Mexico weekly ledger., 1917-01-18

automobile tar so that the rate would
equal that Of other states. From this
source alone there should be de-
rived during the coming year s1,2o0.-
900. There is now a surplus in the
road fund Of 5000, 900. The stamp tax,
the federal aid law and other present
special taxes, together with the above
amounts would give US approximately
1000, 900 for the first year. This
would increase rapidly. But in add.
ton to this I recommend that you
submit a constitutional amendment
providing either for an additional tar
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 soon as the necessary furnishings
a be provided. There is to the
credit Of the capitol board q fund
Of 100000, which amount, however,
is not available for furnishings on &C
count Of an omission in the law az
it stands at present In order that
there be no delay in the completion
and occupancy Of the building, I rec
ommend that the general assembly at
once vest the board with the neces-
sary authority to expend this $780,
900 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.
sFhere 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 I feel sure that
you will be able to agree upon APP
propriate legislation, and I 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
a convention shall be held for the
purpose Of revising and amending
the constitution OF this state.
I 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
~stitution were here to frame a 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-
s%titutional provisions than any other
important matter before us.
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 I have
omitted many important questions
from this address. Your session is
short, and l believed 1t 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
Louis, thus giving our farmers
cheap money. But it remains for US
to do three things to practically re-
build our Observation-Disclosures u
finances, reform our penal insttu-
tons, build roads. The other prob
lens will then practically solve them
selves. It 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 mi 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 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
dinate and strengthen each other in
their operation.
I 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, 1t is necessary that the
institutions Of the government be
made to conform to present-day con-
ditions. Without any criticism Of the
past, I 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
sonal or political considerations what
soever-I want to use my calm and
deliberate Judgment, fearlessly and
impartially. Therefore, / re-state
under these solemn surroundings that
I shall never be a candidate for any
office during my life again. My ca
reer in public life will be the service
that I render as chief executive Of
the state Of Missouri.
Members Of the legislature, fellow
citizens and people Of Missouri, I
am praying to Almighty God on
Bonded knees each day Of my life
that He will give me strength and
guidance in the performance of these
important duties.
VIII you cooperate with me?
Will you uphold my hands? Long
live Imperial Missouri