Omaha daily bee., 1917-01-05

After the customary introductory
remarks, Governor Morehezd referred
to the public expenditures. He said
that, in spite Of the increasing cost Of
living. the state is out Of debt, and has
large cash fund in the treasury.
Our wards are all well housed, we'll
fed, and their intellectual and moral
development is constantly advanced
says the governor, land at this time
see no reason why the expense Of
the state should be increased.
Limit Number Of Banks.
| Under the caption, The Banking
Department the message says:
Having been a country banker for
many years, and now having had four
years experience as chairman OF the
banking board, feel that ! am able
to speak on this department. The
banks OF this state were never in a
more fourishing condition than today,
but this very condition has tendency
to cali into the business those with
out adequate capital and without the
necessary experience in this line OF
business In order to protect the
people OF the state against unsafe
banking, the law should be so
amended as to absolutely limit the
number OF banks that may be cstab-
lished, or the banking board ought to
be given discretionary power (if the
courts do not hold that il already has
the power) to grant or refuse chart
ers. This | regard as matter OF
FIRST importance. II no check can be
put upon the organization Of new
banks, they will be organized by I'M
reliable parties and by getting pro-
lection OF the Depositors Guaranty
fund, which is provided by the sane
conservative banker, they will draw
deposits to their banks which later
they may loan out on wild cat securi-
ties, or invest in fraudulent undertak-
ings and when times OF depression
come, our whole banking system may
be wrecked.
| II have observed that there is a
class OF men who may be termed pro-
fessional promoters who seek to
organize banks without regard to the
needs for these institutions, some
times to sell the institution when
organized, TO concerns already doing
business, and at other times merely
to get the commission that may be
made out OF the sale OF stock. This
Is pernicious practice and the power
to protect the public against ii ought
to be definitely lodged with the bank
| ing board. Or il not with this board,
| with some suitable board or commit
tee that will administer the law with
out fear or favor"
| Good Roads for Nebraska.
| On the subject OF good roads, Gov
crnor Morchcad argues in favor OF
construction OF permanent highways.
| He says the course will add to the
value OF the land OF the state as moth
| ing else will He reports on the cx-
pertinent OF paving road between
| the pcnitcntiary and the city Of Lin
coin, using convict labor, and shows
i a considerable saving was effected
From this he finds full justification
for his advocacy Of the use Of con-
vict labor In road building. He con-
cludes his treatment OF the topic thus
The use Of convict labor upon OUT
highways Is matter OF exceeding in
tefest. ! believe 1t Is better for the
men who are serving time, as well as
more profitable for the state. Road
work and farm work. the manufacture
Of brick for paving, and the securing
| OF rock and sand to be used in the
same line OF work. are classes OF la.
Dor, in which convicts may be en-.
ployed.
\ There may be a fear in the minds
Of some farmers that the construction
| OF permanent roads will prove too ex-
Ipensive, but what money is expended
should be put into permanent con.
struction and where this is done, an
sure the enhanced value OF the farm
will more than make the difference In
, the cost A system Of good roads
, will reduce the cost OF the delivery
!. OF farm produce and this system ought
.. to be encouraged while the fedora
. government is willing to lend its aid
! 10 the enterprise. The experience oil
/ centuries has demonstrated the value
OF permanent roads and shown that
they arc a benefit to both the country
and the city. A large percentage Of
the cost of marketing farm produce
is not due to railroad rates, but &c
poor roads between the farm and tht
! railroad station. In Europe the lane
is worth quadruple what better lane
in Nebraska is worth, largely because
T its road system has reduced the cos
4 Of marketing and made intensive cul
: tiyation profitable. 1t is now time thai
n the progressive farmer Of Nebrask;
n should realize these things and TAXI
advantage OF the opportunity to Sc
cure permanent roads with mini
mum expenditure Of money.
!, Il also call your attention to al
act Of congress passed at the Sixty
n fourth session, An act to provide tina
/, the United States shall aid the state,
a 10 the construction OF rural post road
> and for other purposes. The &C
: specifies that the legislature before 1t
! final adjournment OF this session, &C
! cept OF the provisions ofysaid act, il
i order to share in its benefits
J. Consolidation Of Departments.
nj Governor Morehead refers to tn,
Q consolidation OF the pure food, dru,
l. and dairy department, with the OF
$. department, at his suggestion, an,
4 the success that has resulted there
n from. He says that COMMISSIONS
n Hartman has been hampered by |
= technical construction OF the consti
IN tution,' but has progressed with hi
n work. has taken the department GU
D of politics. and made II the grea
business department Of the state.
He recommends that the hotel dc