The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-01-08

claimant. his heirs or legal representa-
tiVes. certificates Of Indebtedness bearing
interest at per cent per annum from
July 4. 1861. for the amount Of his claim
al assumed. which certificates were made
commencing on the 1st day of January.
1880. In accordance with the provisions
were issued. an dthe obligations so evil
denced are entitled to payment as any
rants were paid with the exception of
those maturing February i. 1898, and Feb
these claims is SO 1925 The credit of
the state having been pledged to their
payment. an appropriation should be
made for such purpose
IRRIGATION.
The question of the irrigation OF the
serni-arid lands of the west is one OF
great importance. in which the general
government has been taking an interest,
and In which il viii in all proba bility take
INCREASED interest in the future
The question OF the natural flow OF
water in our Kansas streams is an import
amt one would suggest the passage of
a law making. the forestry commissioner.
by virtue Of his office Commissioner Of
irrigation. with such powers as viii en-
able him to prosecute and defend suits
looking to the protection of riuariau
rights along such streams and authority
g represent the state on all questions Of
the national government.
SCHOOL TEXT BOOKS.
There seems to be general desire
among the teachers Of the state for a bet
schools At the recent session Of the
State Teachers association a resolution
association to be in favor of an amends
ment to the text book law. to enable the
books Of the day for use in the public
schools
I can your attention to this matter, that
you may take such action as may be con-
sidered necessary
SPECIAL LAWS
The constitution provides that ssin all
cases where a general law can be made
applicable. no special law shall be en-
acted This provision OF the constitu-
ton has been largely ignored, and many
laws of a special nature have been passed
at each session Of the legislature. The
people can hardly be expected to have the
high regard for The CONSTITUTION thew are
supposed 10 entertain when the law
makers themselves are guilty Of its open
and willful violation To such an extent
vision Of the constitution. requiring that
every bill shall be read on three separate
emergency. but the reading Of the bill
BY sections on its final passage shall in
.ly disregarded. and at the close of every
session a large number Of these local
and passed without any knowledge
upon the part of the members
of the legislature OF what they really
contained; and IN many cases the execu-
tive has not had time to examine them.
signal lure by reason OF the expiration OF
the three days within which they were
The legislature should correct this ma
grant and growing abuse 4 shall feel
AZ my duty 10 veto every local bill sent
me after the 18th Of February.
EXPENDITURES.
For years there does not seem to have
been any concerted action relative to
the expenditures for the maintenance Of
the several institutions of the state and
to provide for such buildings as from time
70 time might be necessary to meet their
ever-increasing requirements. Appropri-
for the construction or completion of
buildings embracing the state house uni
yersity. Agricultural college. Normal. pen
itentiary- reformatory and five Of the
eight institutions under control Of the
asked for like purposes and for mainte-
nance are largely in excess Of those asked
two years ago The question of the cree
ton of new buildings and maintenance of
our several Institutions is one Of great i'm
The state cannot afford to be parsimoni-
Gus IN making needed provisions for the
me me care OF those Dependent upon the
travagant and profigate-
Boards having charge Of the separate
institutions have entered into rivalry over
appropriations Every board has natur-
fun share ana To such an extent has
this zeal for their institutions been car
ried that Tor several legislatures various
state boards have maintained IObbies at
the capital FOR no other purpose than 10
procure large amounts for the institutions
In which they were interested without
any reference to die general sum ~ rs
expended or the amounts to be appropri-
ated for others
For many years it has been the custom
OF the legislature. IN the matter OF ap-
for ard those coming before it seeking
APPROPRIATIONS have been in the habit OF
tualiy needed. with the expectation that
the same would be reduced; and in many
amounts below the actual necessities of
me case; rms has occurred 70 such an
ture has - obliged To make appropri-
ations to cover such deficiencies
Estimates for the erection or completion
q PAolle buildings ought TO be made with
some degree of certainty. and with INTEL
llgent conception Of the amount necessary
sons charged with expenditure ought TO
be held 70 strict compliance with the
statute prohibiting the expenditure Of a
greater sum than that fixed BY the appr0-
priations-
Disregard az the statute has probably
arisen from the fact that another provis-
ION Of the law has been UNDECIDED and
that often appropriations were made after
contests between Hobbies rtsDreSarffhsr me
qlfferent Institutions. The law provides
include in his official report a detailed ess-
innate OF the expenditures to be betrayed
ncial years respectively. specifyine there
"a each object OF expenditure and dis
-nsl ntus between such as are provided
w w permanent Of temporary appro-
pfiAlOns and such as are required Ia be
AALNAAEA LOT lN law.
lt was evidently the intention Of the
Is Sslsls-tlre IN making this provision that
tne- auditor should confer with the differ
enL DoarQS. ascertain the amounts actual
y needed and after such ascertain-nent
report TINS amount to tbs l@Gisl allure. and
mus avoid urlseernly scrarnbies which
might take place in the attempt 10 SCI
cure appropriations for the several fnstI-
with q view Of complying with the
statute. many conferences have been held
oetWeen the different boards heads Of
ll-7ti ~ ions the auditor and executive.
ana the auditor has presented in a supple
ms nta4 report his estimates