Mexico Missouri message., 1917-01-11

source alone there should be de-
rived during the coming year $780,
900. There Is now a surplus in the
road fund of 100000 The stamp tar,
the federal aid law and other present
special taxes, together with the above
amounts would give us approximately
$2,000,000 for the first year. This
would increase rapidly. But in add.
ton to this 1 recommend that you
submit constitutional amendment
providing either for an additional tax
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
can be provided. There is to 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
it 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 extravaganza 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
isfactory 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
full consideration, and l feel sure that
you will be able to agree upon APP
propriate legislation, and l trust a
sound measure may be passed at an
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
ly. If the wise trainers of our con-
stitution were here to frame new
, constitution today, they would see 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 us.
There is a growing sentiment for
| a new constitution and I believe the
people should be allowed to vote up
on this question.
Conclusion.
II will be observed that l have
| omitted many important questions
| from this address. Your session is
! short, and believed it was the part
! of the wisdom to mention only mat
! tiers 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 US
to do three things to practically re-
4 build our state-rehabilitat our
finances, reform our penal institu-
tons, build roads. The other prob
lens will then practically solve them
selves. It will be observed by your
honorable body that l have laid out
what believe is q feasible, just plan
| for all of these. They have been so
planned, however, that for one to be
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 can 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 political di-
vision. If 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, l submit that the conditions