The Carlisle independent., 1915-01-21

improved. Under existing laws 1t is almost impossible to secure a fair and the state. It Is much easier to reach those who are less able to pay taxes than 1t Is those who have been more fortunate in accommodating this worlds treasures. It 8 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 { have greatly increased, but not to a sufficient degree to meet the , demands necessary in raising revenue sufficient for the running of the state government without increasing the rate of taxation.
 I call your attention to this mat ter for your most serious considera- tion. When we realize that according to the federal census the property of one billion and half dollars, with an assessed valuation of approximately four hundred and fifty million dollars. we can readily see that there is some that is being paid at this time Is as high as it should be, and I would op- pose the increasing of same; but if tho property of the state could be equft- ably assessed we would have, at the present rate of taxation, plenty of rev. enue to relieve the state of its indebt- edness and make larger appropriations for our educational and charitable fn-
 
 I am also opposed to a bond issue or to the state borrowing money. l be- lieve that, with the proper practice of economy and with the increased val 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 the citizenship of Arkansas, but of tho entire nation. This question is a se- rious one. It has played its part. the results of which are apparent to ev- entire country. It has corrupted in e 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 tho moral uplift of mankind than all other 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 intoxicat ting liquors. You will also find that this one evil Is re- sponsfble for a large per cent of those who are confined in the institutions of nervous diseases. The liquor trafic is absolutely non productive, except of diseases. The liquor traffic is abso- lutely .non-productive except of dissi- patton It produces no wealth except to the few who are engaged in the traffic. It does not induce immigra- ton or capital to come to our state. The sale of same only amounts to the 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 a 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.
 I would recommend, in view of all these conditions. that you enact such legislation 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. l will give same my official approval
 In the event that you should not pass such a bill. would recommend that you amend what Is known as the Co., 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 i'm l6rmlna leSlSlat1On.
 It is unfortunate and deplorabI 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 year, since learned that friction ex- fsted between the board and some of the superintendents. to bring about exhausted all of my resources in my effort along these lines. but the inev- itable came. and we have a condition now that certainly does not reflect credit upon the state.
 The board saw proper, in the con- struction of a power plant at the Hos- pital for Nervous Diseases. to create 6 deficit. This was done without my knowledge or consent, and the first I knew of it was when the members of the board came to me in a 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, as pass ed by the General Assembly of 1913. At my own instance I employed Hon. John T. Rurkett 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 s42.672.29, which was covered out of the appropriations made for other pur- poses. l made no contract with MT. Burkett with reference to paying him for this service. I stated to him that, if the legislature did not see properk to remunerate him. I would do so out of my own salary. I submit this mat tetr for your consideration. I would especially recommend that you give to the report of MT. Burkett your most careful consideration, and that you make such further investigation of these institutions as in your Judgment you may deem proper.
 I would recommend that you termf- nate all positions of trustees, secreta- ries, stewards, etc, and that you ere ate commission of three members, whose duty it shall be to devote their entire time and attention to the run ming of these institutions I believe in this way they can be run more suc- cessfully. satisfactorily and economic ally. Under the present system the amount appropriated for mileage and per diem of the trustees, salary of the secretary, and the amount that Is now being paid to his help will amount to practically as much as reasonable sal aries for three commissioners and believe, under system of this kind. the saving to the state would be as many times the amount of salaries paid in this way. I would recommend thA three commissioners be appointed H the governor, to be confirmed byZ4 . senate, whose term of office shouId hA