Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1910-01-14
HUGHES IN MESSAGE
CALLS FOR REFORMS
Stands by Demand for Direct Nomina.
tions--Wou'd End Rookr aking
and White Slave Traffic.


Albany, N. Y. Jan. lin two of
the most important documents sent
out from the Executive Chamber Gov
ernor Hughes called upon the State
Legislature TO defeat the proposed in
come tax amendment to the federal
constitution, again urged law pro-
viding for direct primaries and an
nounced the gift of 10000 acres Of
land and $1,000. 900 from Mrs. Mary
w. Hartman for great public park
on the Hudson River.
One of the documents was the Gov
ernor's annual message to the Legis-
1ature. The attack on the proposed
income tax amendment was made the
subject of a special message. The
Governor analyses the amendment
from constitutional standpoint.
quoting eminent judicial opinions to
Justify his determined opposition, and
recommending that the proposed con-
stitutional amendment providing for
an income tax be not ratified by the
Legislature of this state.
The Governor in the general mes
sage urged amendments of the Penal
Code to prevent oral betting, or book
making without the recording of bets,
and the so-called white slave" traf-
tic. A renewal of his recommenda.
ton for the inclusion of all telephone
and telegraph companies under the
jurisdiction of the Public Service COM
missions was distinctly brief, even
curt. Extension of the states agricul-
tural work, the state development OF
water powers and the adoption of d
more liberal forest preservation pol
icy were other features of the mes
sage which were expected by the leg
islators.
Entirely new was the acknowledg-
ment of a. gift by Mrs. h. II. Hartman
Of a tract of land of 10000 acres near
her estate and 81 100000 in cash to
acquire other land for a great state
park in the highlands of the Hudson.
In the body of the message and in an
appendix giving in detail correspond
ence between the Governor, George
w. Perkins, president of the Palisades
Park Commission, and others there
was set forth comprehensive plan
for the acquisition of the splendid
park, to include most Of the beautiful
territory of the Palisades region. with
a river frontage and great roadway
along the base of the Palisades. Gifts
by John d. and William Rockefeller,
J. Pierpont Morgan, AIRS. Sage, Miss
Helen Miller Gould. George w. Per-
kns and others amounting to $1625,-
600 were announced with the declara-
tion that $2.500.t00 more had been
raised. TO meet this New York State
is to appropriate 81 800 .0G0 to acquire
land and build roads aud TO remove
the new state prison from Rockland
County to some place where it will
not interfere with this park work.
Charter revision for New York
City, the passage of measures to as
sure more econon zeal ,Ondemnation
proceedings. comprehensive automo.
bile legislation. with a license tax:
proper legislation to provide better
compensation for injury of employees
along the lines of the report of the
Comission on employers liability, The
essening of special Legislation for
municipalities and definite system
Of budget making by the state We're
,ngad by Governor Hughes.
Other recommendations are:
That the Governor appoint cabi-
net Of State administrative heads ac-
countabie to him, in place of the pres
ent elective State officers. This would
require constitutional amendment.
That the New York ballot be SIM
pliiied.
Publicity of all campaign expendi-
lures.
Direct nominations.
That 1t be made crime, with Sc
we're penalty, for motorist to seek to
escape after an accident to which his
act has contributed.