The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-01-15

OF 1mpecun1OuS ana lrTeSpOusAoio iuCn-
When such parties are convicted, they lie
in iail until that portion of the sentence
has expired, and frequently months In
excess, being absolutely unable TO pay the
fines imposed. There is no way OF RIDING
the jails of this class of inmates, except
through an appeal to the governor for
of the fine. The result has
been. therefore, to flood this Office with
applications for such relief, coming from
the various counties throughout the state
indorsed frequently by county officers and
leading citizens. and reinforced by piteous
appeals in behalf of innocent and destitute
wives and children.
Most of the applications are denied;
some are granted, where careful inquiry
into the facts seem to justify. with the
exercise of the utmost caution in dIsposlng
specting the matter has resulted on the
part of certain good people who have failed
to appreciate the result OF the cnange In
the law herein recited.
The enactment of two years ago ought
to be reenacted to cure il of the defects
pointed out. or the authority to discharge
such prisoners should be reinvested In the
county commissioners under such 1estrlc-
tions as are suggested by the attorney
general in his report.
REVISION OF THE LAWS.
The report of the senate committee on
revision, created two years ago by resolu-
tion of that body, is in your hands. Blils
covering the several subjects considered
are likewise submitted. The report hav-
ing been very wisely given to the public
some time ago through the press, no ex-
tended reference thereto seems necessary
here. 1t is. however, due to say that the
committee has labored industriOusly IN
the discharge of the task imposed upon IL,
and the results of its deliberations as re-
ported are entitled to your most earnest
consideration. The measures submitted
are all designed to promote economy and
efficiency in the transaction Of the business
of the state, particularly in the manage
ment of its various institutions-educa-
tional, charitable and penal The compre-
hensive character of the report is indicated
by the mere recital of the subjects en-
braced in the several measures.
They contemplate radical reduction In
the amount and cost OF public prlning;
also, changes which will work a material
saving to the state in the management of
the penitentiary on the suggestion OF those
in charge of that institution; the conver-
sion of the state reformatOry at Hutchin-
son into an asylum for the insane; the
election of railroad commissioners by the
people; the creation of a department OF
agriculture in place of the present board,
W
pie, and perform, in addition to his other
functions, those of the present commits
sioners OF forestry and silk culture, which
offices are abolished; a revision OF the law
the fees and salaries of county
officers and reduction of the same, espec-
tally in the more populous counties, re
of the state for Judicial
purposes. reducing the number OF districts;
the regulation of banks and banking, and
the creation of bank commissioner;
revision of the laws relating to the
assessment and collection of taxes; trans
ferring the Soldiers home to the control
Of the State Board of Charities, and abol-
ishing the present board in charge OF the
home; a revision of the laws relating 10
the charitable and educational institutions
of the state, fixing the pay of the trustees
of the former at small salary and actual
expenses: instead of the present unfair
plan of per diem and mileage, and reduc-
ing the number of the regents Of the nor
NAL school and agricultural college from
seven TO five each, limiting their pay to
actual expenses; u reform in the matter OF
text books for common schools: an I'M
portant change in the state library and
historical society; the creation OF board
of public works to superintend the erec-
ton of all buildings of the state; the COM
piiation of all the acts relating TO state
officers with some amendments touching
the fees and compensation of the auditor
and secretary of state: including the abo-
lition of a number of boards and officers.
CORPORATIONS.
The secretary of state, in his very velu
able report, calls attention to the urgent
need of amending the law relative to the
creation and regulation of corporations.
AS it now stands, corporations may be
formed for any purpose, legitimate or
with no discretion lodged any
where TO determine and exclude on the
ground of character. The creation of
for purposes in vi latiOn of
public policy ought to be guarded against.
In Kansas il costs only the mere nominal
fee charged for fling the charter to create
a corporation comforting important powers
and valuable franchises. For this privi-
lege many states require all corporations
for profit in the prosecution or
business enterprises. before chartered, TO
pay a bonus or fee to the state based upon
the capital stock. Pennsylvania, as shown
by the report Of her auditor, derived the
sum Of 1874 53l so last year from this
source Such a law in this state would
Weld some revenue, cut off many of the
abuses complained of, and exclude parties
who take advantage of our present law to
incorporate here without expense TO do
business in other states.
The secretary of state proposes more
and satisfactory method in the
enrolment of the laws, together with
some wise and timely suggestions In re-
gard to the preservation of certain public
records, the cost of state printing, danger
to public property from unsafe boilers,
and other matters requiring legislative
LABOR LEGISLATION.
The reports of the bureau OF labor in
your hands continue to grow in interest,
and, what is more important, they exhibit
a very satisfactory condition of our indus
tries and OF the people employed in the
various industrial pursuits. The laws of
Kansas touching the interests of labor
generally, are commercially liberal and
in spirit: but with the devel-
trial interests come new demands on the
subject of labor which should be promptly
recognized.
The organized wage-earners of the state
will ask that the first day of September OF
each year. which they have set apart as
Labor Day" shall be made, by legisla-
ton. legal holiday, and the request
should be readily granted.
Some much-needed legislation will be
asked on the subject of child labor, TO
prohibit the employment of children of
tender age in mines, factories and work
shops. which should have early and favor
able consideration at your hands.
The time and manner of payment of
wages will also be brought TO your atten-
tion for appropriate action. II is a sub
ject not free from difficulty, but it is hoped
that some conclusion may be reached
which will be Just and satisfactory TO all
concerned.
The creation Of board OF arbitration
for the settlement OF questions arising be-
tween employees and corporations will like
wise claim your attention, with other and
kindred demands in behalf Of labor. On
all these questions much valuable in-
information may be found in the reports
of the commissioner Of labor, TO which
your attention is accordingly invited.
REFUNDING-LAw ABUSES.