty has been performed by
my immediate predecessor in his message de-
fvered to you on Wednesday last: a message
covering every topic and embracing every sub
5ect of interest so far relates to the business
affairs of the State, including the transmittal of
the reports OF State and department officers,
and the boards in charge Of the several institu-
tions; together with many suggestions and re-
commentators touching future legislation,
based upon an experience covering the four
years of his fncumbency. These suggestions
recommendations
full consideration.
Under these circumstances feel IN a great
measure relieved of the burden involved in the
duty OF presenting in detail such comprehen-
sive review of the affairs OF the State as would
otherwise be demanded by the OCCASION and it
has been question not free from doubt in my
own mind whether l should not refrain alto
gether from intruding upon you at this tine.
But having been chosen ut the same time, and
Ui 81 n
ton and government, and being anxious. withal,
to establish relations OF cordial cooperation in
whatever may promote the general welfare,
have deemed it my right and duty to supple
ment the message already communicated to
You. briefly reviewing, by way Of approval,
without repeating. the recommendations there
in contained which seem worthy OF emphasis;
adding in a general way, such suggestions and
advice touching those matters Of special i'm
portance as have occurred to me In the brief
time allowed since the delivery OF the former
message.
CONGRATULATIONS.
First OF all. permit me to congratulate you
cordially as body, and individually almost
without exception on the result of the late
election. which restores to power in National
administration the political party which has
ever been dominant in Kansas. The termina-
ton OF the issues Involved in the election Of
Harrison and Morton has not only broken
the power of sectionalism. but has set
tied the policy of the Government for
years in the future. on the line OF honest cleo
tons, protection to American labor and Amer
lean industries, justice to those who peri ed
life and limb in defending the flag and the in
tegrity of the Union. foreign policy that shall
be jealous of the honor and consistent with the
dignity and power OF the Nation, henceforth to
he governed in peace by those who cherished
and defended it in war. 1 deem this proper
80 Sal. e.
canoe is not partisan but patriotic, pointing as
1t Goes to settled industrial policy in National
affairs, that shall quicken the business i'm
pulses OF the whole country with q renewed
prosperity, of which the South and the West
shall be the first 10 feel the talismanc touch
Nor can forbear reminding you for another
reason OF the fact that in your body, in both
branches, the dominant party OF Kansas has
practically an unanimous voice. and because of
this, an undivided responsibility resting upon
you, in all matters OF legislation affecting VI
tally the many and varied concerns of a great
State.
Bearing this ever in mind: coming. as you do,
fresh from the people; understanding, as you
DO, their wants; remembering the questions
discussed in the canvass and the promises made
on the faith OF which the people so generously
ave you their SURFACES, in all matters both Of
local and general importance, II is fair to as
tume that you will permit the full measure OF
popular confidence reposed in you to be ex-
ceeded only by your diligence in the conscien-
tious discharge of your great trust.
therefore briefly call your attention to such
promises rs were so made in the late campaign,
believing that you will make haste to vitalize
each ana every one by necessary and proper
legislation
PLATFORM PROMISES.
First-A continuance OF the policy that has
been conspicuous in Kansas legislation. friendly
20 the interests OF wage-workers and laborers
generally. and the further protection OF labor
against encroachment or influences tending to
degrade or iniure it by mere cheapness. through
unfair competition or any kind Of oppression
whatever.
Second-Such amendments to the present
law concerning apprentices as may he just
and necessary TO render it effective in the
protection OF the interests OF skilled labor
against unfriendly competition.
Third-Such legislation as shall secure the
weekly payment Of wages to employees OF munic-
ipal and private corporations.
Fourth-Legislation was promised reducing
The legal rate of interest upon money to per
cent. per annurl, reducing the maximum con-
tract rate to Il per cent prohibiting usury, and
providing penalties for violations thereof; and
this promise trust may be promptly enacted
into law. +t
Fifth-Another promise was legislation, in so
far as the State may legslate on the subject,
hostile to so-called trusts or combinations,
especially such as seek to monopolize food sup
plies, fix prices by controlling production and
eliminating competition. The packing house
combine TO drive out all other butchers and
control the cattle market is denounced as
especially odious. as If seriously sfIects one Of
the most extensive of Kansas industries. the
cattle business, robbing the producer and con-
sumer at the same time It has come TO my
notice recently that some OF the ties of Kan
sas are seeking 10 resist the encroachmerts OF
the dressed-meat monopoly by eaacting ordi-