The Prescott daily news., 1919-07-12

cultivation of these farms was not paying the expenses of operating them. If this is a correct report, it would seem that no satisfactory ex- pianatlon could ever be made by those responsible for this condition.
 It is a matter of common knowledge that all classes of farmers in Arkan- sas for the last eight or ten years, barring the year the war broke out In Europe, have not only produced enough on their farms to feed and clothe themselves and families and pay the expense of operating their farms, but a great per cent of them have maintained a fair bank account, Tn addition to buying automobiles and other luxuries to which they have not heretofore been accustomed.
 1t is said that these convict farms contain some of the richest lands in Arkansas; and of course, they are cul- tivated, not by the expensive and high priced labor of today, but by convict labor, which costs the State nothing except the expense of feeding and clothing the convicts, which must be comparatively small. So, if the farm CTS in the hill counties of Arkansas can make living for themselves and families, pay the operating expenses of their farms at the high prices of labor, buy automobiles and keep a bank account, how can it be explained that these rich and fertile State farms, cultivated by convict labor, are not self-sustaining Unquestionably the system of management and opera tion can and should be revolutionized. I am informed by an ex-Attorney General of the State, who was during his term of office a member of the penitentiary board, that at that time the state realized for the cotton raised on the convict farm, less than one- third of the present price. of cotton, and yet this penitentiary board had surplus money, realized from the sale of it's cotton, which was by the board, loaned to the State government.
 Local Legislation
 During the last twenty years, the legislative branch of the State gov ernment has gradually drifted into a system of local legislation, and I think it is safe to say that at least ninety per cent. of the time of this body for the last ten years has been consumed in the consideration and en- actment of this character of legisla- tion. A great per cent of this legisla- tion has not only been of no benefit to the people, but in many instances it has resulted in much strife and great confusion. These local laws are en- acted, amended, repealed and re-en- acted so often until it is extremely difficult for the lawyers, much less the laymen, to keep track of what is or what is not the law, The constitu- tion provides that "In all cases where a general law can be made applicable, no special law shall be enacted" The constitution further provides, "No local or special bill shall be passed un- less notice of the intention to apply therefor shall have been published in the locality where the matter or the thing to be affected may be situated, which notice shall be at least thirty days prior to the introduction into the General Assembly of such bill, and in the manner to be provided by law. The evidence of such notice having been published, shall be exhibited in the General Assembly before such act shall be passed" It is true that under the liberal interpretation of these constitutional provisions by the Supreme Court, they have become al- most imperative, and have for many years been absolutely ignored by the General Assembly; but this evil can and sholud be remedied, at least to some extent, by the Governor insist ing on compliance with these con- stitutional provisions, even to the extent of the liberal exercise of the veto power.
 Education
 During the last twenty years there has been a marked improvement in the educational system of our State. But there is ample room for still fur