Weekly journal-miner., 1921-01-19
Name of

l believe that theSe/COmpar1sOnS ot per capita expenditures, directed under like standards, arc sufficient argument to impress upon you the forceful fact that there IS something wrong with our educational system. The wrong lies, in my opinion, as l have before observed. in the lack o1 any centralized authority III the eN- penditurc of school funds except through inc local school trustees, and while appreciate the funda mental democratic principle of local self-government, l believe the time has arrived in this state when we must callN pon tine local districts 10 surrender some of the powers here tofore enjoyed by them and place in some central authority within the county and within the state, guid ing hand over the education of our children and the expenditure of the vast sums of money now being made for education in this state.
 The necessity for a radical change
 in our school code has been before several of our previous state legisla- lures as evidenced by the fact that the third state legislature authorized the creation of a commission for the revision and compilation of the school laws. of the state. In accord ance with these instructions, l ap pointed a commission made mp of men cminently fitted for the import ant work imposed upon them. A report was prepared in which were recommended certain amendments to the constitution and the civil code. Bills were introduced in the fourth state legislature, and received consid erablc thought and action by your predecessors, but were not enacted into law. 1 have requested this conl- mission to present to your honorable body like legislation with the earn est hope that the same will receive your major consideration. For if Arizona is to reach the educational plane, at a reasonable cost, which feel proper administration and con trol will give, it will be necessary for the legislature to adopt the legis- lation herein recommended.
 Conclusion
 From the mountain top of vision the future of Arizona unfolds itself with panoramic vividness. Fertile fields, every acre susceptible of cul- tlVatlon being tiled, the wheels Of factories and railroads driven by cheap electrical energy, mines dis gorg1mg their wealth, and a prosper ous and virile people, Is the picture which comes 10 my mind. It is not unreal or impractical. The day is not far distant when through recla- nation and kindred projects, the dream of this moment will be the Iactuality of tomorrow No man need be seer to anticipate these steps in our material advancement. To do big things we must think and act big things. We cannot for our own welfare place ourselves in the pygmy class of thought or accomplishment The future, therefore, your future, my future and the future of the people and the state is a sacred trust committed 10 our care. We can measure up to the grave responsi- bility by united endeavor, and ami mated by desire to be of Construc- tive service, not only to this but future generations. In this worth while work of empire building we all can play a part. As your executive it has been my privilege to initiate the Colorado River basin project. The impounding of the waters of this stream, which preliminary in vestigation proves to be feasible, will create millions of dollars of wealth for this and other states. With your support and cooperation hope during the next two years to secure tangible results in the way of fiuan-