Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1915-01-06

ARE many settlers d attracted ~ its
fertility who wo uldE Ike to n purchase
}it and make homes upon &c, but they
are without the means needed to p,lr.
I chase and improve It and to await It's
development. They must ind land
that will yield quick returns. II
seems to me the state can we'll afford
to develop this waste land, and when
It is ready for settlement; that Is,
when settlers can go upon it and by
industry and good judgment secure
an early return for their effort, sell
It to actual settlers on easy terms.
TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION.
In the last election there was much
! controversy over temperance legis-
!ation, and practically every represen-
tative and senator elected have come
here either opposed to a change from
local option to county option or in
favor of such change; very likely
each member desires an opportunity
to express his own opinion and to give
the district he represents. There are
numerous plans for the promotion of
temperance, and every one is in IA
vor of temperance legislation or claims
to be In favor of it.. Some OF our
citizens would prohibit the sale, tho
manufacture and the use of intoxi-
eating liquors of all kinds within the
state. Others would prohibit their
manufacture and sale, but not their
use. Others would distinguish be-
tween spurious liquors and malt and
vinous beverages. The majority, how
ever, apparently favor the licensing
of the sale of intoxicating liquors eth
er by the counties or by lesser po-
litical units, and while I am convinc-
ed that sooner or later the people Of
this state will pass upon some kind
Of a prohibition measure, Just now
the question is, Shall there be county
option in place of existing local op-
ton? Since nearly every member
knows now what his vote will be, it
does not seem that discussion of
the matter at any length is either de-
s1rable or necessary. Whatever de-
termination you may reach upon coun-
ty option, I trust that all other pro-
posals tending to promote temperance
among the people of this state will re-
ceive your attention, and that you
may be able to place upon the stat
ute books some measures that will
make for TEMPERANCE.
ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY.
"A matter OF great concern and of
farreaching consequence will come be-
fore you at this session. For many
years students of public affairs and
those concerned in the activities of
the state have believed the civil ad-
ministration should be recognized.
We have now number of Offices, de-
partments and commissions acting in
dependently and unrelated to each
ether. There is lack of coordination
and lack of supervision. Necessarily
there is duplication of work and that
means unnecessary work. The dupli-
cation of work necessitates a large
number of employees If one man can
perform the services required in two
departments, it is a waste to employ
two men.
"But there is a matter of still great
er Importance. These commissions,
boards, departments and Offices,
working along different lines and oft
times at cross purposes, make effort
for o001 oovorrmopt for loco oHoc+ivo
than if directed by one chief super
visor and toward definite goal. Ef-
hciency Is the highest type of econ
omy. The purpose of reorganizing
the civil administration of Minnesota
is to secure economy through greater
efficiency. The governor of this state
in October, 1913, appointed the Min
nesota efficiency and economy COM
mission. 1t was made up of thirty
citizens of the state, representing all
parts of it geographically. Several
months ago it published it's prelimi-
nary report and. announced that it's
final report would be ready for the
legislature of 1915. That report has
been prepared and will be brought to
your attention. 1t proposes three
things:
SUBSTANCE OF REPORT.
First, a reorganization of the civil
administration of this state. Second,
the Inauguration of the merit system
for the selection of state employees.
Third, the establishment of a budget
for use in connection with appropria-
tons. Now, its third recommended
ton, the establishment of budget,
will encounter no serious opposition,
that is, direct opposition: Every one
will pronounce it good thing Some.
thing. toward, it's. establishuient might
be dope even: if..the, othe;' recommen-
dations were unappifoved, but the. work.
will. be. DONE much, better: maGh! more.
effectively, and be :qf~ Greater vaiie, if
the proposed reorganization is accom-
plished. Each commission, depart
ment or Office for which appropria-