The Prescott daily news., 1913-01-21

we'll 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 dono toward the construction of better high ways in Arkansas.
 Banking Laws.
 Existing laws for the organization and control of banks in Arkansas are somewhat anticipated 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 vii constitute a decided improvement on th present laws. It is suggested that tn ]" 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 We should make systematic and SCien- tfc study of the criminal and defective classes of population. with a view to- preventing crime by removing the cause; and in the hope of reducing the number of feeble minded by providing for them in institutions properly or ganzed and scientifically conducted Tt 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
 
 quires that all classes of the feeble minded be provided for in institutions
 Agricultural Schools.
 Large deficiencies exist in the appro- priations for the four agricultural schools. These deficiencies exist in part of liabilities for materials fur nished and labor performed. casual investigation of them discloses that in all instances they were necessary. and in many instances they were unavoiG able. You will investigate carefully these obligations of the state, and if in your judgment, they are valid. make provision for their prompt payment
 It is also apparent that the growth 4t our agricultural schools has been rap i'd. Appropriations for dormitories and other buildings heretofore vetoed under the last administration have increased the total amount now necessary to prop erlY provide for the rapid growth of these institutions It Is manifcrt that in some cases the usefulness and success of these schools depends upon prompt provision being made by the General Assembly for equipment and the comfortable housing of students, Detailed and itemized information con corning the subject will be furnished you. The value of scientific learning in agriculture cannot be overest stimated. Throughout the nation there has recent ly been an awakening to the impor- tanCe of this subject. You will doubt less be IS liberal as the existing con- ditions of the general revenue fund will permit. It is contemplated that our agricultural schools with other edu- cauonal institutions. shall De placed on a special tax rate. If this is done It cannot become effective during the pres ent fiscal year and it will still be nee essary to provide for improvements re Quired and for the deficits herein referred to from the general revenue fund.
 The State Normal.
 The appropriation heretofore made fOi a dormitOry at the state normal was known to be inadequate at the time the same became effective and it is now necessary to complete the building al ready begun in order that it may he used to provide in part for the rapidly increasing number of pupils at the in stitution.
 The University of Arkansas.
 The proper and liberal maintenance of the University of Arkansas is sub 1ect which invites your earnest consld- eration. It's usefulness in the past may be greatly increased by proper legisla tion and necessary reforms. No at tempt is now made to discuss this sub- ject in detail It is reserved for a spe- cial message
 Common Schools.
 While institutions of learning main talned Dy religious organizations and private schools are a valuable part or our educational system the common
 
 are its foundation. They are rightfully entrenched in the confidence and affec- tions of the people. The most general ly accepted test of civilization is the masses When a free school has become accessible to every student; when the influence of the teacher has extended to every home and to those who are homeless when our institutions of higher learning have been placed on a permanent basis and freed from poli- ucs, ignorance and crime will be dimin- ished, and the states title to a place cure.
 Confederate Home.
 The report of the board of charities discloses that a deficiency of fifteen thousand dollars exists in the appro- priation for the Confederate home It will of course. be necessary to provide for this deficiency. The inmates of this institution are objects of love and ten der solicitude on the part of our entire citizenship It is our pride and pleas ure to make provision for their com fort Many eX-Confederate soldiers have suggested the adVisability of plaC- ing the home under separate board to consist in part at least of veterans This suggestion is commended as worthy of your consideration.
 Charitable Institutions.
 The report of the Board of State Charities, which has control of the Hos pital for Nervous Diseases. discloSes a deficit of more than sixty-fve thousand dollars in the appropriation for that in stitution. A comparison of the cost of maintaining this important and neces- sary institution with the ~cost of Simi- lar institutions in other states warrants the belief that it can be materially re- duced without impairing the efficiency of the service rendered. No valid req son appears for the payment of q sal ary of five thousand dollars per an- mum for the superintendent and also d salary of thfrty-fiVe hundred dollars per year for the services of an expert alienst It would seem that this is un- necessary Of course, efficiency is al- ways the first aim to be attained in the public service. It appears. however,