The daily morning journal and courier., 1907-01-10

SNNAr AANND
 A suggestion here in order would seem to be the value of keeping close and contemporaneous record in the of flee of the Labor Bureau of the cost of living as compared with the labor wage in the several counties of the state, data that might be of value in times of labor stress or dispute.
 County Commissioners and Judges. There is no doubt that majority of the voters of the state, irrespective of political affiliations, demand that the law concerning the selection of Coun- ty Commissioners, Judges of City and Borough Courts be changed. l share in the general opinion that the. law should be amended 50 that County Commissioners shall be appointed by the Governor and not be nominated by a legislative county caucus
 The present system has for many years provoked severe criticism even from members of the General AS Isembly, who, by virtue of their posi- tions, are compelled to participate in the selection of these officers If the General Assembly will give the Cover nor authority to nominate County Commissioners and Judges of the City and Borough Courts, those responsible positions will be largely removed from politics, and their usefulness will be enhanced.
 Salaries and Fee system.
 Judges of the Probate Courts, Sher- ifs and all court officers, and perhaps Town Clerks, should be paid salaries fixed by law; and all fees paid into the courts, to the clerks of courts, and to the County Sherlffs should be paid over to the treasurer of the state. or to the treasurer of the county as the statute may provide.
 The amount of salaries to be paid to the officials affected by this change can be readily determined upon a fair basis by calculating their average in come for term of years. And would urge this General Assembly to frame a bill experiencing this recom- mendation.
 State Armory and Arsenal.
 Three commissions were appointed by previous General Assemblies to se- lect a site and arrange plans for a State Armory and Arsenal. There is no question about the need of the states national guard for such a building. I urge that the report of the present commission be given careful dI<Nv, sov, nnA lo+ i,,,y, Jio4 IA steps be taken to carry the project to consummatton. The three commis- sions have spent about thirty thou sand dollars in getting options on sites land preparing plans. The General As Isembly might we'll authorize the State Treasurer to borrow money to carry out those plans should your honorable body deem 1t expedient to go ahead with the work
 State Library.
 You will also receive from the Spec | ial Commission on the State Library proposition report in favor of such a building and with it a reasonable and sound argument The library needs more room for books, for records and for the states paintings. Scattered all through the recesses of the capitol and even under the caves are stored rec lords of the Revolutionary War. These must be guarded, for their loss would be irreparable
 Such building would house the Supreme Court with becoming dignity and save the judges from the annoy ance of wandering from city to city to hold court.
 [ would recommend that the General Assembly make an appropriation suffi- lcient to carry out the plans of the Commission and that the State Treas Iurer be authorized to borrow money lin accordance with the progress of the work
 Memorials to Senators Hawlcy ani
 PIatt.
 Tn appreciation of the great services rendered to the State and to the na- Ition, Connecticut is anxious to do filial duty to the memory of the late United IStates Senators Joseph R. Hawley and 10. H. Platt.
 The last General Assembly appropri- lated $2.5O0 and appointed two commits lsions to procure plans to be submitted Ito this General Assembly. The sum of money appropriated has been found Inadequate to induce 8 capable seulp- tor to undertake 1t and do it justice Reports from the two commissions will be presented to this General Assem- Ibly. recommend that not less than nifty thousand dollars be appropriated flor the memorials, and that the mat ter be referred to commission, with power to act.
 Corrupt Practices Act and Direct Pri.
 mary Bill.
 This General Assembly will receive from the special commission raised by the last legislature comprehensive report upon suggested amendments tt the Corrupt Practices Act. I am 1T sympathy with the spirit of the recom' mendations that will be made upor that subject by the commission.
 With regard to the recommendation for a direct primary system I wouk add that the report will be found to b, radical. Let me urge that no hast! judgment be given, but that the mos careful consideration of the recommen datfons be taken, and that they bt weighed calmly and judicially. Th' subject is a vital one to our electora system and action one day or the othe should be taken only after the mattel has been given the consideration tha 1t demands.
 Supplies for State Institutions. | T Lo,,o --;e;+a5 ,,ao r1xy all thn cto f.