Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-01-24
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.


pbrey's message Was sent to the Legisla
ture yesterday. Following are its mai
features:
To the Legislature:
The provisions of the Constitution fix the SCI
end Monday in January as the commencement
OF the executive term and the second Tuesda
n January as the day on which the legislator
shall convene in regular session; contemplatin
that the two events shall always occur on cor
secutfve days. By reason Of an exceptional an
unforeseen condition Of things the order Of tn
dates thus fixed has this year been reversed
and you have been in session six days. Tn
duty also enjoiDed by the Constitution upon tn
executive at the commencement of each ses
sion, TO communicate information and recon
Saend 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 undel
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
1895 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 it would moi
be well TO provide by law that the outgoing
Governor shall, in all cases. prepare and leave
islature, 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 famili-
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
as early as possible after its organization,
and it would seem appropriave 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 10 the Legislature on the 18th day of
January. 1oG9, By his successor-a precedent
that should have the sanction OF the law.
As stated, this duty has been performed by
my immediate predecessor in his message de-
iivered 10 you on Wednesday last: message
covering every topic and embracing every SUD-
1ect OF interest far as 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-
t1ons; together with many suggestions and re-
touching future legislation.
based upon an experience covering the our
years OF his fncumbency. These suggestions
and recommendations commend TO your care
ful consideration
Under these circumstances feel IN 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
1as been q question not free from doubt in my
)wn mind whether ! should not refrain alto
,ether from intrdding upon you at this time.
But having been chosen at the same time and
sharing with you the responsibilities Of legisa-
ion and government, and being anxious withal |
20 establish relations of cordial cooperation in
whatever may promote the general welfare, |
nave deemed it my right and duty TO supple |
nent the message already communicated to |
'ou, briefly reviewing by way of approval, |
Without repeating. the recommendations there |
n contained which seem worthy of emphasis; |
IddlrFE in 4 general way, such suggestions and |
Idy!ce touching those matters of special i'm
'ortance as have occurred to me in the brief |
ime allowed since the delivery Of the former
Message.
CONGRATULATIONS.
First of all, permit me to congratulate YOU
ordially as body, and individually almost
Tithout exception, on the result of the late
lection, which restores to power in National
administration the political party which has
yer been dominant in Kansas. The termina-
ION of the issues involved in the election of
harrison and Morton has not only broken
le power of sectioralsm, but has set
ed the policy of the Government for
ears in the future. on the line of honest cleo
ons protection TO American labor and Amer
an industries, justice TO those who periied
fe and limb in defending the flag and the in
'grity OF the Union foreign policy that shall
e jealous OF the honor and consistent with the
gnlty and power OF the Nation, henceforth to
Inv rba oh. |
nd defended it in war deem this proper
lbIect Of congratulation, because its signif-
lnce is not partisan but patriotic, pointing as
Goes to settled industrial policy in National
fairs, that shall quicken the business i'm
llses of the whole country with a renewed
rosperity. of which the South and the West
lall be the first to feel the talismanic touch
Nor can l forbear reminding you for another
,ason OF the fact that in your body in both
ranches, the dominant party of Kansas has
an unanimous voice, and because of
lis, an undivided responsibility resting upon
III. in all matters of legislation affecting vi
lily the many and varied concerns OF a great
tate.
Bearing this ever in mind: coming, as you do
esh from the people; understanding, as YOU
}, their wants; remembering the questions |
scussed in the canvass and the promises made
! the faith of which the people so generously
cal and general Importance II is fair to as
me that you will permit the full measure of
'pular confidence rePosed in you to be ex- !
eded only by your diligence in the conscien-
BUS discharge Of your great trust
| therefore briefly call your attention to such
omises as were so made in the late campaign.
lieving that you will make haste to vitaIize
ch ami every one by necessary and proper /.
gslation.
PLATFORM PROMISES.
tirst-A continuance of the policy that has :
en- conspicuous in Kansas legislation, friendly :
the interests OF wage-workers and laborers
nerally, and the further protection of labor
ainst encroachment or influences tending to
grade or iniure it by mere cheapness, through
fair competition or any kind of oppression :
latever
Second-Such amendments to the present
IS concerning apprentices as may he lust d
d necessary to render it effective in the I
election OF the interests OF skilled labor
ainst uEfriendly competition. 9
rhird-Such legislation as shall secure the
ekiy payment OF wages to employees Of munic-
II and private corporations.
was promised reducing @
2 legal rate OF interest upon money TO per .
ut. per annum, reducing the maximum con-
lct rate to l per cent. prohibiting usury, and
oviding penalties for violations thereof; and I
IS promise trust may be promptly enacted !
% law. g
f1ith-Another promise was legislation, in so
as the State may legislate on the subject,
stiie TO so-cailed trusts" or combinations. :
pecially such as seek to monopolize food sup |"
es, hx prices by controlling production and :
competition. The packing. house
ombine" to drive out all other butchers and =
1trol the cattle market is denounced as =,
pecially odious as it seriously affects one OF =
? most extensive of Kansas industries. the !,
tile business. roebing the producer and con-
ner at the same time. 1t has come TO INV
tce recently that some Of the c ties of Kan
are seeking 10 resist the encroachments of =
oressed-meat monopoly by euacting ordi- :. !.
noes requiring al beef to be inspected on II
t by city inspector before being put on sale !
such city This wonld sanrrn 10 i,o r..o.,;o.. $