The Grit-advocate., 1905-01-13
GOV. PEABODY'S MESSAGE TO
COLORADO GENERAL ASSEMBLY Y

sage Ieau DeIOTe tue JOlul scsslOA VI
the Legislature yesterday afternoon:
I'm conformity with established Gus
tom, and In respectful obedience to our
constitution, l have the honor to sub
NIT to your honorable body such infor-
nation concerning the welfare and
general condition Of the state and its
several institutions Is seems fit and
proper, together with such recommen-
dations as are deemed expedient and
essential.
1T is with deep regret that l Am
compelled to record the death OF one
of our most loyal and respected citizens,
tho Hon. Benjamin H. Eaton. who was
governor of Colorado during the years
1885 and 1886. He was man OF low
able disposition and of notable achieve
ments.
"The report of the auditor of state
shows that during the recent biennial
period $159, 900 has been paid on deh-
cheney warrants of former administra-
tions. The auditor calls your attention
to the notable fact that with an Incl
dental fund for all departments OF only
one-fourth that of the previous admin
istration, all claims against this fund
have been met and a surplus OF $o,OOO
turned back into the treasury.
you will find from careful study OF
the report of the state treasurer that
on the whole our finances as a state
are in excellent shape. One matter
touched upon by the treasurer deem
worthy of your especial and favorable
consideration.
"Insurrection certificates OF 1ndebt-
edness from Lake City to the present
time aggregate $7S4,464.72, and l be-
lieve it to be your imperative duty to
arrange for the redemption Of the same
with interest. The recommendation
of the state treasurer on this lmpor-
tant subject is an excellent one. he
proposes the issuance of 100000 in
bonds, payable in twenty-five years, at
a reasonable rate of interest, payable
semi-annually. The school fund has
100000 invested in capitol building
warrants about to mature, and there
are ample funds on hand to meet this
claim. This would leave 100000 free
~ the school fund to be properly, with
safety and with remuneration to the
schools, invested in a part of these
bonds. The remaining 100000 of the
bonds could readily be disposed OF IN
the open market
The treasurer's suggestions as to the
need of state examiner of public &C
counts is indorsed.
A liberal appropriation is recon-
mended for the further defense OF the
Kansas-Colorado water suit.
The work Of the land department Is
ottantiOp 3c called to
a new measure that will be asked for
by the State Forestry Association.
mo state institution, because OF its
commendable purposes and character.
imperatively demands more consider
alton than does the Soldiers and Sail
ors' Home at Monte Vista. The increas-
ing age and infirmities of its inmates
make citizen labor in their behalf more
necessary, and the eminently proper
regulation of the federal government
preventing the further use of pension
money for clothing, increases the ex-
penses of the state at this institution
in the future. In my opinion this In
stitution should be supplied by the
state with at least 100000 for the pres
ent biennial period. l firmly believe
that a $4,000 building appropriation
should be provided in addition to the
suggested maintenance fund, SO that
better hospital and heating facilities
may be provided.
1.-THE recommendation by the Board
OF Lunacy Commissioners and also by
the superintendent Of the insane asy-
lum, that suitable tract Of land, CON
sisting of several hundred acres, upon
Ahich to Immediately erect building
q suitable dimensions to accommodate
500 patients, l heartily concur in"
The State School of Mines is highly
commended for it's efficient work and
the governor believes that plentiful
financial support for this institution IS
money well spent"
1.-TWO years ago the Legislature
wisely appropriated 100000 for the
Colorado State Home for Dependent
and Neglected Children for the bien-
nial period This amount was put to
admirable purposes, but the manage
ment, now having secured good COM
mencement in the matter Of buildings,
will only need $4,000 for the biennial
period now in progress. l heartily rec
ommend that amount.
"a decrease in the per capita cost
of maintenance at the penitentiary in
connection with better discipline and
improved sanitary and living condi-
'tions is worthy of commendation. A
less appropriation than $295,000 for
the present period would be a draw
back to the perpetuity of the satisfac-
tory management of the penitentiary."
The Agricultural College is highly
praised and members are urged to
visit it and become acquainted with it's
capabilities and needs.
Our State University at Boulder
continues to progress in excellent
management and results obtained. It's
two-fifths mill levy is a great benefit,
but the increase in attendance has
been so steady that during the present
scholastic year in university and pre-
paratory school there are for the first
time over 1000 students. It may be
found advisable to appropriate suit