The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-08

Governor Harry G. Leslie
today delivered his biennial
message to the legislature at
a joint session of the house
of representatives and SEN
ate in the house chamber.
The tenor of the message was
enact wise legislation and discour-
age unwise legislation" but for the
most part the states chief executive
left definition of these terms to the
legislators themselves.
He pointed out at the beginning
that the Constitution provides that
he be the executive branch of the
government and they the legisla-
tiv>. But he also cited the consti-
tutional provision that the Governor
must deliver a message to the legis-
lature.
Closest to specific legislation rec
on1lnended in the message was en-
actment of laws permitting town
ships and counties to merge; put
ting state aid expenditures under
the state board OF accounts; cancel
ing the free issuance Of automo-
bile license plates to governmental
units and officials; limiting the
weight load Of motor trucks, and
abolishing the fee system" in pub
lie Offices.
Taxation Pressing Problem
A workable, sound and sinplified
system for registration of voter"
also was recommended, details to
be developed by the legislators and
work of repeating the primary law
should be continued he said.
Taxation" the Governor termed
the most pressing legislative prob
lem. He pointed out that the bur-
den should be lifted from real es-
tate. but asserted he was not con-
cerned as to the method of this re-
lief.
"An enabling act that would make
it possible for townships or counties
to combine, thus doing away with
much Of. the overhead of local gov
eminent, would provide one means
of relief for the taxpayers" the
Governor declared.
Citing the work done by the tax
survey commission, the Governor
took no stand for or against spe-
cif1c recommendations made by this
or any other of the numerous COM
missions appointed by himself and
whose recommendations long have
been in his hands.
Give, Advice on Banking
Sample Of the general trend of
the Leslie legislative proposals is
the following advice on banking:
Legislation better to protect de-
positors, creditors and stockholders
will help greatly to sustain conf
dence and encourage business and
industrial activities"
The highway department should
continue" to operate on a "pay as
you go" basis, he declared.
ANY effort to divert the funds
now used for road construction and
maintenance would be inadvisable
and i'll timed" the Governor con-
tended.
Moderation and forbearance"
were recommended in arriving at
reapportionnent Of the thirteen
congressional districts into twelve.
Condemns "SuperHous Courts
The era Of the string dis
trict is gone forever, and the gerry
mander should be relegated even as
it has been discredited, he de-
clared.
"superhuous courts" were con-
demned.
He urged consideration of the crime
commission findings, but said moth
ing about ACCESSIBILITY of creating
state department of safety or
remedying court procedure
Urging abolition of the "fee sys-
tenn the chief executive declared:
Fees should go to the govern
ment itself, and the individual pub
lie officer should be allowed a fair
salary commensurate to his services,
honestly and efficiently rendered"
State Finances Good, He Says
He would improve, but not abol-
ish oil inspection.
State finances and institutions
were reported in good shape, but
for over-crowding at penal il1stitu-
tons and the prisoners facing the
prospect Of idleness.
'The record Of the conservation
department speaks for ITSELF" the
message asserted.
Adoption of the tuberculosis COM
mission report, setting out plan
for future construction Of sanitoria,
was urged.
There also Is an armory report
for consideration, the Governor dis
closed.
The Lincoln memorial was given
a boost and he reported the COM
missions on railroad legislation and
Negro orphans still functioning,
with no report yet prepared.