The Green Forest tribune., 1915-01-22
SYNOPSIS OF THE MESSAGE.

The state owes at this time approx imately $462,43S, and under the presens rate of taxation the income TOT the next biennial period will be appro1i- mately $2,867,444.
 Suggests that Ca most strict policy of economy be adopted in making ap- prOpriatiOns for departments anu ih- stitutiOns."
 Cites fact that emergency proclama- tions have been issued by the gOVer- nor in several cases to take care of ur- gent expenses in various departments where appropriations had been ex- hausted.
 Recommends that tax of one-eishth of 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 penitentfary as "far better, more humane and pro- ductive of better results than the old lease system"
 The reform school has "proved 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 mi1lage basis;
 Endorses Department of Labor as being "Of great benefit to those who earn their living by the sweat of their brows."
 Recommends reasonable appropria- tion for the maintenance of the Ar kansas National Guard.
 Endorses movement for exhibit at Panama Exposition, and recommends an appropriation ito enable the cOm- missfOners to carry on the work which has been so periodically fostered up to this time."
 Recommends an impartial treatment of the interests of labor and capital.
 Opposes increase in rate of taxation, . 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 Legislation 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 fin 1916; else, certain amendments to the Going Act.
 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 COmmis- sion to a Public Utilities Commission.
 Recommends creation of office of state accountant.
 Recommends n commission to serve without pay and draft n new crim- final code to simplify our laws and court procedure.
 Recommends that liberal appropria- tiOns be made for the Agricultural De- partment from the fertilizer and feed fund.
 COmmends Judge Joseph NJ. Hill for work in the rate cases.
 Recommends appropriation to carry on the Medical School.
 Endorses State Banking Department.
 FavOrs amending State Depository law.
 Recommends that the legislature ter minate all positions of trustees, sec rctaries, stewards, etc., of state char ftable institutions, md provide a commission of three who shall devote their entire time and attention to them.
 Warns against "the lobbyist, the bOOdler, or those who would attempt in my way to bring shame, disgrace and dishonor upon our people and great state."
 Little Rock.-Gov. Hays said in part, in his message to the General Assembly:
 During the time that have served as your governor it has been my en- deavor to advance every legitimate in terest and to plead for the co-opera- t1on 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- nesslike and progressive session ever held in our state. I assure you at the very outset that it will not be my pur- pose at any time to attempt to dictate to your honorable body in any way. trust. however. that I 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 hrst 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 thought and consideration. The state at this time owes approximately s462 = 438, and under the present rate of tax. at1on for general revenue purposes, mate income for the next biennial ne riod will be $2.967,444 In the first place. l wish to suggest and plead with you that more strict policy of economy be adopted in making annro- pr1at1ons for the departments of inc state government and her institutions
 In my Judgment, the remedy is strict economy during the next two years thereby relieving the state of its nres, ent indebtedness. This would save fo 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 liberalIv for our different institutions and onerate on a cash basis. I feel that. if we can do this, we will render tolt the peonIa we represent the greatest official sero vice that we will ever be able to ren- der. ioi
 would recommend that in vour de- Alterations you give proper considera- tion to those who toll in the fields of industry. that they may be Iibera1Iv rewarded for their labor and protect, ed in the performance of their d,,tv would also recommend that won eiva due consideration to capital. offerine such inducements as will bring more capital to the state for investment This will give to the laborine noan more employment and at the same time enrich our commonwealth and nrodnne
 V