The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-09-15

received by the law enforcement depart ment from all sections of Alabama, and that only the most urgent could be an- swered. He cited the fact that conn mitments to jail have increased 33 Is per cent during the first six months of the year, which he attributed to dis turbed conditions throughout the world. He said that regardless of the cause leading to the condition, it is necessary that the state take such action as will protect the citizens from the vicious and law violators./
 | ONSIlIUIIUNAL CONV ENTIUN Governor Kilby's next statement was l a request for the submission of the question of constitutional convention to the voters for their decision. His recommendation was in line with his public statement Saturday afternoon,
 which was published Sunday morning. In requesting the enactment of new Legislation for the regulation of public utilities, Governor Kilby said he be- lieved the peak of high prices was l about reached and that soon there must 1 be readjustm ents downward in the in- terest of the consumers, who are now forced, to pay abnormal prices He urged a utility bill which will give the public service commission full author ity and funds with which to make in
 
 of rates, when in it's opinion they are necessary, He said without expert ad- vice the peoples interest cannot be protected. Governor Kilby, went into details in ex- blaming the progress of the educational system, the health department, the child welfare department and others which were given greater assistance by the leg isature in 1919. He mentioned the sue cess of the road bond issue campaign in February but said little progress, can be made in road construction work now because of the inability of the state to dispose of , per cent bonds He said seventy seven road projects have been approved, involving the building of 503 miles of road at estimated cost of s, STA, zoo 57, of which the federal govern ment will pay $1 ,934, ,S4412 and the state and counties E. 2.039, 1856. 45.
 Alabama is leading all states In the Fourth army corps in the organization of the National Guard, except Tennes- see, according to the message. Eleven in- fantry organizations have been formed and work is being done in ten other com munities Tennessee's number exceeds Alabamas s by three.
 The state health department has been completely reorganized under the new health law, and Governor Kilby quoted from a report of the state health of- uceT, Wnlcn lnQlcdteQ LHdL SISdl Pt tO6i SS' was being made in health work. The governor recommended that the appro- priation for the erection of state lab oratory be increased from $15,000 to s$3o,ooo Much attention was given to the child welfare department, and Governor Hllpy expressed the opinion that 1t will ne cap able of doing as much if not more con structive work for the state than any ether department. He asked that the ap- propriation for this department be in- creased from s15,OOO to s30,000 year:
 Aiabama's school system has been feor- ganized under the new educational code, and is making such progress as is pos sible under the limitations imposed by the constitution, according to the gover- nor. However, he said teachers are not available, and will not be until better salaries are paid. He said the educational needs of the state cannot be met as long as the constitution limits the work.
 Institutions of higher learning are in need of better buildings and equipment, and Governor Kilby suggested that con ditional appropriation of $oO0GOO be made, payable as the needs may be found by the budget commission, and when tho con- dition of the treasury, in the opinion of the governor, may warrant, but in no event later than January l, 1923.
 After taking up the subject of tax raises Governor Kilby closed his message with an appeal for short session of the legislature. "In conclusion permit me to suggest that your session be brief one, and urge upon you prompt considera- tion and disposition of the matters before you, and an early adjournment, he said. "A, long drawn out session would be most unfortunate at this time. The people whose servants we are do not want it. With your action confined to the few sub. jects embraced in the call, and a very few others of statewide importance, can see no reason why your work should not be finished within six or seven legislative days.
 'I confidently indulge the hope that your deliberations will be harmonious and feel sure that the work of the ses- sion will be fruitful of much benefit to the state"