The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1911-11-03

proved and other innovations made
which are lifting Kentucky, education
ally. out of the slough in which II has
rested for so many years. Most nota-
Bile has been the complete elimination
Of politics from this department.
commissionerso Of Agriculture.
Mr. NJ. c. Rankin found this depart
ment, like the other departments
we're found. sadly neglected by he
preceding professional politicians. He
Immediately instituted reforms which
have rehabIlitated the office. Each
year Farmers Institutes are now held
in every county, which was not true
Of the preceding administration. A
new interest In agricultural life among
the boys on the farm has been created
by the Corn Clubs organized over the
state by Mr.. Rankin. Premiums to
the value of more than 100000 will be
awarded in November to these boys
for growing the best corn. He has ex-
tended the work of the department to
Southeastern Kentucky, where 1t had
not been pushed before, and with ex-
cellent results for the farmers of the
mountains. His work in conducting
the State Fair through the secretaries
Of that institution and under the Board
of Agriculture, has given to the state
show comparable to the best state
fairs elsewhere A division of his de-
partment, that of Labor. has also done
some notable work. The State Labor
Inspectors have strictly enforced the
Child Labor laws, especially in mining
sections and in manufacturing centers.
The Increase in school attendance of
Is per cent is proof of this. The con-
ditions under which women and girls
work also have been vastly improved.
On the item of printing above for this
department, the state has been saved
$4,000, and the money thus saved has
been used to give the farmers of the
state pure bred seed for experimental
purposes with fine results.
A department under Mr. Rankin
that has done excellent work is the
immigration department In the year
ending September /, 1911, more than
500 persons were secured employment,
so per cent being from other states
or foreign countries. This important
work has enabled thousands of citi
zens to get settled permanently in sub
stantial pursuits that mean the COM
mercial upbuilding of Kentucky.
State Examiner and Inspector.
It is well known to the people of
Kentucky that the work of this de-
partment was neglected in the past.
Mr. NJ. H. Thatcher began a reform of
this department and after his retire
ment Mr.. Mckenzie Todd has sustain
ed and pushed forward the high grade
methods employed since this admin
istration began. Many thousands of
dollars have been collected by this Of
flee through a rigid inspection of all
county Offices. A better system of
handling the states accounts has been
inaugurated in the counties and the
effect of these examinations will be to
prevent losses and carelessness in the
future. Mr.. Thatcher drew up and had
presented to the Legislature bill for
an uniform system of accounting and
the senate passed it, but the House
Committee on Rules, composed of
Democrats, prevented it's enactment
into law A striking piece of work by
this department under Mr.. Todd was
the unearthing of defalcations in the
sheriff's Office of Graves county
amounting to more than $4,000.
Insurance Department.
Commissioner of Insurance c. w
Bell has conducted his office in such
way as TO greatly increase the safety
of insurance to policy holders in Ken
lucky because of the stricter require
ments demanded of the companies
During this administration the re-
ceipts of the department have in
creased $213,199.78, while the expenses
of operating have increased only
$2,312.N Under the careful super
vision of the companies the surplus
funds have increased more than 24O
per cent. and the total assets have in
creased 10 per cent. Before a foreign
insurance company can do business
IN hentuchy IL must meet standard
of qualifications much higher than
ever before required and the home
companies as well are made to toe the
mark of conservative management.
Charitable Institutions.
There is reason for just pride by this
for the management of
state charitable institutions under the
non partisan board appointed by Gov.
Wilson. Not only has a great saving in
funds been made, but the inmates have
been treated with infinitely greater care
and have been given more intelligent
handling. Under the Democratic parti-
san control OF the asylums the average
restraint each year of the inmates, that
is, the number of hours they were bound
and administered narcotics was sc, 900. by
improved methods under the present nom
partisan board the total restraint has
fallen to the astoundingly low average of
coo hours a year Under former political
IL was found nearly impos-
sible to operate the asylums on the per
capita OF $3.50 a year, but under the pres
ent administration, free from poll tics, the
patients have had most excellent care. |
and fhe board has been able to spend
more than sl35.o00 ON improving these
and have to-day balance
OF more than 100000. which has been
saved from the per capita by business
like management Many features have
been introduced for the amusement and
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