Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1914-10-02

advocates and opponents of county
option may be found earnest, thought
full, patriotic and unselfish citizens,
and there may also be found self
serving, ambitious, adventurous per-
sons who seize upon popular senti-
ment as a convenient vehicle in
which to ride to- Office. The first are
in the fight for principle, the others
in the fight for booty. Much good,
however, may come from temperance
agitation, whether the question be in
politics orsout of fts.t So long as these
discussions continue the evil of in
temperance will not be hidden, it will
stand out in all its hideous edeformity
to the scrutiny of the public, it will
shrink and wither until finally it will
all but disappear. 1t may be over
come by legislation; it may be over
thrown by public sentiment without
legislation"
Must Reduce Taxes.
Mr.. Hammond discussed the in.
crease Of state expenditures and the
growing tax rate1and said: 1--WE must
keep up the state institutions. We
must provide all the money necessary
for the state to carry on in a good and
proper manner its many functions. But
we cannot, go on. as we have been go
increasing our expenditures and
burdening the people of the state
with excessive taxation.
''In 1905 the state expenditures were
between eight and nine millions OF
dollars, in 1912 between fourteen and
fifteen millions of dollars, in 1913
eighteen and one-half millions. Think
OF this Just moment: approximately
an increase OF, $6,000,O00 in the seven
years ending in 1912 and further in
crease of 100000 for the year 1918
and probably a greater increase fol-
the year 1914. Taxpayers are com
planning of the 1913 levy paid this
year-the 1914 levy, to be paid next
spring. will probably be greater"
The plan for the reorganization Of
state departments, proposed by the
economy and efficiency commission
appointed by Governor Eberhart wa:
discussed by Mr. Hammond, who saiC
that "The high taxation of today can
not continue, the expenditures mus
be lessened, and here is rational anC
well-thought-out plan to promote eff
cheney and economy" He commended
the portion of the commissions repor
urging q civil service system, bur
warned against the danger of creating
an .of1ceholding class. "The insfi
cient, as well as the efficient, claim
| life tenure of Office" he said. "This
may be avoided If at the very begin
ming appointments ia the civil service
are made-not for life, but for a def
mite term of years -say six years. The
efficient and capable would be re
appointed, while the careless. indiffer
ent and inefficient should not be re
appointed" .t..ss,,.
Mr. Hammond also approved thu
proposed budget system of making ap
preparations.
9 State Land Policy.
Dtscusstng the state land policy, MI
Hammond said there are many strong
| ambitious and industrious people VIII,
would gladly buy state land suitabl,
for agriculture, but who have only lin
tied means They must have Lane
which will bring quick returns, h,
said. and the state should undertak,
to improve these lands so that the,
would attract purchasers who wOul'
settle upon them. He said he was il
full accord with the proposed amend
ment TO the constitution for Fevolv
ing fund for the improvement OF stat,
lands, Such state lands as are uni
for agriculture should be planted t
forests he said, and also advocates
acquiring, gradually, privately owne
lands which are unfit for agriculture
and making them into state forests
Mr.. Hammond discussed the LAX
Superior and Mississippi canal, dc
claring that the plan promises O.
ceedingly great value to commerce.
He took up the federal swamp Ian,
grant, condition of which was tina
the proceeds be used for, reclaiHinl
those lands, and the claim that thi
condition is violated by the constity
tfonal provision that the proceeds o
the lands must go to the schools an
state institutions. He declared this
matter of grave importance, to whicl
the governor should give particula
attention. a
Opposed to Use Of Veto.
Discussing the veto power, MI
Hammond pointed out that the mex
governor will deal with nonpartiSal
legislature. Surely, he said, if an
1 representative body can be assume
to represent faithfully the sentimen
Of the state, that body can Suppos
subject, for instance county optior
or universal primary, with whic
the people are fairly familiar, is cor
sidered by this nonpartisan 1egisls
ture and bill covering it approve
by both bodies; in such case ough
the Observation-Disclosures his own pel