Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-01-14
Last Appeal to Jersey Leg
islatOrs for Progress /
sive Laws.
URGES RADICAL CHAN GE
Revision TO Govern Corpora
tons and Insure Better Pro-
lection TO the People.

Trenton, y. j., Jan. 14.-President-
elect Woodrow Wilson, in his capaci-
" as governor Of New Jersey, sent
his second annual message to the leg
islature which convened today. It
was his las formal appeal to the legis-
lature for the completion OF the pro-
gram OF progressive legislation for
which he dec AIRED himself when he
took Office
Foremost among Che laws advocat-
ed are radical revision OF the stat
utes governing corporations, and bet
ter laws in the matter Of drawing
Juries. The governor recommends the
commission form OF government for
cities, and speaks strongly in favor
OF economics in the state administra-
ton. In conclusion he expresses the
hope that New Jersey will ratify he
constitutional amendments providing
for tax on incomes. and the election
Of United States senators by direct vote
of the people The governors mes
sage was written while tho president
EJECT was in Bermuda, and constitutes
lis only political wri ing since cleo
ton.
REGRETS LEAVING STATE.
At the outset of the document there
IL a personal note of regret at leaving
New Jersey, and an expression of
rctitude and obligation 10 those who
stood by him in carrying out reforms.
a most without preface. however. the
governor calls attenton to the laxity
Of he states corporation laws. With
the hope that New Jersey shall never
again be called the mother of trusts"
the message Is addressed TO a legis-
lature that is for the first time during
his admins ration, democratic in
both branches.
The corporation laws OF the state
no:oriously stand in need Of altera-
tion. the governor says. They are
manifestly inconsistent with the IN
terests OF the people in the all-im-
portant matter Of monopoly. and as
they stand. far from checking monOp-
oily, they actually encourage it. The
whole country has set its face against
this method of forming vas. combina-
tions and creating monopoly, Cover
nCr Wilson declares. Il am sure that
the people OF New Jersey" he contdn-
ues, do not dissent from the common
judgment that our law must prevent
these things and prevent them very
enectually.
The governor says the statutes of
the sta.e should be amended to pro
vide some responsible official super
vision on the whole process OF incor
pcration and provide, in addition
snlutary checks upon unwarranted and
fictitious increases Of capital. No le
gitimate business will be inbred ol
harmfuliy restricted '~ such action
These matters affec. .e honor anC
good faith OF the state, and should be
acted upon at once and with clear pur
pose.
POLITICS AND JURIsTs.
After declaring that the state should
enact legislation 20 protect its people
from irresponsible persons who onel
for sale securities Of every sort the
governor turned TO the question o
jury drawing. why has no legisla
ture ever seriously and earnestly Sc
itself to correct this condition." h'
asks. The drawing OF Gand juries
and even upon occasion the DRAWN;
OF petit juries. is VIGOROUSLY subiec
10 political influence and control II
this state. and this can and should b
remedied."
Continuing, the governor pointe'
out reforms in the states taxation
system. and suggested that the boar
Cf public utility commissioners b
granted additional powers TO eliminat
dangerous grade railroad crossings II
"A thoroughly practical fashion" Tn
board. he urged, should also be give
power to require railroads TO ma
their trains with adequate crews.
While commencing the legislator
OF 1911 for passing the act permittin
cities and towns TO adopt the commi:
sion form OF government, the goyerno
urged a fuller extension OF the system
The path OF reform In thai held'
he added. lis unquestionably the pat
OF greater freedom. The question c
municipal government is perhaps IN
most serious question concerning IN
ORGANIZATION OF methods OF govern
ment hat now contronts us as a N
tion. Covet for New Jersey the hoI
or Of showing the way Of liberty an
sefrespecting reorganization.
FARMER NEGLECTED.
The farmer has nofsbeen served
he might be-" continues the governo
I'VE have set up and subsidized agr
cultural schools. horticul uraf school
schools of poultry bree6inei and 4