Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1909-01-14

the department of agriculture has
been SO broadened that it is now re-
garded as one of the most valuable
departments of the state. It's con-
tinued usefulness will depend upon
the support it receives. The depart
ment should be encouraged to come
into the most intimate relationship
with the people of the state, and to
become the avenue through which Is
collected all information regarding ag-
ricultural resources and dissemina-
ton of such information where it will
be most valuable.
Board of Control
The report of the board of control
has been printed and is before you
for consideration. 1 feel that beyond
calling your special attention to this
report, 1 need say little. The people
of Iowa are to be congratulated upon
the fact that this board has main
tanned the high standard which
marked the inauguration of such a
great reform, and its management OF
the various state institutions has been
such as to fully satisfy the people. AT
the institutions under the control of
this board there are now cared for
more than $500 persons, and more
than 1900 employees are under the
direction of the board. By reason of
the careful management and thorough
business methods which this board
employs the cost of maintenance of
these institutions has been materially
decreased, despite the enormous in
crease in the cost of all supplies.
Among other notable recommended
lions of the board which deserve your
attention is that of the repeal of the
law under which pension money is
withheld from residents of the Sol
diers Home for infraction of the
rules, as this is in conflict with the
federal statutes; also that all children
at the Orphans Home be made wards
of the state; also that there be mini
mum allowance . for support at the
school for the deaf and at the college
for the blind; also that no child I'M
der ten years be committed to either
of the industrial schools, and also
some simplifying of the laws regard
ing payment of certain claims at the
hospital for inebriates
Prevention of Tuberculosis
Inasmuch as the public health is
one of the largest assets of the state,
measures which directly or indirectly
benefit the health of our citizens
should receive serious consideration.
Our state recognizes the preventable
nature of tuberculosis and that this
terrible scourge is amenable to intel
ligent repressive measures. Not only
have we an institution especially pro-
Vided for those who are unable to
properly care for themselves, but we
have entered upon a policy of educat-
ing the people directly as to their
dangers and duty, and pointing out to
them what they can do to lessen the
harm which comes from this cause
This work under the board of control
has been efficiently conducted, and it
would be wise to continue it with
more ample funds, if necessary.
Primary Election Law Amendment
l hope and believe the primary
election law is indelibly upon the
statute books, for in my judgment it
is the only system of making party
nominations that will stand the test
of time; but we should not hesitate to
amend the law as it's weaknesses
nave been compelled to resort to a
special session of the legislature to
amend the law to meet conditions not
foreseen The alphabetical arrange
ment of names upon the official ballot
us found to be unfair to candidates
and to the voters, and some form OF
rotation of names ought to be provid-
ed SO that all candidates shall be on
an equal footing. 1t were better tc
have no law than to thus fail of Civ
ing all candidates an equal chance ]
am sure you will find a way to rem
edy this defect
There has been considerable fric-
ion over the division of expense, and
vs. it is immaterial to the taxpayer
ll'-v this burden is distributed. would
suggest that the entire expense be
borne by the counties, since the coun-
ty boards have the best opportunit,
for scrutinizing the bills.
Adjustment of Official Duties
Much progress has been made ir
the adjustment and re-arrangemen1
of the duties Of the various state Off
GERS and providing for more per.
feet accounting system. One may
now trace to it's destination every dol.
lar of taxes or fees received Thu
| financial transactions Of the state
large and small, are upon a bushes.
| basis, but in order to do this new du
ties and responsibilities have beer
placed upon the states servants. II
! tighten the burden, we might well &c
further by grouping together depart
ments that are related and in line will
this thought I would urge thes,
| changes:
The department Of public accounts
should be placed under the control O
the secretary of state.
The department of banking SHOULD
be attached to the Office Of treasure
! of state.
The department Of insurance SHOULD
be a separate and independent de
partment
The task of compiling criminal sta
tistics should be combined with SINH
lar duties of the board of parole.
State Insurance Department
I believe that the state irsuranc
department should be independent
and under the management of a su
Derintendent of INSURANCE orroi,+o