The Spectator., 1915-01-15
SYNOPSIS OF THE MESSAGE.

DecIares that "the most serious pr0b- !em confronting the people of our state today is the question of revenue."
 The state owes at this time approx tmately $462,43s, and under the present rate of taxation the income for the Aext biennial period will be approxf- mately S3.o87,444.
 Suggests that Ca most strict policy of economy be adopted in making ap- proPrlations for departments and in- stitu utiOns."
 tfons have been Issued by the gOver- nor In several cases to take care of ur- gent expenses in various departments where appropriations had been e1- hausted,
 Recommends that tax of one eighth of mill be continued for maintenance of state capitol, that the Capitol Com mission be relieved, and that the buiId- Ing be formally accepted.
 Praises arrangement of penitentiary ductive of better results than the old lease system."
 The reform school has "proved a great blessing"
 Recommends apprOpriations for the maintenance of the State University, State Normal and four agricultural colleges, and when state Is out of debt placing all institutions on n millage basis; recomm ends full appropriat. .0n asked by president of State University.
 Endorses Department of Labor as being "Of great benefit to those who earn their living by the sweat of their brows."
 Recommends n reasonable appropria- tlOn for the maintenance of the Ar kansas National Guard.
 Endorses movement for exhibit at Pannma Exposition, and recommends an appropriation "tO enable the conn missiOners to carry on the work which has been so patrioticalIy fOstered up to this time."
 Recommends an impartial treatment of the interests of labor and capital. . bond issue, or the state borrowing money, and suggests measures to bring about more thorough assessments.
 Recommends law that will guarantee absolutely fair elections.
 Enact no special legislation where same end may be reached by n general law.
 Recommends a fugitive reward fund.
 Recommends the submission of the liquor question to the people in 1916; else, certain amendments to the Going Act.
 Continue levy for Confederate pen- sions.
 Endorses good roads movement.
 Recommends that printing proposed amendments and I. and R. laws be put in charge of State Printing Board, to be let to the lowest bidder.
 FavOrs changing Railroad Commits sion to Public Utilities Comm ssion.
 Recommends creation of office of state accountant.
 Recommends n commission to serve without pay and draft n new crim- final code to simplify our laws and court procedure.
 Recommends that liberal appropria- tions be made for the Agricultural De- pertinent from the fertilizer and feed fund.
 COmmends Judge Joseph M. HiII for work In the rate cases.
 Recommends appropriation to carry on the Medical School.
 Endorses State Banking Department
 Favors amending State Depository law.
 Recommends that the legislature ter minnte all positions of trustees, sec itable institutions, and provide eommissiOn of three who shall devote their entire time and attention to them.
 boodler, or those who would attempt In any way to bring shame, disgrace and dishonor upon our people and great state."
 Little Rock.-Gov. Hays said in part. in his message to the General Assembly:
 During the time that I have served as your governor 1t has been my en- deavor to advance every legitimate in- terest and to plead for the co-opera- tion or our entire citizenship in bring ing about better conditions. I beg to say that 1t Is my earnest hope and prayer that this meeting of the General Assembly may be the most sane busi- nesslike and progressive session ever held in our state. I assure you at the very outset that it will not be my pur- pose at any time to attempt to dictate to your honorable body in any way. trust. however. that I may be permit ted to aid in the important work you are called upon to perform and to CO., operate in any effort undertaken for the public good.
 The most serious problem confront ing the people of our state today is the question of revenue. This being the first General Assembly that I have been connected with since my becom- ing your governor. and the first with which many of you have been connect ed, we cannot be charged with the financial condition of the state up to this time. nor are we, on the other hand. entitled to any of the credit for the work of our predecessors. Our seeming increasing demands make ii necessary that we give to this most important question our very best thought and consideration. The state at this time owes approximately $462- 438. and under the present rate of tax ation for general revenue purposes. and from other sources. the approxi, mate income for the next biennial pe- riod will be s2.967444 In the first place. l wish to suggest and plead with you that more strict policy of economy be adopted in making appro- priations for the departments of the -.c government and her institutions.
 In my judgment. the remedy is strict economy during the next two years thereby relieving the state of it's pres ent indebtedness. This would save to the taxpayers thousands of dollars from exorbitant prices that are now paid for supplies furnished to the institutions and in discount ing warrants. and at the end of that time enable us to do greater things and to appropriate more liberally for our different institutions and operate on a cash basis. I feel that. if we can do this. we will render to the people we represent the greatest official ser vice that we will ever be able to rem der.
 I would recommend that in your de- Alterations you give proper considera- ton to those who toll in the fields of industry. that they may be liberaIly rewarded for their labor and protect ed in the performance of tbaIr 5,,t,,