, 1921-01-20

Il VI II ldiiy loiPPCN We udNt
a high class of officers and the en-
listed personnel is most excellent. For
a nation such as ours 1t has beer
proven that the only reserve force that
we can expect to have in addition to
the regular army in time of war is the
National Guard, and it is most crafty
ing h a Wyoming stands at the head
of he list in being ready to cooperate
in case of an emergency.
Highways
During the past two years the Stale
Highway Commission has been reor-
ganized. and under It's direction 1.O576
miles of highways have been construct
ed, and 1918 miles of road have been
maintained and kept in repair. The
| contracts which have been let for work
that is not completed will require prac-
tically all funds available, both from
| the Ond issue and from the appropria-
lions made by the Fifteenth Legisia-
ture.
l am free to admit that some mrs
takes have been made, as is to be ex-
pected, considering the magnitude of
the undertaking.
In spite of the high cost of construe-
ton and mistakes that may have been
made, the commission has lone well
and are entitled to much credit for
what they have accomplished. The
roads built are well located, are Of a
permanent nature and are examples of
the best In highway construction.
While 1 realize that this is a time for
retrenchment, we should not be up-
mindful of the future and should not
discontinue those things which tend to
develop the state. 1t would be a great
| tafCfArfnNnn mot 90 m thA mani
that has been started and to disorgnD-
iZe a department which is thoroughly
organized and capable would mean q
great loss to Wyoming.
AS to financing future road work, Sc
will, of course, be impossible TO carry
it on to any great extent by direct ap-
preparations, and it will be necessary
to either provide for an additional
bond Issue or to use a portion Of the
money received under the federal Oil
and gas leasing bill. 1t might also be
possible that certain of the counties
could bond to build roads, but II such
authority is granted to the counties j
believe that proper safeguards should
be placed u the law whereby the
work would be properly done under
proper supervision. 1t would seem wise
to have such work under the superyi-
sion Of the State Highway Commission
cooperating with the county commits
%sioners, but no county should be per
mitted to bond to construct highways
of anything but a permanent nature.
1t is to be hoped that ways and means
may be found whereby highway con
struction may be continued within the
state.
Yellowstone Park Extension.
As governor of the state / have DON
sistently opposed the proposed ekten-
sion of the Yellowstone National Park.
My reason for doing so is that l feel
that it is not to the interests Of the
state to have large areas set inside or
to be withdrawn permanently from de
velopment or settlement. The only
possible excuse for the extension II
that it would add country containing
beautiful scenery to the park. but the
same argument could be used for ex-
tending the park indefinitely until 1t
might include nearly half of Lincoln
county and a large part of Fremont
county. Only a small portion OF the
present park has e developed O. is
accessible to the tourist and sightseer.
and until such time as the need for
additional room is demonstrated, there
seems little reason for enlarging the
park. Millions Of acres have already
been withdrawn from settlement with
In Wyoming, and IL this same policy
Is continued we can never expect to
develop u or TO become q
great state either In wealth or popsla-
ton The last Legislature went on rec
ord as opposed to the proposed exten-
sion, and / feel that similar action on
your part would be wise at this time.
Neurology.
Since the last meeting of the Legis-
lature death has claimed three officials
OF the state.
On NJ 1, 1920, Capt. w. II. Brine,
who w : acting warden Of the state
penitentiary, died. Captain Brine pre-
vious to his appointment us acting war
den had e for many years deputy
warden OF the penitentiary.. He was q
man of high character, a most excel
lent official and one who gave the very
best service in the position that he
occupied, recognizing his responsibility
to the state and his duty to those en-
trusted to his care.
Mr.. @. w. M~orgareidge, the stnte fish
commissioner, died suddenly at Sheri-
dan, Wyo., on November 8 OF last year.
Mr.. Morgareidge was an old resident
OF h state who had the respect Of
all who knew him and was most pains
taking In the performance of the duties
of his office.
More recently there passed away the
chief Justice of the Supreme Court Cy-
rus Beard. As n judge. a lawyer ano
a citizen Judge Beard was of the high
est type, and his record was one Of
which both the state and his family
can well be proud. AS a Judge he set
a worthy example for those who mny
follow him, and by his death the state
lost not only an able judge but one Of
her greatest citizens.
In closing, / want TO assure you thai
| realize that under our form Of gov
eminent you are the lawsmnking part