Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1913-01-02
Uniform System Of Textbooks.

Uniform System Of Textbooks.
Many states in the union have en-
acted laws for securing uniform sys,
tenn of textbooks. | would suggest that
the Legislature make careful study
/ of the results of the Indiana plan. Bar
ring the larger cities and restricting
uniformity of the eight-grade schools,
all the advantages that we now real
lie could be secured, and besides the
state would save thereby tens of thous-
ands of dollars.
Primary School Funds.
l agree with the declaration OF the
republicans in their platform IN which
! they declare that we should sacredly
preserve the primary scnool fund. I'm
der the rather extraordinary changes
il the assessment OF property there
seems TO be some probability of SER
iously reducing the primary school
fund, This would cripple the work of
| cur common schools. We cannot afford
under any circumstances to do less for
|
| school children. We can afford to do
more rather than less.
| 81, Medical Practice Laws.
From a materiallstIc standpoint no
investment yields greater returns to
the wealth of the state than health. A
recent estimate of the economic value
of life in England shows that human
| labor capitalized, is worth five times
al other capital. The physicians of
Michigan stand ready to further all
! legislation that tends to enlighten the
people along lines that conserve
health. At present Michigan is the
] camping ground for numerous medical
fakirs. | suggest the enactment of a
law whereby practitioners be required
10 pass examinations before the State
Board of Medical Examiners, or State
Board Of Health, in Physiology, Anat-
Omy, Hygiene, Chemistry, Bacteriol-
ogy, Physics, Pathology and Diagnos-
is. knowledge of these subjects is
| fundamental in any rational attempt
on the part of a practitioner to serve
the best interests of his patients This
! is reasonable requirement, and the
| legislation along this line ought to
command not only the approval of the
profession, but the approval of lay
men, generally.
Civil Service.
The business of the state can be
more economically and efficiently ad-
ministered if merit, ability, integrity
| and energy of employees rather than
political activity be made the basis of
employment. l, therefore, suggest that
the Legislature enact a Civil Service
law to this end.
Weekly Payment of Employees.
recommend the enactment of a law
whereby railorad companies, mining
companies and manufacturing con-
Germs be required to pay their en-
rloyes weekly. This is matter of sim
pie justice.
Economy.
Every successful businessman ia
always aware of the importance of
economy. Just why he should some
times forget the Importance of econ
omy when he becomes the hired man
of the state is something of mystery.
One thing Is clearly evident and that
is, that the people are no longer will
ing that an official should, for the
sake of political friendship, make the
state a dollar of unnecessary ex-
pense. Efficiency Is fundamental in
all forms of service. sincerely hope
that the legislators will cooperate
with me in reducing the number of
employees to the minimum.
Conclusion.
Ny attention has been called to
many other matters, but possibly l
have already offered too many sug-
eestions. l realize that on account of
your limited time some OF them can
not be considered In conclusion re-
eat that the Australian Ballot, an
efficient Primary Law, the Initiative
and Referendum and the Recall should
receive thorough and careful consider
alton at the hands Of the Legislature
We are in duty bound to fulfill these
pledges. fell sure that along the line
Of majority of my recommendation
We are a unit.
am aware that there is always dan
ger Of putting on the statute books
too many laws. We sometimes forget
that law enactment is not so import
ant as law enforcement. I unehsitat-
ingly place the interests Of the people
Of Michigan above political partisan
ship. This is an age In which honest
men are glad to cooperate in order
that they may render their fellowmen
the largest and best possible service.
WOODBRIDGE N. FERRIS.