Little Falls herald., 1914-10-02

J, OCTOBER 2, 1914
Iiilx-lncreasng our .xpenolInfea apa
burdening the people of the state
with excessive taxa+ N.
I'm 1905 the state expenditures were
between eight and nine millions of
dollars, in 1912 between fourteen and
fifteen millions of dollars, in 1918
eighteen and one-half millions Think
of this just moment: Approximately
an increase Of $6,00O,0O0 in the seven
years ending in 1912 and further In
crease Of $3,O00,000 for the year 1913,
and probably greater increase for.
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 was
discussed by Mr.. Hammond, who said
that "The high taxation of today can
not continue, the expenditures must
be lessened, and here is rational and
well-thought-out plan to promote effi-
cheney and economy" He commended
the portion of the commissions report
urging a civil service system, but
warned against the danger of creating
an ofceholding class. "The inef1i-
cient, as we'll as the efficient, claim
fo,,,ro of ho co;<l
may be avoided if at the very begin
ming appointments in the civil service
are made for life, but for def
mite term of years-say six years. The
efficient and capable would ts re-.
appointed, while the careless, indf1er-
ent and inefficient should not be re-
appointed"
Mr.. Hammond also approved the
proposed budget system of making ap-
propriations.
State Land Policy.
Discussing the state land policy, Mr..
Hammond said there are many strong,
ambitious and Industrious people who
would gladly buy state land suitable
for agriculture, but who have only linn
ted means. They must have land
which will bring quick returns, he
said, and the state should undertake
to improve these lands so that they
would attract purchasers who would
settle upon them. He said he was in
full accord with the proposed amend
ment to the constitution for a revolv-
ing fund for the improvement of state
lands. Such state lands as are unfit
FOR agriculture should be planted to
forests, he said. and also advocs::ed
acquiring, gradually, privately owned
lands which are unfit for agriculture,
and making them into state forests.
Mr.. Hammond discussed the Lake
Superior and Mississippi canal, de-
claring that the plan promises ex-
ceedingly great value to commerce" :"
He took up the federal swamp land
grant, a condition of which was that
The proceeds be used for reclafming
those lands, and the claim that this
condition is violated by the constitu.
tional provision that the proceeds of
the lands must go to the schools and
state institutions. He declared this a
matter of grave Importance, to which
the governor should give particular
attention. --...-a.--5
Opposed to Use Of Veto. 5
Discussing the veto power, Mr..
Hammond pointed out that the next
governor will deal with nonpartisan
legislature. Surely" he said, If any
representative body can be assumed
to represent faithfully the sentiment
of the state, that body can. Suppose
a subject, for instance county option,
or a universal primary, with which
the people are fairly familiar, is con.
sidered by this nonpartisan legisla-
ture and bill covering it approved
by both bodies; iii such case ought
the governor-whatever his own per-
sonal views may be- -interpose veto?
think not. The veto power is in
tended to check hasty and ill-consid-
cred action, or to challenge a measure
clearly unconstitutional or one involv-
ing a ,radical change of policy upon
which the people have had no oppor-
tunity to render judgment. But when
the majority of the people determine
upon any matter Of public policy in a
way that is not contrary to our funda-
mental law, it is the duty Of all leg
islative and executive officers to
carry out the mandate of our highest
authority"
The extension of the elective fran
chise to include women will sooner or
later be submitted to the people, Mr..
Hammond said. The Democratic
party, he said, has always favored the
initiative and referendum and we
may look for its early Incorporation
into the laws of the state.
GIVES KEYNOTE AT RED WING
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