The Spectator., 1915-01-15
Gou. HaLs' Message 10 the
 Fortieth General Assemblu

cannot render efnc1ent service to the improvements.
 Our revenue laws could be greatly
 improved. Under existing laws, it is
 almost impossible to secure a fair and
 just valuation of all the property in
 the state. It is much easier to reach
 those who are less able to pay taxea than 1t Is those who have been more fortunate in accumulating this worlds
 treasures. It unfortunate that
 those who are most able to bear the
 burdens of taxation are less willing to
 do so, and, as a result Of same we still
 have the tax dodger. It is true that
 valuations have greatly increased but
 not to a sufficient degree to meet the
 demands necessary in raising revenue
 Sunclent for the running of the state
 government without increasing the
 rate of taxation.
 l call your attention to this mat
 ter Tor your most serious considera-
 tlon. When we realize that according
 to the federal census the property of
 the state Is valued at approximately one billion and a half dollars, with an assessed valuation of approximately Tour hundred and fifty million dollars. we can readily see that there is some
 thing wrong. The rate of taxation
 that Is being paid at this time Is as
 nigh as 1t should be, and I would op- pose the increasing of same: but if the property of the state could be eQuit- aoiy assessed we would have, at tho present rate of taxation, plenty of rev. enue 10 relieve the state of its indebt- euness and make larger appropriations Tor our educational and charitable in- stitutions and run on a cash basis.
 am also opposed to a bond issue or to the state borrowing money. be- economy and with the increased val nations of the property and other sources of revenue, we can pay the states Indebtedness and soon be on a cash basis. as indicated above
 The liquor question is one that is not only attracting the attention of the citizenship of Arkansas, but of the entire nation. This question is a se- rlous one It has played Its part the results of which are apparent to ev- cry one. and its day is doomed in our entire country. It has corrupted in a measure the politics of the country and legislation. The evil effects of this traffic cannot be told in words. It has ruined and destroyed manhood. has brought poverty to homes. has caused many heartaches and done more to discredit. disorganize and retard the moral uplift of mankind than all other evils combined An investigation of the records of those who are confined In our state prison those who are con- demned to die in the electric chair or those convicted of any other crime, Will disclose the fact that the greater per cent of such crimes resulted from the use of intoxicating liquors You will also find that this one evil is re- sponsible for large per cent of those who are confined in the institutions or nervous diseases. The liquor traffic IS absolutely non-productive, except of diseases. The liquor strafic is abso- lutely non-productive except of dissi- patton. It produces no wealth except to the few who are engaged in tho trafffc It does not induce immigra- ton or capital to come to our state The sale of same only amounts to tho few dollars revenue paid by those as a privilege to engage in this business On the other hand, the millions of dol lars spent in this manner can hardly be estimated, which, if spent in more legitimate and moral channels, would raise the standard of our citizenship. give us greater and nobler people. enable many to provide better for their families in the way of food. clothing, and to better educate their children and make happier homes.
 these conditions. that you enact such Legislation as will submit this question to the voters of the state at the general election to be held in 1916. This will be four years since the ques- tion has been submitted. Should you do this. will give same my official approval
 Tn the event that you should not pass such a bill. I would recommend that you amend what is known as the Go ing Act so that the license for the sale of intoxicating liquors could be obtain ed only in towns or cities of over one thousand white adult inhabitants. and also amend same in such way as will eliminate the enormous amount Of in terminable legislation.
 It Is unfortunate and deplorable that present conditions have arisen with reference to the management of our charitable institutions. I regret these conditions probably more than any one. in view of the position that now occupy. It has been my endeavor for a year. since learned that friction ex- isted between the board and some of the superintendents. to bring about peace between the factions. have exhausted all of my resources in my effort along these lines. but the inev- now that certainly does not reflect credit upon the state.
 The board saw proper. in the con structton of power plant at the Hos pital for Nervous Diseases. to create a deficit. This was done without my knowledge or consent, and the first I knew of 1t was when the members of the board came to me in body to as- certain if I could grant any relief. informed them that as this had been done I was pow erless to act, even in the way of issuing a proclamation un- der the law authorizing such. pass ed by the General Assembly of 1913 At my own instance I employed Hon. John T. Burkett as expert accountant to audit the accounts of this institu- ton. and his report has been filed with me. to which I invite your most earn est investigation. His report shows that there is a deficit at this time of SAP, 2,672.29. which was covered out of the appropriations made for other pur- poses. l made no contract with Mir. Burkctt with reference to paying him for this service I stated to him that, if the legislature did not see proper to remunerate him, I would do so out of my own salary. I submit this mat tetr for your consideration. I would recommend that you give to the report of Mir. Burkett your most careful consideration. and that you make sucr further investigation of these institutions as in your Judgment you may deem proper.
 I would recommend that you termi- nate all positions of trustees secreta- ries, stewards, etc, and that you cre- ate a commission of three members, whose duty it shall be to devote their entire time and attention to the rum ming of these institutions. I believe in this way they can he run more sue cessfully. satisfactorily and economic ally. Under the present system the appropriated for mileape and