The Cook County news-herald. [volume] (Grand Marais, Cook County, Minn.) 1909-current, 1917-02-07

stitute the purchasing agency for all
the departments of the state govern
ment as specified in the revision here
to attached. The appointment and
supervision of employees at the old and
new capitols, subject to certain restric-
tons, should be taken from the Gov
ernor and placed in the hands of this
board. The amount for the mainten-
ance of the two said buildings includ-
ing repairs has been reduced in the
revision herein made to $4,000 annu-
ally, making provision, however, for
such additional sums as may be need
ed through the emergency fund herein
before suggested.
Oil Inspection Department.
The, oil inspection department should
be transferred to the Dairy and Food
department. The latter is in a posi-
ton to do the work required at a
much less cost than at the present
time and in a more efficient manner
than now provided.
Highways.
AS the state apprOpriates, through
its one mill tax, a large amount for
public highways, it would seem that
instead of paying out more money
from the states general revenue fund
for the hiring of additional help that
the law should be so amended as to
provide for the payment of assistants
by the counties whose appointments
can be made subject to the approval
of the state highway commission. If
larger amounts are to be appropriated
for this purpose than during the last
session some system should be de-
vised whereby an additional tax can
be Imposed upon automobiles and used
solely for road purposes. All will
admit that the building and mainten
ance of public highways should be
encouraged in every manner possible
but it is submitted that those who use
and injure the roads the most should
bear larger share of their cost and
maintenance.
Education.
The total increase asked for educa
tlonal purposes is approximately 81
$4,000 which is nearly one-half OF
the total increase. The state normal
school board is asking for 1926, ZOE
more than was appropriated to them
last session. Of this amount $350,O0C
is for the proposed construction of a
new normal school at Bemidji. The
remainder is for other buildings al
other places and for the normal schoo
support fund. Because of the high
cost of material and the scarcity Of
labor l deem it advisable to defer the
building OF large structures until al
least the next session of the legisla
ture. The work on the proposed new
buildings for Bemidji, where schoo
will eventually be established, will
be delayed less than a year by thu
elimination of the appropriation re
1uested, if the next Legislature will
make the same available at the EARL
est possible date.
Aid to High, Graded and Rura
Schools.
An increase OF s2,O33,e93 is asket
Nv the state educational department
for state aid to high, graded, rural am
other schools. Money appropriated TO-
such education is needed, but before
such an appropriation is made, til,
Legislature should consider the ques
ton as to how much of the none,
used for public schools should he
appropriated by you and pass through
| the hands OF the state and as tt
how much should be raised by loca
taxation. Because Of the large bude
ct of this year and in view Of tn
| further fact that it is possible to in
crease the standard of education thru
| the enactment of laws compelling com
| munities, which can afford to do sc
to have proper buildings and educa
tional facilities and to eliminate dis
! elimination against localities that ar
| too poor to maintain schools of sue
high standard as to entitle them t.
this state aid, have revised the buds
ct so that the sum asked for thi
purpose will be reduced to the extern
of 100000 for each of the next fisca
years. More money should be appr<
priated to localities that cannot affor
to have the proper facilities and les
money appropriated to those whic
| are amply able to take care of then
: 1elves.
The State University.
~ The State University is asking 70
an increase Of $1,S77;600 for the bier
mum. This institution must depen
for its funds upon the Legislator
and not upon localities as can GU
public schools, but in view OF, tn
change of its administration and