Omaha daily bee., 1903-01-13
SUGGESTIONS ron LEGISLATURE.

AbAAee AANANoEa ~ AuAN ~ A1@
plenty to do this winter. and as the repuh-
leans have full control. we may conf
IDENTIFY look for some sensible and helpful
legislation.
David City Banner: We hone to see
some good and wholesome legislation en-
acted during this session and feel confident
that Butler county will be heard from
during the session.
Kearney Hub: The demand for a state
normal school nearer the central portion OF
the state comes from the educators Of Ne
braska and not from ambitious towns Of
time-serving politicians. This is a point
that the members OF the legislature will
doubtless remember when the time comes
for action.
Central City Nonpareil: There seems to
be a sentiment prevailing over the state
that the legislature can perform good serv-
ice by passing as few new laws as possible.
1t is not likely that this sentiment will be
listened to, however. as 1t seems to be a
confirmed habit OF all Legislative bodies to
enact all the measures possible.
Minden Gazette: 1t is TO be hoped that
the legislature will take such action in
the matter of normal schools as will put
an end to the time wasted during each ses-
sion in killing off bills introduced for the
location of such a school In nearly every
town in the state. They are good things,
but we do not need too many of them.
Better have Just one or two goods ones.
Norfolk Press: The republican majority
In both branches Ia. overwhelming and the
party must shoulder the responsibility for
all laws enacted and expenditures author
lied. 1t will therefore be a necessity that
care must be exercised by the majority
that needed legislation be enacted and that
measures that are vicious or oppressive in
their nature shall be defeated. Appropria-
ions should provide for everything that Is
needed, but nothing that is extravagant.
Fremont Tribune The legislature might
proAtably adopt the suggestion OF Gov
ernor Mickey relative to the creation OF .
state accountant to check UP the state in
stitutions and audit their books. That is q
good business idea. Most successful pri-
vate and public affairs are conducted on
that plan. II adopted It would inspire
greater efficiency in the management Of the
Institutions. It would insure greater
economy and prevent scandals. BY all
means let the legislature put In force this
valuable suggestion.
Alliance Times: The first message Of
Nebraska's new governor, John II. Mickey,
is given to the people OF the state, and as
was to be expected, is a plain business
document. One Of the radical reforms he
advises the legislature to adopt Is the
assessment Of property at Its real value.
The governor favors the establishment OF
an experimental farm, to be under the
direction of the State university, at some
point in the western part Of the state. The
advice is wise, and near Alliance would be
just the place for such an enterprise.
Nebraska City Tribune: The history Of
legislatures is largely the uprooting Of the
legislation passed by the preceding session
and the passage Of 10 per cent OF new mat
ter, to be dug up and weeded out by the
session that follows. II this session Of the
legislature will accomplish but one thing
1t can easily become famous and go down
to posterity as the brightest legislative
beacon that ever lighted the pathway Of
progress in Nebraska. That one thing is
the conception and enactment of a compre-
hensive system of good roads in the state
of Nebraska.
Elm Creek Beacon: We are heartily in
favor Of the idea Of Governor Mickey's in
regard to a western agricultural experiment
station. II the attention OF this station
would be directed to the alkali problem and
would solve II, It would be an inestimabla
boon to the resources of the state. OF
course the station need not be very far
west, probably not farther than the one
at Lincoln, to do this. TIT amount Of
alkali land is large and, Of course, Away
the lowest and smoothest. II the alkali
could be eliminated or counteracted the
value would be raised from minus to plus.
Pierce Leader: The state legisla-
ture has been in session at lincoln.
but nothing beyond selection Of officers
and the introduction of a few bills has as
yet been done. DR.. ]. NJ. Alden. senator
from this district, has been selected chair
man Of the senate committee on insane
hospitals, and it lie understood that both
he and Representative N. M. Nelson Of
Plainview will do all they can to have the
hospital for insane rebuilt at Norfolk. It
is also said that an effort will be made to
secure an appropriation for a state normal
school at Wayne, but the attitude Of our
senator and representative toward this
scheme is not so we'll known.
Friend Telegraph: We took occasion to
look in upon the organization OF the Ne
braska senate and house OF representatives.
They are a fine looking body OF men and
we believe that the people whom they are
there to represent may reasonably expect
Justice at their hands. The fact that there
has been a score or more Of super1uous
offices that have been drawing money out
OF the treasury OF the state without render
ing adequate returns therefore, and in some
instances nothing. which is already the
subject OF considerable comment among
members Of the present legislature, and
these fat Jobs may totter and fall before
the session is over. The institutions which
are necessary should be properly supported,
but those that have been created solely In
the interest OF ~place-hunters and which are
not needed and which the state would be
better on without. should be Topped on en-
tirely. Nebraska is a great grain growing
and stock raising state and her greatness
Is not in the least furthered OF increased by
sustaining a lot OF positions for which the
people have no use and from which they
receive no benefit. There Is yet plenty OF
room in the cornhelds and on the ranges
Of Nebraska for men who are holding these
ofhces and they should be invited to find
employment there instead OF at the public
treasury, where they are rendering no re-
turns for their so-called services.
Edgar Post: II the writer were going to
suggest anything TO the coming legislature
for its action II would be the need OF a
change In our assessment law. TIL way
the matter now stands and the way the
law is executed is fast making the tax
payers Of the state a grand aggregation
I ~ liars and taX-shirkers. IL isn't so much