The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1911-01-12

terested in the liquor traffic TO accept
this result as the expression OF de.
sire upon the part OF the people OF
this state that Il more liberal policy
should be pursued in the regulation
and control of the sale OF intoXicat-
ing liquors. Experience has clearly
demonstrated the necessity that the
business should be strictly regulated,
and that the evils incident thereto
should be eliminated, so lar as it is
possible to eliminate them through
regulation. The result of the vote
upon this amendment Is rather to be
accepted as an expression of The judg-
ment of the people OF this state that
the sale of intoxicating liquors can be
more effectively regulated through its
license. whore public sentiment is in
favor of its sale, than through efforts
to prohibit it throughout the state.
It is uncuestiCnqbly the purpose OF
the present law to accomplish the re-
suit OF the separation OF the brew
cry from the saloon" but this result
has not been satisfactorily accom-
plished. | believe 1t would be adyis-
able to specifically provide that those
engaged in the manufacture Of intoxi'
eating liquors should not, directly or
indirectly, be connected with the retail
sale of liquors, as this would result
in d greater personal and financial re-
sponsibilty and incentive on the part
Of those conducting the dramshop to
comply with the regulations which the
state imposes.
The so.called question Of ward or
residential local option for the largs
cities was also an active subject Of
discussion by the LAST general assem-
bly, While the question Is not en-
tirely free from difficulties. | feel tnat
such changes should be made In the
law as will enable those living in the
residence districts OF the large cities
mere effectively 10 prohibit the exist.
cnce of saloons therein.
The law. however which | consider
most important and necessary for the
proper regulation of tie liquor traffic
In this state Is one which will re-
quirc all clubs or voluntary associa.
tons engaged in selling or dispensing
Intoxicating liquors 70 their members
to first secure a license from the au'
thorites authorized 10 issue dram
shop licenses. such license to be
granted only upon proper showing
that the club or orgi pization is one
of good reputation and exists for \
bona fide purpose and not for the
purpose OF cvading the dramshOp laws.
Public Service Corporations.
The question Ct the regulation OF
public service corporations Is a con
tinung question Of public interest and
concern. The right OF the people TO
regulate, either by legislative enact.
mcnts or through orders Of com.
mission properly authorized, the rates
and service OF public service corpora
tions is now not unty generally con
ceded, but the necessity Of such rcgu'
| latiun is also generally recognized. The
efforts OF the state and the various
municipalities Of the state TO accom-.
pish effective regulation OF the rates
and service of public service corpora
| Tons in Missouri has not been attend.
| ed with satisfactory results. Maximum
freight rate laws passed in 1905 and
| in 1907 by the general assembly are
| still uncnforced by reason Of injunc-
tons against their enforcement grant
| ed by he federal courts. The enforce
mcnt OF the twO.Cent passenger rate
law passed by the rortyfourth general
assembly has also for he last eighteen
months been enjoincd by an order Of
| the United States circuit court The
consitutOnality Of both of these laws
is now pending for dccIaiOh hetare
the supreme court Of the United
States, the eases having been sub.
mitlpd for decision last October.
The present situation in this STATE
| with reference 90 passenger rates IS
very unsatisfactory,
] recommend to the favorable con,
sdcralion Of this legislature a meas
ure that | recommended to the con
sidaratiun Of the last prohibiting, IN
der the express authorization Of the
constitution of the state, railroads
from charging more for short than
for long haul or higher rate per
mile for a passenger carried within
| the state than that which is charged
one carried across the state, or from
| this state TO another state
The formation OF public service
| commission is recommended.
| Board Of Control.
| feel that there exists much room
| for Improvement In the management
| of our educational. elecmosynary
penal and reformatory institutions. as
well as the different state depart
meuts. Each Of our state institutions
Is now managed by board of five
members. appointed by the governor
who serve without pay, with the eT
ceptI0n Of the state penitentiary
which IS managed by a warden, witt
the assistance of n board OF prison
inspectors composed Of the state
treasurer, state auditor and attorney
general.
recommend to your favorable con
sideration the passage Of law whicf