Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1919-01-14

HidlhuDit LicSH SIuNlHS properties, Uc
used By ANYONE who does not desire to
put OH flesh
latter being, composed for the most part
of business men who rendered valiant
emergency service under the supervis-
ion of the respective county sheriffs
National Guard.
Because both the state military code
and the national defense act forbid
the existence in times of peace Of mil
itary organizations which do not come
within the jurisdiction of the war de-
partment, | deem it advisable to pro-
coed with the organization Of the Ore
gon national guard so that this estab-
lishment. may be perfected by the time
the prospective treaty of peace is sign
ed. There are many arguments in sup
port of cooperation with the federal
government in military matters and
the element of financial assistance is
by no means the least of these consid-
erations. aasJ
State ConstabuIary.
On the advice and specific recommen-
dation of the state council of defense
the Oregon military police force of ap-
proximately 200 experienced men was
organized on the unanimous authority
of the state emergency board in March,
1918. Despite the vicious criticism lev
eled against this organization by the
lawless element, whose habits were rath
or rudely interrupted by the activities
Of the state police, and by many we'll
meaning citizens who were not inform
ed truthfully, the Oregon military po-
lice performed an excellent service
which fully justified the appeal Of the
state council Of defense initiating the
organization.
I recommend the establishment of a
state constabulary of ten Of fifteen
men as small mobile force for state
police duty. Such an organization could
render valuable enforcement Of the pro-
hibition and game laws, and could ma.
terially aid in preventing forest fires.
Council Of Defense.
The thanks of the entire common
wealth are due the state council of de-
fensc for its patriotic leadership in pub
licity work during the recent emergen-
cy. The meetings arranged through this
organization encouraged the people of
this state to do their full share in the
program OF war activities and served
to invigorate their patriotism with in
creasing healthfulness. Because Of the
distressing status Of state finances the
executive officials of the state council
determined upon their own initiative
some time ago that the council should
cease to function on an active, paid
basis after January /, 1919, but l feel
that the personnel of the state and coun
ty organizations should be kept intact
and the actiities continued on q volun
tary oasis at least until after condi-
tions nave resumed their normal state.
Educational Institutions.
The University of Oregon and Oregon
Agricultural College'haye earned warm
praise for the splendid work Of their
military departments in fitting the
youth Of the state for honorable and eff
fieient participation in the war and for
similar work related to the war pro-
gram The Oregon Normal School at
Monmouth has done good work in pre-
pairing teachers and is entitled to con
tinued support. Education is the foun-
dation Of our citizenship, therefore, APP
preparation to support these most wor-
thy institutions is money well invested.
Vocational Training.
In company with all other state, Ore
gon is invited to cooperate with the
federal government in what consider
@ most worthy plan for the teaching of
vocational training In Oregon schoos.
The government offers to appropriate
s40,s13.1S for this purpose during the
next two years if Oregon will expend a
like amount. This plan is being admin.
istered under what is known as the
Smith Hughes act through the federal
board for vocational education. The
board appointed by me to represent Or
egon in consideration of this subject
will make its report to your body.
nliteracy.
I also recommend that this legisla-
ture study the provisions Of an educa-
tional bill now pending in congress,
known as Senate Bill 1887. This meas.
ure eontemplates state cooperation in
banishing illiteracy and in spreading