The Daily Alaska empire., 1931-03-04

Taxes Sufficiently High
 Territorial taxes, which are based on the uncertain and exceedingly variable production of our princi- pal industries" instead of more more or less stable property valua- tion," are already sufficiently bur densome on industry, Gov. Parks told the legislators. Since tax re- ceipts in periods of declining pro- duction are below the normal ex- penditures, the surplus which ac- crues in favorable years must be set aside for the low receipt years in order to avoid deficits.
 Revenues last year were less than expected and present indi- cations are that this year will wit ness a further decline in revenues because of market conditions" He asked for a change in the law making it imperative for canners operating floating plants or leased shore property to post bond large enough to cover all taxes, and that transportation companies be pro hibited from moving packs from such plants until notified that the bond had been furnished.
 Would Suspend Luxuries le'
 Differentiating between appro- priations for essential purposes" and desirable" activities, the Gov ernment urged a suspension of the latter for the bienniun. Under the essential functions he listed ed ucation, relief of destitution. care of dependent children, construction Of roads and trails and adminis- trative expenses, and as desirable, bounties on predatory animals, stocking public lands with game and fur bearing animals, publicity and similar projects. m
 Tt is not true economy to reduce the appropriations for the first to a point which will render them in efficient" he said "In our capaci- ties as public officers we are trus- tees of public moneys and, there fore, we should exercise the same care in authorizing their expendi- lures as we would our personal funds" ie
 He then launched into a review |of the activities carried on by the Territory during the past two years The control of predatory animals, the bounty system, fur farming, de- pendent children, health and sani- tation, the Pioneers Home, pen sioi1s, fish hatcheries, rescue and relief of lost persons, care of in- sane, relief of destitution, game stocking of public lands, reads and trails and airplane landing fields, aviation, Territorial participation in the Chicago Worlds Fair in 1883, and in the George Washington Bi-Certennial next year, education, prospectors' aid, destruction of pre- datory enemies Of salmon, the Ter ritorial Boxing Commission, His torical Library and Museum, pub- Ilicity, destruction of parasites af- lfecting the reindeer industry, and budget reform, were all discussed in detail and a number of recom- mendations were made on several subjects.
 Growth in Expenses
 Broadly, the Governor depicted the expenditures for schools and social welfare as showing a high rate of increase. For instance in 1917 the Territory expended out of its treasury for educational pur- poses only $75,521 49, and in the school year of 1929-30 disburse- ments for the same purpose amounted to $544731 .37, or seven fold increase. In the same period schools increased 100 per cent and enrolment less than that.
 For dependent children the Ter ritory is now expending approxi- mately $2,300 per month on 142 children. Fifty-five thousand dol lars were appropriated in 1929 and $7o,000 will be needed for the cur- rent biennium
 Total expenses of the Pioneers Home were $105,15053 and $100,0OO is asked for the next two years.
 The construction of modern institution which will care for both men and women is indicated. The Governor said there is now $171 900 in the building fund and, finances permitting, will reach $211,000 by 1883. He asked for the appoint ment of a committee to prepare plans for the structure.
 Pension Roll Large
 There are 351 on the pension roll Although the 1929 legislature in- creased the maximum monthly all lowance from $25 to $35, the Board of Trustees was not able to raise the scale as the funds made avail able were insufficient. In fact, al- though the rate was held to the then existing basis, due to the in- creased number of pensioners, a small deficit was incurred which the present session will have to take care of.
 Under the existing system Of