Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1903-01-22

months. Tho report of the director shows
that during the existence of the bureau
there have been applications for work
and help, 6,6S7, furnished, 1887. The
workings of the bureau nave not been as
satisfactory as the legislature anticipated.
The law provides that the city clerks of
cities of the first and second class shall
open and maintain free employment
agencies 70 work in conjunction with the
bureau: There is no compensation pro-
vided for this work and there is no pen
atty for neglecting to comply with the
law, and. as result. but few cities have
maintained free employment agencies. as
contemplated. L believe the law should
be so amended that the free employment
agencies must be maintained permanent
ly. as contemplated in the present law;
CONGRESSIONAL , REAPPoRTioN-
Kansas has eight members In the Ma
ional Congress and the state is divided
into seven congressional districts, neces-
stating the election of one member at
large. recommend the redistricting OF
the state and the formation of eight con-
gressional districts, as is contemplated
by law The congressman-at-large. while
he has the same rights upon the floor and
In the committee room as the member
who has district, is practically denied
other prerogatives of a member. Each
congressional district is entitled TO certain
recognition, certain patronage. Kansas
practically loses one-eighth of what she
is entitled to under the present appor-
tionment. The fact that a district has
6o.000 or 10000 more population than 1t
10 culltlcQ QOeS not eDllNe the people OF
the district to any more recognition than
they would have II they had the number
contemplated by law. l earnestly hope
that this legislature will reapportion the
state and follow the example set by other
states.
OIL INSPECTION
The report of the state oil inspector
shows net profit to the state from this
department of $4,000. His recommended
ton that the present law be so amended
that the consumer can be protected
against grades of nil : we'll
the dangers of explosion. seems to me
to be just, and 1 recommend this matter
to your consideration.
STATE-HOUSE.
The last appropriation made for the
completion of the state-house was suf-
ficient for the purpose, and it is crafty
ing to- know that we have capitol
building which is source of just pride
and for which no further expenditure Is
now needed. save for its proper mainten-
STATE ACCOUNTANT.
believe that competent state ac-
countant can render valuable service to
the state in systemat izing the vast bus
mess of the state. recommend an ap-
preparation to maintain this office, as
REVISION Of TNsURANCE LAWS.
The insurance laws of the state should
be revised and corrected. While the
laws have been added to from time to
time, there has been an absence of pos
ititve corrections and repeating acts, and
we are left in doubt as to the implied re-
department is in possession of COM
pilation of laws in which there are con-
tradictions and inconsistencies. This Is
unfortunate both to the insurance COM
panies and the people, and it is certainly
annoying to the superintendent. who. un-
der the law is charged with the execu-
ton of all laws now in force, or which
shall hereafter be passed, in relation to
insurance and insurance companies doing
business in the state"
ESTIMATES.
The law provides that the state auditor
shall embody in his official report esti-
mates of the expenditures to be made
during the next two official years. In
compliance with this law, the auditor has
be submitted to you for your guidance
and information.
CONCLUSION.
To be called upon to legislate for
great state like Kansas is a responsible
ity that 1 know You filly realize. and
that you will bring to the work your best
thought and effort. The natural pride
every citizen has in his state suggests
at once that the institutions of the state
should be maintained upon a plane COM
mensurate with the dignity and growth
of the state. This is commentaries; but
there is another interest that should be
sacred to every one charged with respon-
the burden-bearers. the people who pay
the taxes. The people will justify a gen.
erous support of all the great interests
of our state, but they will condemn any
prolgate waste of the public money.
Hoping your associations may be pleas
ant and your work harmonious, l pledge
YOU my hearty cooperation in carrying
out your wishes and in giving Kansas
the best administration possible.
w. ]. BAILEY.