The advocate., 1895-01-16

secretary OF state, encouragement and super
intendenS OF public instruction, and provides
that any two Of them shall constitute quorum.
These officers are chosen without any REFER
enOe to their special fitness as aRanOi0rR They
are liable to be changed every two years. Tho
care of the school fund, now amounting t0morO
than S6 OOO, 900, involves great responsibilities,
and ought not to be left to the absolute control
OF two or three inexperienced men A change
In the constitution in this respect Is impera-
lively demanded.
Many other reasons, In my Judgment urgent
and unanswerable, might be presented In favor
of q constitutional convention. The expense,
presume, would be the most serious objection
urged against 10; but am satisfied that simple
clause limiting the power Of the legislature to
appropriate money and to allow the tncurrence
of debt by municipalities, and the further pro-
vision allowing the governor TO veto any clause
In an appropriation bill, would save the state
more every i've years than the entire cost OF
convention For these reasons it seems TO me
impracticable to make any violent or radical
changes In our laws now, but such amendments
might be made as will correct present incon-
sistencies or repeal unwise laws A new con-
stitution when adopted will neoessltatO re-
vision OF the laws to conform to new limitA-
tions
The Supreme Court.
Unless 1t Is intended and desired to deny
Justice to o large class Of our citizens, It Is
imperative that immediate steps be taken TO
relieve the supreme court OF some OF It's bur-
dens The increase Of business has been 80
great that the court is now hearing cases that
were filed four years ago, and at the rate OF
progress It has made since the commission"
expired, 1t will be six years before the caao
fled to-day can be heard.
rOho,a - oOvv a WanarnI daunnNA PPOnn tina nan.
pie Of the state for On intermediate or appel
late court. There seems no other feasible
method OF relieving the present congestion,
which works great hardship to many worthy
litiRants, especially those who have suits pend
ing against corporations, or persons wealthy
enough to be able to to take appeals for the
sake OF delay. If, however, court Of this
character Is established, I earnestly recon-
mend that it be temporary one. 1t could be
so arranged that 1t would terminate In five OF
six years, and any future legislature could pro-
vide for its continuance II it was found neces-
sary.
There ought to be a complete redlstrioting
of the state for judicial purposes, and reduc
tlon Of at least twelve districts in number.
This would save to the state in salaries Of
judges alone $4,000 per year. am not unmind-
full of the difficulties In the way OF redistrlct-
ing OF the state but have confidence to be-
lieve that this legislature has the good judg-
ment, courage and ability to carry out reform
which commends itself to the intelligence OF |
every voter In the state.
Permanent School Fund.
The investment Of the permanent school |
fund OF the state Is q matter Of grave public |
concern, and 1t should be guarded very care |
fully. There are about S6,OO0YO0O in this fund, |
Several hundred thousand dollars OF this |
money are reinvested every year Too much |
care cannot be taken In the uality OF the Sc
curities purchased The safety Of the fund is |
of the highest Importance, and should be pro-
tected more sacredly than even the funds In |
the state treasury.
During the boom period, In Kansas, while !
values were inflated, large amounts Of bonds Of |
various kinds we're purchased. would recon- |
mend that legislative committee be appoint |
ed to thoroughly investigate the securities on |
hand, with instructions to report the actual
cash value OF each, and to recommend such |
steps as may be deemed advisable to fix the |
Of Illegal investments, to collect
doubtful securities, and to suggest any neces-
sary legislation to guard investments In the |
future. And would suggest that this COM
mittee be appointed early in the session, so
that IL may report and recommend any amend
ments to the law that may be necessary for the |
protection Of the fund.
No penalty whatever is attached TO the vlo-
lation Of the law by the school fund commits
sioners, In regard to the class OF bonds they
may purchase for the permanent investment Of |
the various school funds. There are now thou
sands Of dollars invested in bonds which are
not authorized by law, and which may prove
total loss to this fund. Bonds have been pur-
chased that are not even recognized by the
eNna4 Ns..- NmN.k
Issued The laws governing this board should
be made more stringent and severe penalties
should be provided for any violation
Of them. Each commissioner should
give a bond as loan oflcer OF not
less than 100000, and the law should provide