The Detroit times., 1915-01-07

even 10 redraft bills. but should not
be empowered TO alter the general
purpose OF II.
The value OF this plan lies In the
fact that every proposed piece or leg
islation must pass through the hands
of a committee OF experts whose sole
object is 10 discover and remedy de-
fects before il becomes law. The
plan, which will undoubtedly meet
with the approval OF the legislators,
was suggested by Archibald Broom
field, a Big Rapids attorney and close
friend OF the governor.
The governor paid his respects TO
the Michigan primary law by saying
that il is the best the state has yet
had. but like all human laws ii has
its limitations" To avoid the chance
OF the choice OF minority candidate
from among large field in the pri-
mary, the governor advised a prefer
entail ballot. with columns for first,
second or third choice. The chief
objection TO this plan" he said, lies
in the fact that every voter must ex'
ercise his intelligence, the one abso-
lutely essential thing for voter to
do" There was no further explana-
ton OF this rather ambiguous SEN
tence.
Still referring TO the subject OF bal.
lot reform, the governor declared
himself in favor of the short ballot
and recommended change in mark
ing ballots. declaring that the present
system made it easy for an ignorant
voter TO mark the straight ticket, but
difficult for the independent voter TO
split the party ticket" A commits
sion to investigate and recommend
changes In the state election laws
was also suggested
He also suggested the publication OF
campaign publicity by the state at
nominal expense OF the candidate.
The governor recommended the re
peal of the present mortgage tax law
and other laws exempting secured
debts from taxation and the substitu-
ton Of a tax providing for an annual
fixed payment on both secured and
unsecured credits, bank deposits and
other intangible property represented
by certificates other than the stock
of domestic corporations. This could
be accomplished, he said, BY a "spe-
cific tax" or, preferably, BY amending
the constitution TO allow classified,
ton OF property for taxation pur-
poses. The governor also declared
that all corporations not now required
TO make reports TO the board or as
SCISSORS or state tax commissioners
should be made TO file sworn state
ments with the board OF state tax
commissioners giving such informa-
ton as the board may deem neces-
sary Property OF interurban rail
roads. light and power companies and
ali corporations whose property ex-
tends through more than one assess
ing district, should be assessed by the
state board OF assessors and the same
apportioned among the several assess
ing districts. he said.
As a substitute for the present
''Blue Sky law" upheld by the state
courts. but hindered IN operation by
an adverse decision In federal court,
the governor advised the passage of
a law drawn up by the attorneys-gen-
eral of Michigan. Iowa and Arkansas,
authorized at a meeting OF attorneys
general In washington in October.
The bill, similar 10 the one now on
the statute books, removes the por
tions objected TO by the federal courts
while retaining the important features
OF the present law
The powers OF the railroad commits.
sion should be enlarged. according TO
the governor. 20 cover all public utn-
dty corporations in the state.
After verbally patting himself on
the back al great length for HIS con-
duct during the Michigan copper
strife the governor, in discussing Ia
dustrial relations. suggested the for
nation OF court OF inquiry 10 In
vestlgate the cause at issue In labor
disputes. This court should be com
posed. he said. OF the circuit Judge OF
the district In which the dispute