Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-10-15

and passenger, the fact remains that
the operation Of railroads In Vermont
is attended with peculiar difficulties
and large expense as we'll as with
limited earning opportunities.
During the past two years tho COM
mission has been able to abolish or
provide for the adjustment OF no
less than 40 grade crossings. and the
administration Of this feature Of the
law has been attended with very
little friction.
Governor Proctor believes that the
measures adopted by the last Legisla-
turs with reference to railroads COW
cred tho needs OF the case, and that
with the exception OF slight changes
no Legislation will be required In rela-
ton to railroads. He strongly urges
against and radical change in our rail-
road laws on the ground that 1t Is
fair TO the railroads and better for
the people of tho state as a whole
that changes along these lines should
not come too frequently.
The message deals at some length
with the subject of Vermont's high
ways. Governor Proctor believes the
act Of the Legislature OF 1906 enlarg-
Ing the authority OF tho State high
way commissioner was a step in the
right direction. IIe Is naturally graft
fed with the operation Of the feature
OF our ronl legislation providing for
commissioners in the different coun-
ties, and lie believes tho welfare of
the people wrapped up to a largo de-
gree IN tho continued Improvement of
our highways
The retiring governor recommends
the adjustment OF the State tubercu-
losis commission. holding that with
the sanitorium for the treatment OF
| incipient tuberculosis at Pittsford un-
der board Of managers and state
| board Of health in full and satisfac-
| tory operation the commission in ques-
| ton Is unnecessary.
Governor Proctor recommends that
the work now performed by tho State
| board OF agriculture no entrusted 70
one man and that the office OF com
missioner OF agriculture be created
in It's stead, the place 10 DO filled by
appointment by the governor. He says
this method is being adopted in other
States, and he believes batter result.
are secured from the constant atten.
ton devoted TO tho welfare of oui
agricultural interest given by suci
an official than from occasional worl
Of a number Of men.
| Governor Proctor's words regard
ing bovine tuberculosis will receiv,
particular attention owing to tn
charge that some farmers have re
ceived moro for their diseased cattl
than average daries would have sol,
for In market. at the Same time o
year. I1o says Vermont pays more 70
most States. and our law is defectiv
In not limiting tho amount that ma
be paid out from tho State treasur
for this purpose and gives the com
missioner no discretion In the matter
Under the act in question the enor
nous sum OF sos,s25..4 was paid ou
during the past two years, and he In
ssts that the State has not receive
benefit commensurate with this tire
mendous expenditure. lie thinks tn
owner OF cattle. who can now receiv
&C high as fifty dollars should bear
greater proportion OF the loss an
greater care should DO taken to safe
guard the interests OF tho taxpayer
in the matter Of appraisal.
Governor Proctor endorses tho re
commentator OF the special tax com
missioners that listers bs elected b
ballot for term of three years S
that there will always be two exper,
enced men on tho board: that taxes b
required to be paid IN the first ir
stance to the town treasurer witho,
discount with penalty for della,
and that a State taxation commissio
with extensive powers be created
, but he advises that ~ be thorough
considered whether Its work could n,
be committed 70 the commissioner ,
missioners.
Governor Proctor recommends tn,
the laws relating to the Investment
funds by saving institutions be car
fully revised 30 as to con form bett
to present conditions. and that II
bank commissioner be required to d
vote his whole time to tho duties
his office. with commensurate cor
. sation. paid by the Institutions pr
portionaily as at present.
The message recommends that 4
court OF claims be abolished and tn
q the State auditor DO empowered
hear such claims as go before tn
n tribunal and report 10 the general a
, sembly.
Education receives considerable 6
- tcntion In the message, as is flttir