The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1941-01-08

leItHce VI CooiCioii must p0 Pscooi fcu.
Labor, sIIcosis
One of the problems that has long
confronted us is the occupational dis
ease, silicosis, caused by inhaling sill
lea dust. The problem would appear
to be national in scope and solution
can only be found in cooperation be-
tween the federal government and the
mining states. A bill for this purpose
was passed by the 26th legislative
assembly but vetoed. l hope that a
similar measure will be enacted at this
session.
Montana should raise her voice
against national policies and trade
conditions that initiate against our
agriculture. OF the high premium
wheat which Montana produces, there
/ has never been surplus, yet our
acreage allotments is based upon an
excess of wheat and our farmers must
sell on a surplus market at price
lower than the quality of the wheat
| justifies. The loss is a serious one
to the farmers of this state and can
not but have an unfavorable influ-
ence on general business in Montana.
The sugar beet industry is in it's
infancy in this state Montana has
some of the best sugar beets land in
the nation, yet discriminatory acreage
allotments place us on the same basis
as states where the industry is fully
developed. Because of this condition
the prosperity that would accrue to
the state from an increasingly inn
portant crop is retarded.
I ask you to take such action as the
facts justify.
There is great dissatisfaction
through the state relating to the con-
troll of the purchase of elementary text
books for use in our public schools.
The law relating to the transporta-
tion of pupils by school districts is
uncertain and unintelligible and has
resulted in the misapplication of
school funds.
These questions are of grave con-
Germ and vitality affect our public
school system and should receive your
earnest and careful consideration.
Under existing law it is unlawful
for any contractor to engage in the
business, or act in the capacity of
public contractor within the state |
without having license therefor.
This law, in many instances, has !
worked to the great disadvantage of
the school districts. Free and open
bidding is desirable in all public
works.
| recommend that this law be
amended so that a license may be
before work under a contract
begins.
Hospital Funds Low
At the last election referendum No.
40, authorizing the state to become
excess of the constitutional limitation
Of indebtedness for buildings and i'm
at the state hospital for
the insane at Warm Springs, was ap-
proved by the electors. The act is
not self-executing and legislation is
necessary to carry out it's provisions.
| urge that such legislation be ex-.
pedited so these improvements may
be made with as little delay as pos
5ible.
We have a task to do-those of us
gathered here and every citizen of
his great commonwealth. Those of
is assembled here to carry out the
delegated responsibilities of self-gov-
eminent have duty that reaches to
every fireside in Montana. That duty
s to speak and to act for the man at
he plow, the worker in mine or shop ,
,r factory, and the business man and
as well; for the mothers,
athers and children, the orphans, the
ICED and the unfortunate. A duty to I
Ill of them so that state mighty in
'esources, large in hope and by ma ,
ure and the providence of God des I
ined to a glorious future may fulfill f
hat promise-that is the duty we
lave sworn to do. l am confident
hat all of us, with zeal and devotion,
will strive to do that duty.
The problems that have shaped our
mandates command our deepest con-
emplation. We should plumb the /
reeds of the state and so far as we
an, ransom the people from the diff
iculties that hold them captive to con-
itions from which they, unaided, can
lot escape. I,
Establish Confidence
We cannot be so foolish as to as
ume that any law that may be en-
cted here, or any function of the ex-
cutive, will do what only an act of i
iod can accomplish. But we can by