Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1917-01-11

automobile tax SO that the rate wou!t
equal that Of other states. From thi.
source alone there should be d.
rived during the coming year $1,000
900. There is now a surplus in Ii,
! road fund Of 5000. 000. The stamp tax
the federal aid Law and othe- present
special taxes. together with the above
amounts would give US approximately
$4,000, coo for The first year. This
would increase rapidly. But in addi.
ton IN This | recommend that you
sYbI~-t . Constitutional amendment
prOSi ling either for an additional tsy
or a substantial bond issue for road
improvements.
New Capitol.
The new capitol building approach
es completion. The state capitol
commission board advises that the
building will be ready for occupancy
as Don as the necessary furnishings
a be provided. There is o the
credit OF the capitol board a fund
OF 100000, which amount, however,
Is not available for furnishings on ac-
count of an omission in the law as
IL stands at present. In order that
there be no delay in the completion
and occupancy of the building, | rec
ommend that the general assembly at
once vest the board with the neces-
sary authority to expend this $780,
600 for furnishings and completing
the building, and for such other pur.
poses in connection Herewith as the
board may deem necessary.
This board has done a great and
patriotic work. There is no deficit.
There has been no e~xtravangance and
there has been no criticism. This work
is a splendid example of fidelity to
trust In public service.
Workingmen's Compensation Act.
! The great progressive states now
have in operation a workingmen's
compensation law which has been sat
is%factory to both employer and en-
ploye. This is a complex question
and involves technical knowledge.
There are members of this assem-
bly, who have given the matter care
fnl consideration, and ! feel sure that
you will be able to agree upon ap.
propriate legislation. and I trust a
sound measure may be passed at al
early date.
New Constitution.
The platforms of both political par
| ties declared in favor of submitting
to the people the question whether
& convention shall be held for the
purpose of revising and amending
| the constitution of this state,
/ recommend that you authorize,
by law, a vote Of the people to be
taken upon this question.
Our constitution was adopted in
1875. Since that time this state has
| enjoyed unparalleled advancement.
Conditions have changed very great
~. II the wise trainers OF our con
| stitlltion were here to frame a new
constitution today, they would G the
wisdom Of making new and different
provisions from those embodied in
our present constitution,
Perhaps the question Of taxation is
more hampered by our present con-
| stitutional provisions than any other
important matter before lis.
There is a growing sentiment for
a new constitution and ] believe the
people should be allowed to vote up
on this question.
Conclusion.
1t will be observed that l have
omitted many important questions
| from this address. Your session is
short. and I believed it was the part
of the wisdom to mention only mat
tcrs of immediate necessity, leaving
the other questions to some future
time.
The new federal land bank will be
in operation within a few months in
! st. Louis, thus giving our farmers
cheap money. But it remains for ls
to dc three things to practically re.
build our Observation-Disclosures our
finances, reform our penal institu-
tons, build roads. The other prob
lens will then practically solve them
selves. 1t will be observed by your
honorable body that have laid out
what | believe is a feasible, just plan
for all of these. They have been so
planned, however, that for one to he
effective all must be placed In opera
ton. That Is to say, prison reform
is impossible without the revenue
Road building is impossible without
revenue. The prison board a not
use convicts for road building until
our road laws are remodeled. So l
| earnestly beg you to consider these
great measures as intended to co-or-
dinate and strengthen each other in
their operation.
have not mentioned a subject over
which there should be a political d.
vision. II the suggestions made are
! good they are good for all.
In so far as the administration OF
government affects the welfare OF
the people. it is necessary that the
institutions Of the government be
made to conform to ~present.day con.
' ditions. Without any criticism Of the
past, | submit that the conditions
which actually confront us require
Of us positive action promptly exc
cuted.
In this work l do not Wish to be
influenced or hampered by any per.
~..S - !. ooI;ttoo1 ~nory;dorattnus what.