The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1921-01-14
Soldiers, Memorial.

SoloIerS' McfnoTtdis
The preceding General Assembly
provided a fund of $4,000 for mem
orial to the sons of Colorado who lost
their lives in the Great War. 1t de-
veloped, however, that the veterans
who were specially interested in the
project preferred a memorial building
to a monument or other purely decora-
tive tribute. Accordingly, this appro-
priation was not utilized and has re-
verted to the general fund. l still am
with the duty of the state
to give proper recognition to those
heroes. Therefore. I urge your ap-
proval of the requests of the organ
ized veterans insofar as the finances
of the state will permit. Our me-
mortal should be not only tribute
to the dead, but also a patriotic in
spiration to succeeding generations.
Teachers' Salaries.
The welfare of our public school
system has been close to my heart and
1 believe opportunity Is offered this
General Assembly to expand its scope
and improve its efficiency. The sal
aries now paid teachers are not In
proportion to the value of their serv-
ices and minimum schedule should
be adopted for the protection Of our
educational interests. Where districts
are too weak financially to reach this
minimum, state aid should be af-
forded. 1 commend to your attention
the report of the Teachers Salaries
Commission published April %, 1920.
Tenure Of office.
I strongly favor a four-year tenure
of office for state and county officials.
More than two years Is needed to per-
nit a newly-elected officer to give his
best service, and In unusual instances
where the people have misjudged the
qualifications or character of an Off
cial, they may invoke the recall to re-
move him.
Profiteering.
In recent years unreasonable and
excessive profits have peen collected
in many lines of business. 1t is not
easy if, indeed, it is at all possible, to
deal effectively with this situation by
legislation. Already the situation is
changing and dealers who formerly
reaped large returns now are forced
to suffer losses. Nevertheless, il the
General Assembly finds itself able to
afford the public relief from exorbi-
tant charges for any commodity or
service it is not too late for legisla-
tive action.
Juvenile Legislation.
Constructive legislation is needed in
the interest of child welfare. There
now are too many organizations op-
Grating under state appropriations
with the same general purpose in
view. The attention Of the General
Assembly is called to this situation
with the suggestion that such boards
or agencies as may be approved for
continued service should be given ade
Quate funds to perform their duties.
A committee OF county judges which
appointed to study and make recon
mendations on juvenile laws has pre-
pared a program for your considera
tion.
Better Game Laws.
| I concur In the recommendation OF
the game and fish commissioner that
closed season on deer is necessary
Further revision of the statutes Is re-
quired to the end that game and fish
may be protected and eventually. be-
come a greater source Of revenue to
the state.
Industrial Rehabilitation.
~ 90 T -
director Of the Federal Board for Vo-
cational Education accepting the pro-
visions of the federal act for indus
trial rehabilitation. This action is not
binding upon the state and was taken
solely for the purpose of saving to this
General Assembly the opportunity to
deal with the subject. Executive ac-
ceptance was required before January
1, 1921, in order to make available
federal moneys for this fiscal year.
No provision for this work has been
made in the budget but 1 commend it
to you for favorable consideration.
A Word Of Appreciation.
desire to express my most sincere
appreciation of the splendid spirit of
cooperation which has been accorded
the executive from all departments in
the term which is nearing an end. The
associations have been pleasant and
public business has been transacted
efficiently and expeditiously with few
exceptions.
1t is a particular pleasure to have
been associated with Lieutenant Gov
ernor George Stephan in these past
two years. His judgment has been
invaluable in counsel and on the oc-
casions when have been absent he
has given the duties of the executive
office the ablest attention.
I am gratified to hear many mem
bers of House and Senate express the
opinion that the work Of the General
Assembly can be transacted expedi-
tiously and 1 join them in the hope
for an early adjournment.
l have referred to general business