Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1919-01-14
$1,494, ,7S2.64
Less liability and 80 per
cent. ........................... OS,242.7O

The state has paid into the industrial
accident fund since the compensation
law became effective total of $685.
S67.76 as its one-seventh. The amount
paid by the state during the calendar
year exceeded $320,000.00. The estim-
ated contributions to the fund during
the next biennium by employer and
employe will amount to $4,S00,O00.oO,
and the states contribution Of one
seventh would amount to $6S0,O00O0.
Administrative expense alone would
amount to approximately $9O0,OOO.oo for
the two years.
The heavy unexpended surplus in the
fund has resulted from the abnormal
industrial conditions during the past
two years The amount Of money paid
into the industrial accident fund by the
state, being established by statute at
sum equal to one-seventh Of the
amount paid into the fund by employ
er and employe, has been dispropor-
tionate and excessive.
Compulsory Compensation.
1t would perhaps be unwise to elm
mate the state aid feature Of the law
permanently. For one thing return
to normal conditions might create a
new situation. Then again there IS
strong likelihood that tho workmen IS
compensation law will be made compul-
sorry for all classes Of employment
rather than elective for limited class
of employments, as at present, and l
am frank to say that l earnestly favor
an extension Of the law. Slch a measure
would have to be submitted by your
legislature or through the initiative to
the people and it would therefore
quire probably two years time to make
the innovation effective.
Other important matters suggest
themselves in connection with the in
dustrial accident commission. The de-
partment, employing as it does some
ninety-one persons, is badly in need Of
larger quarters than are available in
the Capitol building.
Industrial Hospital.
To my mind it would be well for the
legislature to consider very seriously the
advisability Of erecting under the su-
pervision of the commission hospital
for industrial cripples. At present large
sums are expended by the commission
for hospital care and this attention
could, without doubt, be given more
economically and more efficiently
through special building adapted par
ticularly for handling accident cases.
Portland being the industrial center,
where a large proportion of the acci-
dents occur, l believe the proposed hos.
pital should be located there, in con
junction with the buildings of the Uni
versity Of Oregon medical school; also
/ strongly urge that a branch Of the
accident commission hospital should be
devoted to the care of INDECENT and
crippled children, as well as other un-
fortunates meriting state assistance.
The increase in the number of acci-
dents sustained in industrial establish
ments is little short Of alarming. 1t is
not enough for US to say that compensa'
ton is made for the loss Of life and
limb. Our workmen must be accorded
every protection and comfort possible.
In the last four years there have been
58,894 accidents in Oregon, so per cent
of these occurring during the past
year. Often as many as 100 accidnets
are reported day, the logging camps
and shipbuilding establishments being
the most prolific accident producers
am glad to be able TO say that the
elimination of state aid from the ac-
eident fund for the two-year period
would still leave an adequate amount
to finance the construction of mag
nificent hospital building
Military.
Oregon's proud war record is trace
able in part to the constant alertness
and efficiency of the state military
establishment. For the speed and accu-
racy with which the draft law was adj
ministered in this state the selective
service department of the state ad-
iutant generals office deserves special
praise, as do all the loyal-hearted Ore
gonians who worked hard and long
assisting in the registration, classifi-
cation and mobilization of the men of
draft age.
I feel that the official thanks Of the
state are also due the thousands Of
men, women and children, Of every rank
and station in life, who gave willingly
and generously of their time and effort
in cont ributing to the success of the
countless war drives, rallies, receptions,
farewells and similar war activities.
But for this unanimity Of patriotic
spirit Oregon could not have maintain
ed her place at the forefront of the
nation.
Nor can too much praise be accorded
the members Of the state guard com
ranias and fhn. hnnn p1ard units. the