The Monticellonian. [volume] (Monticello, Ark.) 1870-1920, 1915-01-21

Little Roek.-Gov Hays said in
Assembly.
During the time that have served
as your governor il has been my en-
deavor to advance every legitimate in
terest and to plead for the co-opera-
ton of our entire citizenship in bring
ing about better conditions. | beg to
say that 1t is my earnest hope and
prayer that this meeting of the General
Assembly may be the most sane, bust
nesslike and progressive session ever
held in our state. / 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.
trust, however. that l 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
state has become involved and 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 S462-
ASS, and under the present rate of tax
alton for general revenue purposes.
and from other sources. the approxi-
mate income for the next biennial pc
riod will be $2967.444 In the first
place, | wish to suggest and plead
with you that 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 eff 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 literally for
our different institutions and operate
on a cash basis / feel that il we can
do this. we will render to the people
we represent the greatest official ser
vice that we viii ever be able to rem
der
/ would recommend that in your de-
alterations you give proper consiaera-
ton 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
j would also recommend that YOU give
due consideration to capital OFFERING
such inducements as will bring more
capital to the state fer investment
This will give TO the laboring man
more employment and at the same time
enrich OR eommaHwea It'll and produce
revenue, which Will aid in defraying
the expenses of the government as
we'll as to enhance the value of every
mans property. In other words. guar
antee to every one and 10 every legit-
innate interest in the state or that may
come that we stand for a square deal
am glad to be able To say that the
old days of suspicion and misunder.
standing between the people and the
companies engaged in transportation
and other public service is rapidly
passing away These companies il
our state appear now for the most par
to be honestly endeavoring to perform
the functions for which they wer,
created, and the people are responding
with the American sentiment of fail
play It Is we'll known to all of ii.
that these companies without adequat,
income and with an impaired eredi
cannot render efficient service to tn,
people nor make needed repairs anC
improvements.
Our revenue laws could be greatly
improved. Under existing laws. ii i.
almost impossible to secure a fair anC
just valuation of all the property il
the state II is much easier to reacf
those who are less able to pay take.
than il is those who have been NOR,
fortunate in accommodating this world.
treasures. 1t s unfortunate thai
those who are most able TO bear the
burdens of taxation are less willing t.
do so, and as a result of same, we still
have the tax dodger. 1t is true thai