Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1908-10-15

The law for the improvement OF the
state highways and the appointment Of
state highway commissioners has been
well received. Some changes Of minor
importance are suggested for the law.
The section relating to the cutting OF
brush along the roads has in some cases
been taken advantage of and injury done.
The work of the United States Fisheries
bureau has been 50 successful that the
adjustment OF the state hatchery at Rox-
bury would be a wise step.
The work of the tuberculosis commits
sion has been thorough and efficient, but
its work could be as well or better per-
formed by the state board Of health with
economy.
The work of the commission to investi-
gate the state auditing system has been
beneficial and their recommendations
have been complied with as far as posi-
BILE. A larger salary for the auditor, to
ENABLE him to devote all Of his time to the
office is advised. His work is important
and should have his sole attention with
adequate clerical assistance.
| A commissioner OF agriculture would
better meet the present need than the
present board Of FIVE men.
The cattle commissioner has paid out
during the biennial period the sum Of
! s79, 626.75 to owners OF condemned cat
/ tie. This is on the basis Of 75 per cent,
with q maximum of $50. The farm
er should stand a larger expense OF
this work and the commissioner should
have the power to order herds tested at
his discretion instead of the present sys-
tenn Of voluntary testing.
But two localities have been found in
tested with San Jose scale and the AFFECT
ed orchards have been destroyed, without
expense to the state.
With so per cent Of the states area
forest or wild land, Vermont should have
q trained forester and q definite system
The present system Is an advance but q
greater one should be made, for the.pres-
ervation Of water supply, increased pro-
ductiveness and permanent improvement.
The report Of the tax commission is re-
ferred to the members Of the legislative
body for careful consideration.
al endorse their recommendation that
listers be elected by ballot for term Of
three years 80 that there will always be
two experienced men on the board; that
taxes be required to be paid In the first
instance TO the town treasurer without
discount with q penalty for delay, and
that Q state taxation commission with
extensive powers be created, but advise
that ii be thoroughly considered whether
it's work could not be committed to the
commissioner Of state taxes without addi-
tional commissioner"
A close supervision of savings banks
and trust companies is recommended and
q revision Of the laws relating to their in
vestments advised.
The work OF the library commission
a Al
propriated for its use should be larger.
While the court of claims has been q
saving in some ways and in every way
efficient, yet its work could be as well or
better looked after BY the state auditor
The present educational system is effi-
cient and in line with the trend Of the
times. County examiners might well be
done away with and their duties assumed
by the supervisors. The limit Of 80
schools for district should be reduced
to rs, in view Of the many cases where
the schools are widely scattered. Some
minor changes in the law relating to the
permanent school fund are suggested.
"UDder the present law whereby one
third Of the license fees granted in a town
60 to the town itself there is q tendency
on the part of some towns, especially the
smaller ones, to vote for license for the
sake Of the revenue accruing therefrom.
In some smaller towns where no one
could afford to pay the license fee, H.
censes have been granted because the
close proximity Of larger town or city
voting no license makes license profita-
BILE. This condition works a great wrong
to such neighboring towns or cities.
81 recommend that the local option law
be 50 amended that all income from the
granting Of licenses shall be paid directly
into the treasury of the state. The whole
license fee might fairly so to the state for
the duty and expense Of enforcing the 10
cal option law, and the indirect expense
OF the liquor traffic largely falls upon it.
81 also recommend that some reasona-
bic restriction be put upon placing q IL
censed saloon on or near the borders OF 4
town voting no license.
"The appointment OF license commits
sioners was intrusted to the assistant
judges of the county courts with the
hopes that q better class OF men would
thus be selected for commissioners and
that their selection would be less inf1u-
enced by those directly interested in the
sale Of Intoxicating liquors. The conf
dence of the people in those who have
any Judicial function to perform must
not be impaired in any way. / recon-
mend the appointment Of state license
board consisting OF three members. to be
appointed by the governor, in which
shall be vested all the power and authori-
ty which the local license commissioner
now have.''
Such military attendance as the gov
ernor has should come from the National
Guard. This service is in line with their
duty and fills the requirements. The
/, judge advocates duties should be given
to the attorney general end the once
abolished.
The present system in the executive de.
J pastment is in many ways deficient and
behind the times. The secretary OF civil
and military affairs should be given 4
larger salary, thSt he may devote more
time to the duties of the ofice.t
In conclusion, the message says
ITO be chosen by the ireemen OF Yer.
mont to here represent them is indeed Al
honor. Vefmont's truest and wisest SON,
: have preceded you in these halls. Re-
! member that you represent q constituency
unexcelled for good sense, high ideal,
and sturdy patriotism Your onno-trr;