The Carlisle independent., 1915-01-21
Gou. Hays' Message to the
 Fortieth General Assembly
sYNoPsIs oF rHE MESSAGE.

SYNOPSIS OF THE MESSAGE.
 Declares that "the most serious prob sem confronting the people of our state s"oay m the question of revenue" imateiy $4e2,43S, and under the present rate of taxation the income for the next biennial period will be approxi- mately S2,96z,444.
 Suggests that Ca most strict policy of economy be adopted in making ap- propriatfonE for departments and in- stftutions."
 Cites fact that emergency procIama- uons have been issued by the gOveI- nor In several cases to take care of ur- gent expenses in various departments where appropriations had been ex- haHsted.
 of a mill be continued for maintenance of state capitol, that the Capitol Com mission be relieved, and that the build ing be formally accepted.
 Praises management of penftentiary as "far better, more humane and pro- 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 a miIlage basis;
 Endorses Department of Labor being "Of great benefit to those who earn their living by the sweat of their brows."
 Recommends a reasonable appropria- tion for the maintenance of the Ar kansas National Guard.
 Endorses movement for exhibit at Panama Exposition, and recommends an appropriation "tO enable the com missiOners to carry on the work which has been so periodically fOstered up to this time."
 Recomm ends an impartial treatment of the interests of labor and capital.
 Opposes increase in rate of taxation, a 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 Iegislation where same end may be reached by a 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
 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 Commfs- sion to Public Utilities Commission.
 Recommends creation of office of state accountant.
 Recommends a commission to serve without pay and draft 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. Hill for n he fe
 Recommends appropriation to carry the Medical School.
 Endorses State Banking Department.
 Favors amending State Depository law.
 Recommends that the legislature ter minate all positions of trustees, sec retaries, stewards, etc., of state char ftable institutions, and provide a commission of three who shall devote their entire time and attention to them.
 Warns against "the lobbyist, the boodIer, or those who would attempt in any way to bring shame, disgrace and dishonor upon our people and great state."
 L:tle Rock.-Gov Hays said in part, in his message to the General Assembly:
 During the time that I have served as your governor it has been my en- deavor to advance every legitimate in- terest and to plead for the co-opera- tion of 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- nessl1ke and progressive session ever held in our state. I assure you at the very outset that 1t will not be my pur- pose at any time to attempt to dictate to your honorable body in any way. I ct h@ 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 state has become involved and our seeming increasing demands make it 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, ana rom Otner sources, the apprOx1- mate income for the next biennial pe- riod will be $2,967,444. In the first place. l wish to suggest and plead with you that a more strict policy of economy be adopted in making appro- priations for the departments of the state government and her institutions.
 In my judgment, the remedy is strict economy during the next two years thereby relieving the state of its pres ent indebtedness. This would save to the taxpayers thousands of dollars from exorbitant. prices that are now paid for supplies furnished to the charitable institutions and in discount ing warrants. and at the end of that time enable us to do greater things and to appropriate more liberaIly 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.
 would recommend that in your de- nberationss you give proper considera- tion to those who toll in the fields of industry, that they may be literally rewarded for their labor and protect ed in the performance of their duty I would also recommend that you give due consideration to capital. offering such inducements will bring more capital to the state for investment. This will give to the laboring man 11<xr |.