The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1907-01-05

new laws and amendments 10 exist
ing laws. the enactment OF which
would undoubtedly be Of material ser
vice to the state. You will note from
his report that the appropriations
made by the last Legislature have been
paid in full and that there will be a
-"rulus in The revenue OF practically
500 900, which can be used for the pay
...,nG q. avHosvnc, Indebtedness.
Attention is again called to the out
standing warrants against the reve-
nues of 1887, 1858 and 1883, aggreeat-
ing almost $1,000. 900, including inter
est 4 great deal has been said by for
mor governors on this question. but so
far no action has been taken by the
Legislature looking towrd the redemp-
ton Of these warrants, which bear six
per cent. interest. This has naturally
increased year by year until now the
interest owed by the state more than
equals the principal.
The state treasurer in his biennial
report recommends a plan Tor the re
demprion of this indebtedness, which
plan seems to me 10 be feasible and Is
at least worthy of consideration and In
vesrieation. Such plan, if adopted,
would prevent the possibility OF outside
parties taking advantage of the situa-
tion to reap great profits for them
selves.
II certainly seems wise to provide for
bond issue carrying interest al the
rate OF about three per cent. II would
be businoss-like proposition and
would enable the school fund to have
the benefit OF a large amount OF money
" which is now tied up. The state will
eventually have to pay this indebted
ness, and il is certainly an unwlse
policy to allow the interest to accrue
as it is at the present time.
Educational Institutions.
Colorado has every reason in the
world to be proud of its educational in
stitutions and for a young state 1t Is
Well equipped with the higher educa-
Jional facilities and all OF them are
in excellent condition. The two-tifths
mill levy recently granted the State
University seems to be ample for the
maintenance of that college, but addi-
tional buildings are needed.
The Normal school is well equipped
for the training of teachers and is do
ing an excellent work. the benefit OF
which the children Of Colorado are now
enjoying. Provision should BE- made
for assisting the school very mate
rally
The state School OF Mines has an
international reputation. During the
past few years 1t has been the reci-
psCnt of some private gifts of consider
able magnitude which have been very
helpful in advancing the interests Of
the school. and have also been great
saving to the state. Through the
means of these gifts it has been en-
ablsd to erect two handsome buildings
which might not otherwise have been
possible.
The State Agricultural College has
been very efficiently managed and is
looked upon as one of our leading in
stitutions. Provision should be made
70 purchase more land for the use OF
the experimental department and for
farming purposes. as at the pres Mt
time they are somewhat crowded for
room, to enable them to properly con
duct their experiments.
lmproveme both in method and
equipment. has been the watchword of
all these institutions. and | am sure
you will be more than gratlied with
the work accomplished.
Fiscal Year.
Great distress is often entailed upon
some Of our state institutions. particu-
LARRY these which are not provided with
a de finite mill levy or continuing an
preparation. on account of the biennial
period ending on November both, and
leaving them without funds until the
next Legislature can make approprla-
tons covering the early part OF the
period This works a great hardship
uron these institutions. and | believe
- be avoided. The last Legislature
very prompt in coming to their as
'v.pncc. hut there have been times
?rtn ;hcy were without funds for prac-
tically four months.
1t also leaves a large number OF the
employees os the state government
without compensation until the short
appropriation bill is passed. / believe
this could be remedied to large eS-
tent by making the appropriations
continuing by statutory enactment.
TIL" sta,e Is now on sound finan'
cial basis. tho needs of the state insti
tGtions for maintenance can be pretty
accurately determined upon and any
changes tia: seem necessary can be
made hv the E'sla'ure when in ses
sion. This would do away with the
necessity OF leaving some of our most
important institutions in a bankrupt
condition for time every two years
The departments OF the state govern
ment could all he very easily placed
on this basis, and | believe 1t should
be done. 1t has been done for some de
partments; why not all?
State Industrial School for Girls.
The State Industrial School fol
Girls has had a varied and hard eXpe
rience, largely due to the manner o
| financing the institution. 1t has beer
difficult to get board of control tt
remain with the institution principal,
on account OF this fact The presen
law provides that the counties s.a
pay so cents per day for each in
mate from the county. This is entirely
| inadeOnate for the maintenance Of tht