Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-01-09

ure to obey and enforce the law I
believe that our statute for the sale
OF Intoxicating liquors needs strength
ening in respect to it's enforcement.
There are varying opinions as to the
plan that should be adopted, and
submit the matter as one worthy of
your consideration, but without rec
concentration as to the character of
the legislation that should be enacted
Roster of Iowa Soldiers and Sailors
Two years ago 1 brought this sub
ject to your attention, with the earn
est recommendation that provision be
made for the compilation Of a com
plete roster of the soldiers and sail
ors of the war Of the rebellion and
OF the Spanish war. think you
We're, with unanimity, in favor of the
measure, but it failed by a mischance,
without the fault of anyone. I re-
new my recommendation with in
creased zeal. The bill that will be
proposed by the veterans Of the war
contemplates an expenditure greatly
less than the bill of two years ago,
but l think the plan now suggested
will be quite as effective as the
former one.
Family Desertion
The experience of those who are
engaged in humanitarian and char
liable work shows that in very large
women seek aid for themselves and
their children, the husbands and
fathers have deserted the home, and
thus repudiated the obligation which
the law so wisely imposes upon them.
The man who. without good cause,
deserts his children and the mother
who bore them, is criminal, and
fender against the fundamental COM
pact of society. 1t is strange, but
nevertheless true, that Iowa. so pro-
gressive in all moral legislation, has
not denounced this act as a crime
Many Of our sister states have al
ready provided for the proper punish
ment of such an offehse, and I
strongly recommend the adoption Of a
rigid criminal statute on this sub
Ject at the present session.
Child Labor
Among those who have given the
most careful thought to social prob
lens, and among those who have
given and are giving the best part of
their lives to help their fellowmen,
there is no difference in opinion re-
specting the necessity of a law which
shall regulate the employment of
children. 1 think every person we'll
disposed toward the welfare of hui
mainly. and especially in such a gov
eminent as ours, must concede:
First-That children should not
be permitted to work to the extent of
interfering with a common school ed
ucation.
second-That they should not be
permitted to work under such cir
cumstances as will be likely to i'm
pair the strength of their bodies or
pervert their morals.
1t is true that with the present de-
velopment of industry in the state
there are fewer children who are do
ing what they ought not to do in the
way Of work than in many Of our sis.
ter states, but IL we begin right we
will have less to reform in the DAYS
to come. I hope that you will find
it consistent with good policy to en-
act Statute upon this subjec.
touching the same general topic,
suggest that the juvenile court law
passed by the last general assembly
has been found somewhat defective.
That 1t is based upon sound principle
is not to be doubted. Its def1cien-
cies will be pointed out to you during
the session by those who have only
the good Of our boys and girls at
heart, and I gladly recommend that
the law be nnatured according to their
suggestions.
Good Roads
I have received and transmit to
YOU the report of the highway com :
mission appointed by the Thirtieth
general assembly. The commission
has done, excellent work, and it is to
be hoped that you will find 1t pos
sible to continue its labors SO auspi-
ciously begun.
Corporations
I do not intend to dwell upon this
subject, but / can not allow the oc =
casion to pass without recalling Sto
your attention my expressions and
recommendations in the message I
had the honor to deliver to you two
years ago. Further observation has
but intensified my convictions Many
things have occurred in the mean
while to emphasize the defects in our
statutes, and I again recommend the
legislation then outlined.
Investigation of Municipal Questions
1t has been the policy of the state
In the. past to extend some aid to
certain associations which deal with
agriculture. I believe the investment
has been good one, and has secured
which otherwise they would have
lost. The growth Of population is
now largely in the cities and towns,
and there are constantly arising
problems of the most important
character which require intimate as
Soclatlon on the part or those who are
administering municipal affairs to
solve. believe, therefore, that a
small appropriation in aid Of the
work of the League of. Iowa Munich
palities would be wise expenditure
Of the public funds. There is no one
respect in which we are In SO hope
less a muddle as the management Of
our cities and towns, and any rea-
sonable thing that we can do to aid
associated municipal officers in work
Ing out needed reforms will be very
helpful to the cause Of good govern
ment.
In Memoriam
Since you last assembled, death has
claimed another of the men who
faithfully served the state as chief
executive. Buren, r.. Sherman died
at his home in Vinton on the 18th day
Of November, 1904.
He was one of the plain, sturdy
men of the west, and represented In
high degree the virtues Of our citizen
ship. Ho was loyal to his country
and his state, steadfast to his friends,
and strong in the spirit of the sound
and enduring principles Of life. His
memory will long be cherished nv the