Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1919-03-18
RECORD HUNG Up
FOR PROGRESSIVE
LEG|SLAT BY
FOURTH SESSION
Holm 0, Bursum Praises Both
Houses, Saying They Passed
More Constructive Measures
Than Their Predecessors.
SAYS GOVERNOR FAIR
IN HIS APPOINTMENTS
States That It Cannot Gener-
ally Be Said Lawmakers
Were Extravagant, Neither
Were They ParSimoniOuS.

Were They ParSlm0niouS,
That the session of the legislature
which came to close Saturday noon
Officially but at O'clock Sunday
morning in reality, was a success and
enacted more progressive measures
than any previous session in the his
tory of the state, was the statement
made last night by Holm o. Bur-
sum, who was present during the en-
tire session, watched the proceedings
closely and kept in close touch with
the accomplishments of the law
making body. Mr.. Bursum spent the
night in the city on his way to his
home in Socorro from Santa Fe.
In an interview Mr. Bursum said:
"The legislature as whole was
success. No legislature can he ey-
pected to be absolutely perfect in
every detail. But the facts are that
both houses of the legislature enact
ed into law more constructive, pro-
gressive legislation, seeking to de-
velop the resources of the state and
building up the standard of educa-
ton, as well as legislation providing
for human welfare, than any other
legislature since the organization of
needs Of a new state it cannot be
generally said that the last session
was eXtravagant, neither was il par
s'monions. although it appropriated
about 100000. more than did the
session two years ago. Some of the
demands for appropriations to cover
improvements at the state institu-
tions were not provided for on ac-
count of the realization that 1t was
important to curtail the raising OF
taxes to the lowest limit consistent
with a reasonable degree of efficien-
'cy.
Tombs Likely to Re Named.
Among some of the important
measures which became law. | Nigh;
mention the creation OF a state health
department, for which an. .allowanca
of $4,000 annually was. provided
This was needed Legislation fesAiwhfel.
there has been an insistent demand
for years. It is very likely that John
Tombs, who is at nresent executive
of the New Mexico Public Health as
sociatiOn. will be named as mem
Der of the new board, which fact.
am sure. will insure efficient serv-
ice. This act in itself is a long step
forward in the march toward the bet
terment of human health.
Another bill passed. known as the
soldiers settlement act. provides for
the establishment of soldiers SET
tlement bnard, to he composed of
three members. one of which shall he
the president of the agricultural coll
lege. one the state engineer and the
third shall be appointed by the gov
ernor. This act provides for cooper
alton with the federal government
along lines suggested by Secretary Of
Interior Lane. 1t authorizes the
drainage of lands. the construction of
reservoirs and the reclamation of
swamp and arid lands.
"One-half OF the proceeds from the
sale of leases, and income from H00.-
600 acrces of land is made available.
In addition an appropriation Of $30.-
600 is made out of the land grant
fund. These assets are equivalent to
approximately s75O,000, which
state cooperation with the govern
ment. The chances are that congress
will appropriate 500, ,000, 900. 90 dur
ing the next session, which probably
will be held within the next sixty
days.
Drainage Prospects Bright.
II am assured that the governor
will appoint as chief commissioner an
expert on drainage and irrigation, who
has had many years of experience In
the promotion of similar projects and
who understands the problems con-
nected with irrigation and reclarna-
ton thoroughly, and who is in close
touch with the reclamation service at
Washington. 1t Is not beyond the
range of possibilities that by virtue of
this cooperation and authority, sew
eral millions of dollars may be made
available to the state and applied by
the federal government to the sOlv
ing of our drainage problems along
the Rio Grande, and possibly the San
Juan reclamation project may also be-
come a reality. N
Never in the history of the state
has such a comprehensive road pro-
gram been considered as Is provided
by legislative enactments. The fed
eral government has available for New
Mexico within the next twenty-seven
months, four and one-half million dol
lars. conditioned upon the state ap-
propriating and making available an
equal amount, making a total of nine
million dollars to be expended In the
construction Of roads. This revenue
is to be provided partially by license
upon automobiles which. it is estimat-
ed, will bring in the neighbor-
hood of 100000 annually; partially
by tax on gasoline which. 1t is es-
mated, will bring in considerable In
excess Of 100000 annually, net An
other portion will be raised by state
taxation, which is expected to yield
100000 annually Delinquent taxes,
except so far as there may be out
standing claims, liens or obligations.
will also be turned into the state road
fund. The several counties are also
authorized to levy a cooperative fund
not exceeding three mills on the dol
Far.
Will Meet Federal Aid.
'In addition to these revenues, an
amendment to the constitution has
been proposed which will authorize
the issuance of debentures or bonds
sufficient to meet the federal aid, to-
gether with other sources of revenue
provided for. The debentures, II Is
sued. win, be based upon revenue de-
rived from the licensing Of attomo-
h,'es and = license tar ,inon gasoline.
1continusd On PAGE fvO.j