Fergus County argus., 1903-01-14
Gov. Toole's Message to the Legisla.
ture An Exceedingly Lengthy
Document.
SEPARATE JUDICIAL ELECTIONS
Comments on Road Law a Gem OF
Rhetoric and Sarcasm - Scale
Down the Bounties.

The following summary OF the bien-
nial message of Gov. Toole, sent to
the legislature last week, will relieve
the reader of much waste of time In
endeavoring to find that which in
terests him in a document of nearly
fifteen thousand words:
Introductory-Calls attention to
new capitol. Says state officials have
done their duty with fidelity. Popu-
lation of state is increasing and peo-
pie are to be congratulated upon gen.
eral conditions.
Statistical-Gives a statement of
the condition of each fund of the
state treasury.
st. Louis Exposition-Suggests ap-
preparation of thirty-five thousand
dollars for Montana exhibit at Loui-
siana purchase exposition. Thinks
that amount sufficient.
Lewis and Clark Fair-Advises re-
moval of the st. Louis exhibit to
Portland. Believes two thousand dol.
lars would install and protect 1t in
new location.
State Lands-Advises that law be
amended to require fourteen annual
payments on purchases from state
with interest five per cent instead OF
seven years with interest at seven
per cent.
Arid Land Commission - Recon-
mends that 1t be abolished.
Public Money-Advises that invest
ment be found for states funds
which are now lying idle because pri
vate investors can outbid the state
Salaries and Officers - Suggests
scaling down of salaries of county of
ficers and reclassification of counties
also abolition of certain Offices II
some counties.
Board OF Appraisers-Would abol
ish this, which now exists in thret
counties of the state. Would hav,
one Judge less in Lewis and Clarke
county.
Election and Judiciary - Thinks
plan Of electing judges of state su
preme court and district court at elec
tions separate from those at whicl
other officers are chosen is wortl
thinking about.
Transporting Prisoners-If state Il
to pay expenses of taking prisoner
to the penitentiary, the legislator,
should make suitable appropriation
In advance.
| Clerks of State Boards-Instead O
consolidating clerks of state boards
as recommended by Secretary Hays
has omitted item, extra clerk hir
for secretary of state. two housan,
one hundred dollars" from the es
timates.
Taxation-BeHeves there are nu
merous instances where taxation
not equal and that various countie
fail to assess items to their fl1
amount and value. Recommend
amendment of constitution to er
large powers Of the state board Q
equalization.
Il Consolidation Of Schools-Union q
state educational institutions is nc
regarded as feasible.
Bureau of Statistics-Says this
q valuable department of the stat
government and has helped brin
people to the state.
Il Militia-Guard Is being organize
and has been fairly well equippe
with arms and clothing by the fede
al government.
Fish and Game Law-Well enforce
considering the wide field the Officer
have to cover.
Schools - Educational institution
have taken high rank and are entitle
to al encouragement and support DO
sible.
:, Collection OF Personal Tax-Pre
ent law allowing seizure OF propert
before tax is delinquent is unconst
tutional and should be amended.
Bounties on Wild Animals-Law
probably being abused. Reduction
bounties to level OF surroundil
states is suggested as remedy.
Fraternal Insurance-orders shou
come Under supervision OF state d
partment, as in case Of other inst
. ance companies.
. Text Book Contracts-Action W
. be taken toward holding bondsm
responsible for all violations
agreements.
Initiative and Referendum - I'll
is favored and argument made
length on the affirmative side OF {
question.
Direct Nominations - Amendme
of primary law is advised, providi