Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1912-12-22

imperative changes needed in the
state 5 organic law that can not be
attained any other way. 1t is admit
ted by the great majority that the
state has outgroWn the constitution of
/ ~.
The Two Commissions.
! One OF the drastic changes that
Will be proposed in the present sys-
tenn VIII be the consolidation of the
State Tax Commission and the Arkan-
sas Railroad Commission. which
would mean a saving of $40 Ooo q
year. 1t is argued that three COM
mls;loners, until the proper clerical
help, can do the work of the two
commissioners as we'll as sir. This
would keep them on duty all the
time. The change will not be aimed
at the efficiency Of the service, but
will be advocated for the sake of
economy.
proposition will be advanced by
GOV. Robinson for a special tax levy,
probably Of one mill, for the support
of the states educational institutions,
including the university, the state nor
NAL, the branch normal and the four
agricultural schools. 1t is not prob
able that a sugG estion for the abol-
ton OF any of the agricultural schools
would NEE, with any favor, rather it
Will be the purpose to increase their
efficiency as far as possible
The Legislature will be called upon
to enact laws for child welfare Child
labor las not yet become very seri-
Gus problem in Arkansas, but with
the increase in industrial establish
ments, the time is rapidly approach
ing when it will be, and it is argued
that it is best to be forearmed
The completion of the new capitol,
and the purchase OF additional
grounds adjoining the present site
and the beautfying of the same will
come in for considerable attention.
There is now in the treasury
quarter Of a million dollahs to be ex-
pended in the completion Of the
building, and its furnishing. Incident
to this, is the question of the discon-
tinuance of the capitol levy. Some
members think it should be stopped at
once, or after the approaching annual
collection in January.
In this connection, the biennial
problem of the disposal OF the old
statehouse will come up, and so great
has 6eeT the increase in the senti-
ment for its preservation that it is
doubtful if the advocates of is sale
would find corporal's guard IL sup
port. Agricultural Commissioner Page
will submit a proposition to turn it
over to that department, to be used
as headquarters for tie farmers OF
the state, and John H. Hinemon,
among other enthusiastic endorsers,
suggests that provision should be
made for educational exhibits as we'll.
For the Electric Chair.
One radical change that will be
proposed in the enforcement of law
will be a bill to be introduced by
Representative Kidder of Pulaski
for the substitution of the electric
chair for hanging in the execution OF
criminals. Then all executions would
take place at the state penitentiary,
instead of in the county where the
crime was committed. This change
was endorsed by the Sheriffs' Asso-
citation as more humane than hanging.
A bill will be introduced to change
the procedure with referentce to the
trial of criminal case: in Justice OF
the Peace Courts, in the larger cities.
An effort will be made to reduce the
number of justices, and place them
on a salary. 1t will he urged that
four justices can do the business OF
Little Rock. Another court, inter-
mediate between the Justice and the
circuit courts, will be recommended.
Justice Fishback Of Fort Smith will
ask that the state make provision for
the care of destitute families OF con-
victs. Innocent wives and helpless
children should not be punished for
the sins of some heartless reprobate, 4
is the position Justice Fishback has
taken.
Fort Smith citizens are coming
back stronger than ever with their
demand for a law providing for
commission form of government III
cities, and the sentiment for this, too
appears stronger than ever. The Fort
Smith bill provides for the change IN
cities between 10000 and $4,000 in