The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1897-01-21
deem warrants in the order Of resl-,ra-

deem warrants in the order OF registra-
ton, and proper penalties should be pre-
scrlbed for violation of the provision.
The provisions OF the election law OF
the territory are not wen adapted to the
conditions existing here. The statute
should be so amended as to be slmplihed
and made less expensive and cumber-
some. IL voter should Indicate his
choice of candidates on the ballot by an
indelible pencil in place OF the rubber
stamp. there would be much less COM
plant of mutilated ballots. II Is hard
ly necessary to suggest that the proviso
In Section 6, Chapter 20 OF the session
laws should be repealed.
Your attention is called 20 the fact
that at least in two counties OF the ter.
ritory. the court house has been destroy
cd by fires since the last election, the
records destroyed. and that in those
counties there are no jury lists. II IL
earnestly urged that provision be made
Tor supplying this loss.
1t Is further recommended that a land
lord and tenant act. giving equal pro-
lection TO the landlord and tenant,
should be enacted.
There is no provision In our laws pro-
viding for the organization OF new
counties A well considered enactment
providing for the organization OF new
counties, providing the term OF Office,
and how the Offices shall be filled until
! the ensuing general election. would avoid
much confusion and expense. Greer
county was organized as a county in
Oklahoma territory In May. 1896 This
was after the taxing period, as fixed by
the statute of the territory, but imme-
/ dlately after the organization of the
| county. the officers proceeded to assess
the county for taxation for county and
territorial purposes for the year 1896. flx-
ing the value Of the property as of the
LIST day OF February. the period pre-
scribed by the statute. and compiled
with the law as nearly as they were
| able. Stll there were irregularities in
the assessment. which would probably
defeat the collection of taxes by a pro-
seeding in court, and a suit has been in
stituted to enjoln the collection OF taxes,
but the principal plaintiffs in this suit
are non-resldents of Greer county and
the territory OF Oklahoma, who Craze
stock in that country. These parties did
not pay any taxes for the year 1895. MOI
have they paid taxes on their property
for the year 1896. Most Of the resider Is
OF Greer county have paid their taxes
Ii Is earnestly urged that a law be pass
ed providing for the re-assessing or cur.
ing of the defecis that may have occur.
red in the listing and assessment of tn,
property for taxation In such cases a.
the above.
That Chapter II should be so amended
as to make railroad companies failing tC
fence their rlght-of-way, liable for al
stock killed by the running of trains
without regard to the question OF negii
gence in the management of said trains
While am opposed to class legisla
tlon and discrimination by law agains
any person or class of persons. l bel
to suggest for your careful consideration
the fact that the statutes of the terri
tory do not properly define the liabili
ties and obligations of certain corpora
tons doing business In the territory, an,
the rights of the people doing bushes
with them. well considered act oi
this subject would meet my hearty az
proval.
1t is luther suggested that the publ!
service would be improved by a Law
making II a misdemeanor for any rail
road company to give or any public of
fetal. federal. territorial, county 0
city, to accept or use, free transporta
ton within the territory.
To better protect the cotton GROWN
interests of the Territory Il Is recon
mended that a law be passed reguiatin
! the weighing Of cotton and to prever
fraudulent packing and bailing and I
prevent other frauds incident to that r
dustry.
The people ought to be protecte
against the extortlons OF the expires
companies DONG business IN the terr
tory. 1t Is earnestly recommended thu
: you give early attention to proper legi
lation on this subject.
Your attention Is called to the Tenne
see Centennial exposition to be held In IL
city of Nashville from May to Octobe
1897; also 10 the Trans Mississippi exp
sition at Omaha, Neb., from June
! November, 1898. Money expended in al
vertising the resources of the territor
at these expositions would. perhaps,
J wisely expended. 1t is suggested tn,
you make such provision for that pu
Z pose as may be deemed expeGient.
. In conclusion l desire to say that
, will be my pleasure to cooperate will
: you In matters pertaining to legislatio
, and have reason to hope and belle,
. that the work Of your session Will |
: we'll and economically done and the r.
suit of your labors will be satisfactor
to yourselves and merit ,he just al
. proval of an honest constituency. Wit
this end in view let us invoke the al
| and guidance of Him who Is the sourS
of all wisdom. w. c. RENFROW.
Governor.