The Glasgow courier. [volume] (Glasgow, Mont.) 1913-current, 1921-01-07
High Lights Noted in Dix0n's
Message to State Assembly

~ Declares state will be in fred ink two million dollars by March l..
Condemns Montanas tax system a S archaic and productive o m
sufficient revenue.
Urges amendment of workmen's compensation law increasing
funeral benefit, extending time and increasing allowance for hospital
and medical service and aboishing waiting period in cases of extended
disability.
Recommends creation of office of state purchasing agent and
continuation of veterans welfare commission, urges elimination of "
cry unnecessary board, commission and office and concentration of
authority and responsibility in public affairs a IS in private.
Asks for amendment to state farm loan law requiring applicants
for loans to accompany application with amount sufficient to pay for
examination of land and for protection of state in those cases in which
lands loaned upon are tax delinquent and tax sale titles lssued.
Urges creation of a permanent tax commission of three members
with six-year terms to modernize Montana's tax system 81 that it will
be equitable. Would double filing fees in office of secretary of state
and for marriage licenses.
Recommends heavier inheritance tax, tax o incomes, tax of ;
per cent of gross returns from oil wells, coal tonnage license fee of
10 cents ton; license tax on metal mines based on fve-year average
of net proceeds, increase in automobile license fee, license fee of one
cent a gallon on gasoline and distillate distributed in state.
Advocates commission form of county government to consist of
three men, one to have charge of roads and bridges, of criminal
and civil processes and n of clerical work, thus aboishing many
offices such as sheriff and others. Declares belief that application of
ical and effective. Speaks for short ballot.
Would create state department of agriculture to embrace present
department of agriculture and publicity, livestock commission, live
stock sanitary board, dairy commission, state veterinarian, board of
poultry husbandry. recorder of mar<s and brands, board of horticulture.
state fair, grain grading commission, stallion registration board, all
to be under direction of secretary of agriculture at salary commensur-
ate with position.
Recommends changes in the primary law, separate sheets for
party ballots and closed primary with challenge and oath provision,
revolving alphabetical ballot, combination of presidential preference
primary with the nomination primaries for state and county officials,
delegates to national conventions and national committeeman; reduc-
ton in number of sample ballots to one-ffth present requirements and
of official ballots to one-half present number.
Declares belief that reappontment for election of representatives
and senators necessary in order to keep bodies from becoming too
cumbersome and expensive and urges elimination of offices when duties
of those of two or more are found to overlap. Asserts need of state
dry law enforcement officer to work with federal agents and recon-
mends that state game warden be constituted state sheriff with
sherifs, deputy game wardens, livestock inspectors and policemen
subject to his call in cases of emergency.