The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1935-01-11

It is most evident that many ap-
pealing plans for social betterment
already under way in other states
must await better times and more
ability on the part OF the people to
support them than is now evident in
North Dakota.
I believe consideration Of the tax
alton problem Is a matter which
should be gotten under way, at the
earliest possible moment, by the
committees on taxation Of the House
and Senate, to the end that as soon
as possible the legislature may have
available for debate and consideration
a revised system OF taxation which
will meet the vexed conditions with
which we are confronted in this field
today.
Rigid State Economy
It is also most evident that there
must be the most rigid economy in
the conduct OF all the departments of
the state. We have too often In the
PAST promised economy without eff
fecting it. There is distinct and
emphatic challenge in present condi-
tons to make economy in the admin
istratiOn of state affairs reality
rather than campaign promise or
party shibboleth.
To this end it is possible that the
interests of the state may be we'll
served by a survey of all its Depart
ments made by competent authori-
ties to the end that Implications be
avoided, that consolidation of du.
ties be effected within departments
and that systems Of operation be
developed which will reduce operat-
ing expenses to minimum which
will still insure the utmost efficiency.
hope this session Of the states
legislature will again go on record in
support Of the Great Lakes-St. Law
renee Waterway. and also for re-
survey of the Missouri River Diver
sion project which am convinced
has been dismissed without the con-
sideration 1t merits from the federal
government at a time when it Is most
apparent, because Of unemployment
and general conditions. that large
unit water conservation projects of
practical utility are most necessary
in the new national economy.
Continues Moratorium
The harassing experiences OF the
past few years have caused grave
concern among our people concern
ing their homes. am continuing the
moratorium of Governor Ole Olson
during the present emergency condi-
tons, since I believe that it is Of
paramount Importance that our people
shall be assured they shall not lose
their homes at a time when they are
handicapped by drouth, low prices
for agricultural products. the pitiful
results of unemployment and other
factors which enter into the dis
tress of these times. I am OPP
posed to and shall oppose moratorium
by executive order except in cases
OF the gravest emergency. shall
favor and advocate moratorium law
which will protect our homeowners,
our businessmen who are suffering
the reaction Of general farm condi-
tons, and all honest interests which
now find themselves in financial diff
ficulties which are the result Of an
emergency situation. I hope for the
passage of a moratorium law embody-
ing the feature Of judicial determin-
alton which will meet the needs now
so clearly in evidence In the field it
is designed to cover.
I am unalterably opposed to the
practice which has grown up within
our state of collecting campaign
funds from either state or federal
employees on a percentage Of salary
basis. It is my belief that this sys-
tenn has resulted in much corruption.
in rewards for inefficiency. in vitiated
morale among state employees. and
in a train of evils that should give
all friends Of clean and honest gov
eminent the greatest concern. I
favor civil service for all state en-
ployes In classifications to be de-
termined in accordance with the civil
service system as it has been sue
cessfully demonstrated in other
states.
Suggests Economies
The need for economy in conduct
ing the affairs OF the state is so EVIL
dent that hope the legislature may
find time and opportunity to consider
the advisability of adopting certain
measures to effect it. May sug-
gest as worthy of consideration to the
end OF effecting economies:
l. The abolition Of the preferential
presidential primary.
2. The election Of state officers
for terms OF six years. no officer to
be eligible for reelection after having
served q six years term.
3. Investigation Of the economies
which may be effected by the aboli-
ton Of minor political subdivisions,
which have not the ability to meet
current tax levies: consolidation OF
counties and school districts.
1. Consideration for the unicam-
eral legislative system.
I do not deem 1t duty of an In
coming governor to discuss in detail
the affairs Of state departments
These are before the legislature ir
reports Of state officers prepared with
much fidelity to detail. ! commend
them to the careful investigation Of
the members Of the house and sen
ate.
In conclusion may I reaffirm 3
pledge that I will cooperate in every
way possible along sound and con.
structive lines to make the present
session Of the legislature constructive
and effective in dealing with all thu
problems Of the state.
TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY