The St. Joseph observer. [volume] (St. Joseph, Mo.) 1906-1932, 1917-01-13

source alone thore should De de-
rived during the coming year $1,000
900. There Is now a surplus gin the
road fund of 100000. The starbp tax.
the federal aid law and other tresent
special taxes, together with the above
amounts would give us approximately
s2,000,0O0 for the first year. This
would increase rapidly. But in addi'
ton to this recommend that you
submit a 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
as soon as the necessary furnishings
can be provided. There is to the
credit of the capitol board a fund
of $30O,0O0, which amount, however,
is not available for furnishings on ac-
count of an omission in the law as
1t 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,
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.
There has been no extravangance and
there has been no criticism. This work
is a splendid example Of fidelity TO
trust in public service.
Workinsmen'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 | feel sure that
you will be able to agree upon ap-
propriate legislation, and | 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.
recommend that you authorize.
by law, a vote OF the people to be
taken upon this question.
Our constitution was adopted In
1878. Since that time this state has
enjoyed unparalleled advancement.
Conditions have changed very great
ly. II 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.
1t will be observed that | have
omitted many important questions
from this address. Your session Is
| short. and I believed II was the part
of the wisdom to mention only mat
ters OF immediate necessity. leaving
the other questions to some future
time.
| The new federal land bank will be
| in operation within few months In
st. Louis. thus giving our farmers
cheap money. But 1t remains for us
to do three things to practically re-
build our state-rehabilitat our
finances, reform our penal institu'
tions. build roads. The other prob
lens will then practically solve them
selves. II 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 SC
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 moi
use convicts for road building unit
our road laws are remodeled. So
earnestly beg you to consider these
great measures as intended to co-or
dinate and strengthen each other II
their operation.
have not mentioned a subject oveI
which there should be a political di
vision. II the suggestions made arr
good they are good for all.
In so far as the administration o
government affects the welfare o
the people, II is necessary that tn
institutions OF the government b.
made to conform to present-day cor
ditions. Without any criticism OF tn
past. | submit that the condition
which actually confront us requir
OF us positive action promptly exc