The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1909-01-13
SHELDON'S FAREWELL MESSAGE
Advice He Has Offer New Lawmakers Regarding Many Matters
Of State Wide Interest


than ordinary attention are his recon-
mendations relating to taxation. the re-
vision of the state primary law and to |
liquor legislation. The portions of his |
message on these topics are quoted here !
with. Other recommendations and COM |,
ments ne makes are as follows. |
That the governor be given discretion |
TO refuse to review applications for par |
don or communication Of sentence. |
That an indeterninate sentence law be |
passed ythe legislature and a board OF
pardons be established by an amendment
to the constitution. |
That plant be established at the pen |
;tentiary to manufacture godos used by
the various state institutions.
That the state institutions are in good
condition and great improvements have
been made during the las few years.
That the state carry its own insurance
wherever suitable fire protection has been
provided.
Commenting the National Guard as de-
serving of the most loyal support by the
citizens Of the state.
Deploring that there are not better mil
tia companies in Lincoln and Omaha and
pointing out lack OF means is the cause
OF inef.iciency.
That the state build armories in those
cities which are maintaining militia COM
panies.
That officers Of militia companies be
petitive examination.
Calling attention TO the fact he has ap
pointed a commission on the conservation
of natural resources, TO serve without pay
and to report to the governor.
That the legislature make provision SO
that Nebraska. can be represented at the
Alaska Yukon exposition.
That the state fair grounds be equipped
as speedily IS possible with permanent
buildings.
Commencing the National Corn eXposi-
ton 4 credit to the commonwealth and
praising the Nebraska exhibits.
Reporting that the silver service donat
ed by the state to the battleship Nebras
ka had been presented 1T ASH Francisco
June s.
Recommending the legislature appro
pirate Sl5,00e to apply on the cost of ::
monument TO Abraham Lincoln on the
u aitol grounds.
Calling attention to the necessity of re-
pairing and improving some portions Of
the capitol. more particularly the base
ment
Concurring in the recommendation Of
the state veterinarian that a live stock
sanitary commission be established
Recommending an appropriation suffi
c;enI to enable the state authorities to
maintain live stock quarantine where
needed.
Favoring an appropriation to enable
tie experiment station to make investiCa-
tons for the cure and prevention of hog
cholera
Favoring means be provided for the es-
Establishment OF Il meteorological labora-
tory.
Public Education.
Recommending liberal appropriations
for the training of teachers in the state
university and normal schools.
FavoriHg an appropriation of at least
$4,000 to further junior normal work.
Favoring an appropriation TO assist
weak schooi districts.
Directing attention to the fact that the
increased valuation of assessment proper
ty vii! care for the normal growth OF the
state university and provide means for
increasing the salaries OF some profess
sors.
Favoring an increase in the size of the
university campus SO that an athletic
field and a place for CADETS to drill can be
provided.
Favoring appropriation for agricultural
experiment work.
The establishment Of additional expert
ment stations, one to be i'm the sand hills
district. another in the extreme western
part of the state and another in the irri-
gated section.
That in grazing counties the COUNTY
board or the people might require that
crop land be fenced instead of grazing
lands.
Reduction in State Debt.
There was n greater reduction in the
state debt during the last biennium than
ever before. On November 80. 1906 there
were warrants outstanding against the
general fund amounting to sl.9l6611.13
On November 30, 1908. this had been re-
duced to S7GS.630.12. The reduction in
1907 amounted to s53l .s06.s9. and in 1908
the reduction was s6lS. 43S. go making n
total reduction of Sl.l4S.O4059.
The 1mill levy, provided by law to re-
MUM. $685. ,I2Ss5. Therefore, the levy
which was made for the general fund pro-
duced S51l.916 more than was neces-
sary for the general expenses Of the state
government, and that amount was ap-
piled on the payment of the debt. The
levy for general purposes during the bien-
MUM was mills, the same as in previous
years.
Calling attention to the report of the
commissioner Of public lands and bui.
Sings to the effect the permanent school
fund should be reimbured s525.5S1. so anG
showing there is in all about IS. 29O 900 OF
trust funds in the permanent school
fund.
Recommending a change IN the law for
the securing Of public funds. so that first
mortgages on real estate or other securi-
curtty.
New Savings Bank Law.
Calling attention to the need in this
state for a law that will encourage the
establishment of private savings banks.
The conditions are such in most of the
smaller towns of the state that a savings
bank Of itself viii not pay. and conse-
ouently none are established. Two plans
are suggested: Either the enactment of
mutual savings banks with the privilege
Of having branches in various parts Of the
state or law authorizing and provid-
ing for the establishment. in commercial
banks of savings department. but re-
curing the business to be kept separate