The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1908-01-08

supervised by the state upon whose
stability and prosperity the interests
Of our people I'm every walk Of life
so largely depend
in order that the matter might be
considered with appropriate prompt
r." ri IN the light of expert opinion,
,ed six eminent bankers, rep
1g respectively the different
.es Of institutions, to collate facts,
10 receive suggestions and to express
their views with reference to neces-
sary changes in the law Of the state.
| submit to you their valuable re-
port, inviting your most careful con-
Bideration of its recommendations and
also of those contained in the report
of the superintendent of banks.
1t is advised that there should be
an enlargement and more careful def
milton of the powers of the superin-
tendent of banks with reference to
the organization of banks and trust
companies. the establishment of
branches of either and mergers or the
control of one institution by another.
The Insurance Law.
Inc DIONlSlOUS Vi me luoul dHNt law
were designed TO insure conservative
management and to prevent resort to
wasteful methods and the recurrence
of the evils which had heen dis
closed There is no business more
closely related to the welfare of the
people, especially to the thrifty and
provident. and none which should be
more carefully safeguarded. Lrecom-
mend to the legislature that, while
any suggestions of amendments
should receive proper consideration,
there should be extreme caution in
making any changes, and no changes
should be made unless it clearly ap-
pears that they are needed to con-
serve the interests of the policy hold
ers.
| also call your attention to the ad-
visibility OF providing for the liqui-
dation under the supervision of the
superintendent of insurance of insOl-
vent insurance corporations in the
same manner as is proposed for the
liquidation of banking institutions.
Public Service Commissions.
The public service commissions law
has provided for the investigation and
redress of grievances in connection
with the operation of railroad, gas and
electrical corporations. The neces-
sity of having such an administrative
board, with adequate powers, so that
complaints may be heard and deter
mined upon their merits, and that
there may be suitable machinery for
enforcing the rules of law requiring
impartial and proper service upon rea-
sonahle terms, according to the eX-
igencies of each particular case, can
not be gainsaid No change is sug-
gested in policy or structure, but such
amendments as experience may show
to be advisable to improve the text,
to facilitate administration or more
fully to carry out the intent of the
act should be supplied
l recommend, however, an enlarge
ment Of the scope of the act. In view
of the tasks to be assumed with re-
spect to corporations already under
supervision it was not thought best
at the outset TO extend the act to the
oher corporations. 1t should now be
extended to telephone and telegraph
companies, and they should be brought
under appropriate regulation as to
rates, service and other matters simi-
lar to that which obtains in the case
Of the corporations at present sub
ject to the law.
Simplified Ballot and Primary Reform.
renew the recommendation for the
adoption of simplified form of bal
lot, without the party column in
which the names of candidates for the
respective offices shall appear but
once grouped under the names of the
Offices.
The urgent need for primary reform
is generally recognized. There is
wide difference between effective or
ganization in the interest of the party
and the misuse of such organization
for purely selfish purposes.
Agricultural Recommendations
No effort should be spared to con
serve the development of the agricul-
tural interests of the state. Impor-
tant provision has been made for in
struction in agriculture and in veteri-
nary science at the colleges establish
ed in connection with Cornell univers-
ity and for scientific experimentation
at the agricultural experiment sta
tion at Geneva, and through these
foundations steadily increasing bene-
fits will accrue to the people of the
state.
One of the most beneficial statutes
of recent years Is the tenement house
act, affecting the conditions under
which so many of our people live in
the crowded sections of our great
cities. | recommend the passage of
such supplementary legislation as will
strengthen the law
During the past year 1916 acres
of forest land have been purchased
and contracted for by the land pur-
chasing board making the total land
held by the state 1,51S,450 acres. of
which 454,3S3 acres are in the Adj
rondacks and the remainder are in
the Catskills 1t would be difficult to
pame any matter of greater import
ance to the people than the cOnserva-
tion of our forests. To this end the
state should largely extend its pur-
chases and so far as possible avoid the
Increased cost which will be entailed
by delay.
Under an act at the last session an
inquiry is now in progress through
the water supply commission with re.
gard to the undeveloped water powers
of the state. Means should be pro
vided to enable this investigation to
be completed with thoroughness.
ChampIain-Hudson Celebration.
Fitting preparations should be made
for the celebration in the year 1903