The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-01-05

,nss Represents surplus or these bills.
Acts Of Assembly authorizing special pub
locations should contain an item appropriatinR
the money necessary to cover the cost Of print
ing, binding, etc, thus enabling the leeisla-
tors to arrive at some reasonable estimsss
of the cost OF such publications.
CAPITOL PARK
The Capitol Park Commission, created By
the Act of June 16, 1911, has conducted its af-
fairs in thoroughly businesslike way. and
its members are entitled to the highest praise.
The number of properties in the proposed
park area aggregate 5S7. of which 4l5 have
already been purchased by the commission, and
negotiations are now under way for the pur-
chase of the remaining l22. The transaction
of the rapidly increasing business of the var-
GUS departments of the State Government
makes necessary the acquisition of this area,
PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION
The Panama-Pacific Exposition Commission.
appointed under the provisions of a joint reso-
tuition of the General Assembly approved Juns
ID. 1911, has completed the erection of .
building for the participation of the State Of
Pennsylvania in the Panama Pacific Interna-
tional Exposition, to be held in San Francisco,
Cal. In 1915, to celebrate the completion and
opening of the Panama Canal and the Four
Hundredth Anniversary of the Discovery of
the Pacific Ocean. This building 10 now bei.x
made ready for occupancy and use, and Will
it is believed. ittingly represent PennsJIyanis
at this great international exhibition.
SECRETARY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
Attention was called at the last session of
the General Assembly to the fact that thu
maintenance Of the office of Secretary of In
ternal Affairs. because of the creation of ths
Public Service Commission and the DEPART
ment of Labor and Industry would serve only
to produce conflict of authority, duplication
of work, and unneeessary expenditure of public
moneys. The result was the passage of a reso-
luton proposing an amendment to the Consti.
tuition of the Commonwealth for the abolish
ment of this Office. and transferring the pow
ers exercised by 1t to the Public Service Com
mi of I.ah nd III,
try, and the Forestry Department l recom-
mend that this proposed constitutional amend
ment. which comes before you for action at
this session, should have your early atteu-
tion. in order that the subject may be submit
ted to the people for ratification.
WOMAN SUFFRAGE
The last session of the General Assembly
passed resolution proposing an amendment
to the Constitution of the Common we alth 10
determine whether not women shall have
the right Of suffrage in Pennsylvania. rec
ommend that this resolution. which comes BE-
fore you for action at this session, shall re-
ceive such attention. as will enable the sub
ject to be submitted to the voters for their
determination.
SENATORIAL AND REPRESENTATIVE Ar.
PORTIONMENT
Attention is called to Article II, Section 1s.
of the Constitution of the Commonweal OF
Pennsylvania, which provides that the Stats
shall be apportioned into senatorial and repre-
sentative districts Immediately after each
United States decennial census
THE NEW PENITENTIARY
The very best thought has been given TO the
erection and organization of Pennsylvaniaa
new western penitcntiary. near Bellefonts.
which when completed will house a great por-
ton of the States convict population. An an
portunty will be afforded its prisoners to work
in the open, and to live and sleep in sanitary
surroundings, to the end that they may be re-
formed and their shattered physical constit,t-
tions repaired. This institution is attractins
nationwide attention.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
The details of the work of the several de-
partments and commissions OF the State Gov
ernment to which no special reference n
made, will be found in the respective reporta
| recommend that the suggestions found there-
in have your careful consideration.
REPORTS OF COMMISSIONS
The Building Code Commission, created un-
der the provisions of Joint Resolution of June
ID. 1911, and many others will submit re-
ports to the General Assembly re,a-
tive to the performance of certain duties and
make recommendations based upon investipa-
tions authorized by legislative enactment
These reports and the recommendations msds
by the several commissions, are, worthy of yo;r
careful consideration.
We, in Pennsylvania, have every right To "a
proud OF our State and of her achievements
No State has better laws, and in no other Stats
are the laws better administered and mora
vigorously enforced.
In conclusion permit me to say that the
people throughout the nation, generally sneak
ing, are suffering from a surfeit of laws
rather than from too few. l. therefore he
speak for my successor your earnest eo-opera-
ton and assistance in enacting only such laws
as are necessary ard will prove for tine bene at
Of all The people of the Commonwealth.
Very truly yours,