The Mena weekly star., 1913-01-23

result from their liberation rather than | impose on them further confinement m | the penitentiary. This charge, comlHs | from so high a source and attended DN investigated A committee of the Leg islature should look carefully into the subject and ascertain what conVlcts | have suffered inhuman treatment, IT any, and in what instances punishment has been inflicted on those who have abused their power over the cohNicts' If abuses have been practiced, ana no punished has been inflicted on those responsible, the public is entitled to know the reason for this neglect or duty.
 Economy and Efficiency Commission.
 The system of accounting in some of the departments and in many of the in stitutions of the state is so defective and unsatisfactory as to suggest the advisahility of creating an economy and efficiency commission to consider the possibility of reducing the expenses of the state government in all it's de- tails and the installation of modern methods of accounting The powers Of such commission should be broad ana extended for the sole purpose or improV- ing the public service Many illustra- tons of the haphazard manner in which affairs are administered could be cited if time and space permitted. This com mission need not occasion any consld- erable expense to the state Many intel llgent citizens are studying and work ing along the lines which the commits sion should pursue. and they would be glad to serve without compensation. It would be advisable to authorize the em- IloYment of a secretary of the commits sion at a reasonable salary. As a result of the investigation and report of such A commission, the expenses of govern meat will be reduced. and at the same time the efficiency of the service in- creased.
 Compensation Law
 s.l, ,-o11 l,a Ad n the enactment of workmens compen- sation act. In several states laws have been enacted providing for com pensation in all cases of death or In jury tn employees engaged in hazardous undertakings, save where the death or injury results from the willful act of the employe killed or injured. The sub tect should be given careful considera- tion and both the employe and the em- ployer should be treated fairly, for it must be borne in mind that the public finally bears the burden. Compensation should be substituted for the old doc Urine of negligence liability. The bur den of accidents now falls with crush ing force on the laborer and on those dependent upon him. Other measures Tn the interest of the cause of labor will hereafter be suggested.
 Ratification of Income Tax Amend
 ment.
 The last General Assembly passed resolution ratifying the income tax amendment to the constitution of the United States The governor assume authority to veto the resolution. While 1t is quite probable that the ratification is effective without regard to the at tempted veto. and while no legal au- thorities seem to support the power of a governor to veto such a resolution, all questions should be precluded by the prompt passage of another resolution ratifying this amendment The people of this state are in favor of the amend ment and do not desire that the queS- tion be left open.
 Election of United States Senator By
 Popular Vote.
 An amendment authorizing the cleo tion of United States senators by popu- lar vote has been submitted by Con gress. Surely no argument need here be cited in support of this amendment which seems to be now generally ap- proved throughout the United States.
 Preservation of old State House.
 This administration is committed to house. Many suggestions as to its use have been submitted. Further discus sion of this subject. however, Is re served for another occasion.
 Nothing conduces more to speedy de- velopment than good highways.
 The proposition to authorize working of county convicts on public roads in the various judicial circuits will likely be presented to you. and is worthy of attention.
 The advisability of purchasing or es- tablishing rock quarries in various DOT tions of the state and furnishing with convict labor rock for use on highways to counties and towns at a low cost would encourage In a practical way the building of good roads throughout the state.
 Highway Commission. Unquestionably there should be ere | ated a state highway commission with | view to making investigations and urOnnCino fha lONa ffnp of | roads under a general plan or system. | The time is speedily coming, if it is not | at hand. when we must eXpend large | sums of public money in road building. | Before this burden is imposed upon the | public we should provide for a more general and systematic supervision over the construction of public roads with a view to preventing reckless waste of road funds. If 1t be objectionable to create such a commission on the ground that it will increase expenses, you may well consider whether public spirited ] citizens who are interested in the move ment for good roads would not serve | without compensation on a commission | which might become quite useful. | Something substantial should be done | toward the construction of better high ways in Arkansas.
 Banking Laws.
 Existing laws for the organization and control of banks in Arkansas are | somewhat autiquated and require revi- | sion A bill looking to this end has | been approved by the Arkansas Bankers | Association. When modified in some | particulars this proposed measure will | constitute a decided improvement on the 1 present laws. It is suggested that this | subject be given careful consideration | and the measure be passed with such amendments, if any, as you may deem | necessary for the protection of the pub
 study of Criminal.
 The. time is approaching when VIC 1 tihc study of the criminal and defective classes of population. with a view to- | preventing crime by removing tho cause; and in the hope of reducing the | number of feeble minded by providing | for them in institutions properly or | ganiZed and scientifically conducted II Is quite possible that the expenditures Of money to prevent crime will prove more effective in the future than it has for punishment in the past Every con. sideration for the welfare of society re ] quires that all classes of the feebl. minded be provided for in institutions
 Agricultural Schools.
 Large deficiencies exist in the appro priations for the four agricultura schools These deficiencies exist fir part. of liabilities for materials fur nished and labor performed A casua investigation of them discloses that fl all instances they were necessary. ant in many instances they were unavoid able. You wilf>, investigate carefully these obligations of the state and if in your judgment. they are valid, mak provision for their prompt payment
 It is also apparent that the growth o our agricultural schools has been rap l Ann Vapfa far,c fn- 1n- -fa