THE MORMXG OREGOXIAX, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1915. 12 NEW GOVERNOR OUTLINES NEEDS AND URGES ECONOMY Mr.Withycombe Opposes Exaggerated Leniency in Prison Policy, Recommends Centralizing of State Administration and Pleads for United Action to Upbuild Oregon by Fostering of Industry. STATEHOUSE. Salem. Or., Jan. 12. (Special.) Governor Withycombe read his first message to the Legis lature today. In full It is as follows: Members of the Legislature: In accordance with the provisions of the constitution and the- custom ot preceding Governors. It becomes my duty, as It Is jny pleasure, to address to you upon this occasion a message of greeting, and. In some measure, of suggestion relative to the welfare of the s:a:e. At this time, with the recent election still fresn In mind. 1 desire to express to the people of Oregon, through you, their representatives, my slncero appreciation and gratitude for their action In selecting me as iheir vhlt executive. The realization ot the support and loyalty nf my friends, demonstrated at the polls, will always be among the happiest recollections of my life- But. while appreciating to the utmost de re the honor conferred upon me. I am equally aware of the responsibilities that aecomoanv It. and the difficulties besetting the position which I have been called to ti'.l. And. therefore, it is with nothing of the rid of attainment, but rather with real humility, that 1 face you at this tun of lnausura lion, realizing fully the difficulties that confront me, and desiring onlv that siren Kth and wisdom may be forthcoming so that the people of Oregon shall have Just cause for satisfaction at the record of their Governor. To prove worthy of the confidence reposed in me la my sole desire. Mate IevrlopiueDt lint. It is your duty to provide new legislation and amend ex. sting iaws for the well-being f th people who have sent you here. In al your deliberations I would urge upon you one paramount consideration, namely, that you constantly remember you are building, rot solely for today, but for the future. I.t th record of tnis session be one jf forward-looking legislation. Oregon is but In her Infancy, and more than ail else she needs sound assistance In the develop ment of the resources nature has given her. AH tfrat ill tend to increase the productivity of her fields, her forests, her streams and her factories, now and in the future, dewrvci your enthusiastic attention; and all that is bound around with petty trafficking or sectional antagonism merits naught from you bul disapproval. Kspeclaily 1 venture to recommend that this I-egis.ature set a record for brevity, prtlru.rly in the number of laws passed. Nothing tn the general situation demands gret activity in the Held of law-making, and assuredly the popuiar frame of mind )reaars thankfulness for th least possible . new legislation. A short, sane session, with a few good laws, is at this time luf.nltely preferable to a lengthy assembly, replete , lth drastic changes and burdened with j many enact menu carelessly devised. I bsie Forward. Not Hack ward. It doe not seem to ma entirely fitting f.iat a ilovftnor just taking office should ii-nipt any compr hensio summary of tne nri.nir.1 nnHLtitin of state affairs. His lack vl oerscnal familiarity with the routine of toe off l -e naturally woubT make It pre sumptuous fr him to burden you with anything preirndmg to be an accurate re capitulation of the several departments dur ing the biennium. It is rather for me, tnm, to offer suggestions concerning ways and means for the future betterment of the state, a work in which we may all cu- oerate. At the outset, I desire you to understand that 1 appear here today seeking no personal favors, and with no inclination to exceed I ne propr I initiations of my office. la short, I have no "pet measures." and have tto intention of exerting such power as my position may give to influence you unduly. There exist, then, no desire on my part to Interfere with the legitimate functions of tills Legislature. On the other hand, it s-etns to me the unqualified duty of the Governor to take full advantage of his p jsltion to t y.pres disapproval of legisla tive action, should necessity demand, using his prerogative not as a weapon of dictation, but solely to safeguard the public Interest. In this connection, 1 venture to point out the dangers of postponing legislation until the closing hours of the session, when con fusion must result from Its haphazard con aideratlon. It occurs to me further that con venient to the Legislature and ultimate profit to the taxpayers would result from the adaption of a rule providing that all ap. propri:ulon hills be presented not later, say, man the twentieth day of the session. Centralised hjatrra Favored. In the consideration of governmental de-j Telopment In Oregon during the past few I years, one fact is clearly apparent; namely, j a, tendency toward de-centraiization. What. l ever the immediate causes behind it. this tendency creates a division of authority and in a great measure the apportionment of duties among several officials in place of our. Accompanying this division of author ity has come a division of responsibility, -which works. It seems to me, quite contrary to the development of the highest efficiency. urthermore, any tendency involving the employment of several heads instead of one I usually accompanied by extravagance and ;it While Oregon in a great measure has been dirvlpating her covernmental authority anion t; a.i Increasing number of officials, the trend of scientific legislation elsewhere Las been In the opposite direction, t'entral Uation of ad ministration and responsibility Is becoming more and more universal; and, apparently, with success. Unless initiated too drastirally. or carried beyond the bounds of pood judgment, steps toward reason a Me centralization in no wise merit rlas.sif leal ion as Impractical. The tendency has proved its worth lu actual operation. Therefore, I deem It wise to expresj (he opinion that Oregon's legislation In the future should be guided by the gen eral rulo that centralisation is desirable la the administration of state government. In this connection I think It highly fit ting that in several Instances offices which are now elective should become appointive. The virtues of such a change arc centraliza tion of responsibility anil a Mtorter ballot, w hich. under our tystem, are particularly desirable. onomy In Keynote. Kconomy probably in the keynote of. th Is twenty-eighth legislative session; It was til dominant factor in pre-election pledges, a nit it it devolves upon us to sou th:t thee promise lire put into practice. All that concerns expenditure merits your most painstaking attention. The principle upon I which we should act when mat money is concerned is the same as If thai motif were our own; we should Insist upon re ceiving one hundred cents of value for every aoll-tr expended. loubtless such advice is hackneyed, and perhaps it savors of ped antry but. nevertheless, it is disregard of Just such a principle that too often dis credits public administration. So 1 respect, lully submit the thoucht. assuring you mat so far as I urn concerned it wlSl be my sole gum in w hate er connection 1 may have wirh the governmental expenditures. Annual, or continuing, appropriations have come to be regarded w iuely as unbusiness like. I heartily approe the suggestion that the policy of making appropriations con tinuous cease, with tie exception of the rate s educational institutions, w hose inter. e IS can be servrd best where- a stated an nual income is assured and constructive plans adapted, to the amount definitely available. Further, our educational insti tutions shouid be relieved of the necessity of biennial campaigns for funds before the Legislature with their attendant likelihood of political bickerings. - special Kund Oppo4w' At present, state receipts from several sources are segregated under spec-al funds, and can only be pa:d out for specific pur jKises. Often no cash la on hand In certain Jutld. and the state is obliged to issue warrants bearing interest, even when large mounts are lying Mlo tn the Treasury but r not applicao.e to tne expenditures in oled. The s:mp remedy for this w&s:e In unnecessary interest payment is to hae all state receipts pia. ed in the general fund. In be us d ss required. This would t economical and businesslike, and would Su no wis disarrange the existing safe guards of the various funds, whine accounts Would be conducted separately, as at present. Much has been said about the need of ei-oiiooiy 1-glsiaiion directed at the several departments of state government. I heartily concur tn the- feeling that reforms tending toward economy are desirable in state ad ministration, and no doubt these will receive wise consideration from you. But 1 venture t point to a, field of endeavor even broader; wameiy. to county administration. luinng the last few years of ecli UH paid in taxes In an average county about $1?.a0 has gone to the state and approximately 37.StJ to the county. In other words, county ad ministration costs the taxpayer three times a much as state. Undeniably, there are many leaks in county government that well inay be checked by adequate legislation, and It la ,iuy hope that effort for economy and efficiency wi:i rot stop with the state but -will proceed to tie details of county affairs, hewslasj lened To Cutly. Wl;h some hesitancy T call your attention to another field for ec l imy. and one close at hand. Tie clerical aud stenographic forew at the last le?Itfve bession cos; the ata:e 4i,9JZ.. aud In this detail showed a increase of mvn tiiau Zi per cent over the' 1911 session. The total cost in 1913, &9.S6i.&3. waa more than SU per cent higher than the 1911 session's. So far aa am able to determine there is no sound reason why this Legislature, bo commenc ing Ita economy programme at home, can not save at least 120.000. The people of Oregon have decreed, by a decisive vote, that the liquor traffic shall end in the state after January 1. 191. They have imposed upon you the oblfiration of nutting orohibition into effect, aud. it oe- comes your duty to provide laws that will actually prohibit the sale and barter of intoxicants. These enactments must neither be ao drastic as to be non-enforceable, nor so lax as to be ineffective. In short, your difficult task is to devise ways and means for making, and keeping. Oregon actually a prohibition state, so long as the will of the people shall decree. While it is for you to provide antd-liquor legislation. It Is perhaps well to re mm a vou that in a great measure the enforcement of the laws you enact will oe tne uovernor resTionsibilitv. Or. I might better nay. general supervision of their enforcemen will devolve upon the state's executive, who ultimately will be held responsible oy tne people for their satisfactory administration. Constitution Change Vrged. Therefore, you are earnestly urged to pro- rido the Governor or whatever official up on whom may be placed the responsibility with the means of Droperly enforcing tns prohibition laws. To perform this duty ade quately, in my opinion, it win oe uecerj to amend the constitution, authorizing him to remove dellnauent officers. section 19 of article 7 of the Oregon con stitution, provides that "public officers shall not be impeached; out incompetency, cor cuption. malfeasance or delinquency in of fice may be tried in the same manner as criminal offenses, and Judgment may be -riven of dismissal from office, . . . In Other worus. ll oincers are reinusa id thntr duties sav a Sheriff In .enforcing pro hibition he can bo reached only through criminal procedure, and often by the time the tedious cure is ettectea tne in nas Be come historic. To mend this situation recommend referring to the people a con stitutional amendment which, would change the section quoted above so as to conform with section 1 of article A. or tne uon stitution of the State of New York, which provides that the Governor may rerao e ny Sherirr or uistrict Attorney witnm mo prm for which he is elected, giving such officer a copy of the charges against him and an opportunity to be beard. To make such supervision of law enforce ment practicable, it is essential that funds be provided to defray expenses oi inves tigation or any special action that the ex ecutive may be called upon to undertake. The last Legislature appropriated $lo00 for special agent work uurine tne oiennium I venture to predict that in the future such a sum will prove utterly inaaequaie, espe cially after the prohibition amendment goes Into effect. In this connection, witn an regard for economy, it Is worth reminding vou that the fruits of such investigation work inevitably are fines wnicn bring tar more revenue to the public treasury than the outlay involved, even disregarding the moral obligations of the case. Bureau Abolishment Kerommended. With the end in view of economy and higher efficiency, the following changes are recommended in certain state departments: The State Tax Commission may well be abolished, and the work of the present body transferred to the office of the Kail road Commission, w hich should be given authority to employ an expert In taxation and assess ment to conduct this branch of the office. It is my opinion that the scope of work handled by the Kail road Commission make its title Inadvisable and 1 recommend the substitution of the name "Commission of Public Utilities." In the Slate Industrial Accident Commis sion there are three Commissioners with an aggregate salary of JtO.SOO per annum. It Is believed that one Commissioner with an office force equivalent to the present one could handle the work of this department with satisfaction to the public, and with desirable economy and centralization of re sponsibility. To effect co-ordination I sug gest the consolidation with the Accident Commission of the Bureau of Iabor and the Industrial Welfare Commission. In this readjustment the present Labor Commis sioner should remain the responsible head of his department and retain his present salary to the end of his elected term. I further recommend the establishment of a malting period for Investigation before pay ment of claims, and a broader classifica tion; In connection with needed changes In our law. i earnestly suggest consideration of the Michigan law, which, to me, seems most excellent. In all that concerns this department It is essential that the Interests of the workingmaii be sareguaraeo. I also suggest that the duties or tne State Sealer of Weights and Measures be merged with those of the State Iairy and food Com mission er. Laboratory Merger Proposed. There are now being conducted In Port land three distinct and independent medical laboratories, supported by taxpayers and needlessly duplicating work and piling up expense. To eliminate this condition I recommend the consolidation of the State Bo3rd of Health Laboratory with the Pathological Laboratory of the Medical School of the Cmversity of Oregon, and. if the authorities of the City of Portland agree to the desirability of the move. It is further urged that the City Laboratory be merged with the two above mentioned under some co-operative arrangement mutually eq uitabte. Tne state is at present virtually employ ing two architects, one at the Capitol and one at the Stat- 1'niverslty. It would seem that In the interest of economy one archi tect should be sufficient, especially as but extremely little new construction of state buildings will be undertaken during the coming hlennium. A T2refore, while appre ciating fully the admirable work done by the present Incumbent. I recommend that the activities of the State Architect's of-, OREGON'S NEW GOVERNOR, WHO READ HIS FIRST MESSAGE j TO LEGISLATURE YESTERDAY. I i p ' " 'i'" ' " 11 t . - Nv x N t - : x - , - N - . ? - " - increase greatly overbalanced by the ben efits derived. Also, the state haa some 700 acres of stump land and 1000 acres of un drained land, all located conveniently to the oententiary, which should be grubbed and Jrained and placed in a high state of cultivation. HUH x4'h DR. JAMES W1 T H YC OMBE. flee be merged with those- of the univer The offiee of Ktatn Bank Examiner sbould be placed under the general Jurisdiction of tne estate i reasurer, etinuuuuug uhocv.-w sary overhead charges. i stifiFKt that tha offices of State En- s-lneer and State HIjrnway Engineer be combined, under the State Engineer, who shall have an unsalaried advisory board of three members, especially Qualified in roau matters, to co-operate with him in all that concerns slate highways. Here, again, cen tralization of responsibility would result. and. I believe, the overhead expense tor office and field work of the two branches of state engineering would be materially reduced, and a higher state of efficiency secured. Inquiry by Committee Assea. The above recommendations I have made because it seemed to me that In the sev eral instances Involved the need for reform Is especially npparent. However, I do not t all feel that the possibility lor aesiraoie centralization and governmental improve ment ends with these few suggestions. While, no doubt, several feasible plans, look iny toward centralization und economy, ar now available, affecting certain details of state administration, yet it occurs to me that there is not now time for the thor ough investigation which the. involved sub- ect properly demands, i nereiore, i sug gest the appointment of a non-salaried committee, eitner to oe composea oi legis lative members or to be appointed by the trovernor. which shall examine Into the sub ject during the coming biennium and report fully to the next Legislative Assembly its recommendations for securing a more com prehensive reform than could be undertaken wisely at this time. "Wise roadbullding is probably the best Investment the state can undertaxe, ana for Its encouragement I recommend con sideration of some plan for the establish ment and us9 of a larger state road fund. I suggest a one-half mill state tax, the combined revenue of It and the existing (or improved ) graduated . motor vehicle tar to be expended from the state treasury in co operation with the various counties for trunk roads within their boundaries, their construction to be under state supervision. Cheaper Money- Wanted. It Is generally conceded that agriculture Is our basic industry and If we are to re alize a truly Greater Oregon we must lay the foundation by means of constructive legislation for agricultural development. Among the most vital problems of this in dustry are better roads and cheaper money. Our National Congress apparently may fail to enact rural credit legislation, and It Is recommended that this Legislature memo rialize Congress to take action on rurai credit banking laws at the earliest prac ticable moment. In the meantime, I suggest that effort be made to evolve a rational state mortgage credit system, calling to your attention ne fact that today Oregon's farm mortgage indebtedness is approximate ly 22,000.OO0. Of this, some $6,000,000 Is supplied from the state's irreducible school fund, loaned at 6 per cent. The average in terest paid on tho balance is probably 8 per cent, the 2 per cent difference involv ing on nnnual burden on Oregon's farmers of SSCO.OOO, which, in. a great measure. might be eliminated. In inanv of our Eastern counties, agrl cultural development is being seriously threatened by a growing rest of rabbits.- To those affected, this is a 'matter of general Importance and It deserves serious consid eration. I would recommend that a small appropriation be provided for devising ways and means of scientifically combating the rabbit iest. The biennial reports of the penal and eleemosynary institutions of the state are before you. As intimated above, I do not deem It within my province at this time to burden you with a lengthy statement aeai-ine- with tha details of their conduct. With one exception my investigations have led me to believe that both in pnysicai con dition and management the institutions are fairly creditable. Prison Conditions l"n satisfactory. I cannot speak so optimistically concern ing the Oregon State Penitentiary. In many respects that establishment is in an un satisfactory condition. Broadly speaking. Its chief demerits are Insufficient equipment and the unemployment of its inmates. During the last month there were 160 men in the penitentiary without occupation and there seems fair reason to expect that the number will Increase. Such a condition is contrary to the dictates of humanity and economic wisdom. So far as possible the prisoners should be kept physically sound, and assuredly their labors should be utilized tn tho utmost, for their own good and that of the taxpayers who are forced to support them. Two methods of employment within the penitentiary Itself are practicable. One, the manufacture of articles for use in other state institutions, is already developed nearly to the extent of its limited field. The second is production of something not manufactured by free labor elsewhere in Oregon; an example of this policy is found at the Minnesota penitentiary, where the convicts not only pay their own way but actually show a substantial profit through the manufacture of farm machinery. Outside the prison walls the convict la bor might well be employed in the con struction of state highways. Such work would add materially to our assets; It would take nothing from free labor, being' con struction that otherwise would not, and could not, be undertaken; and it would add but slightly to the cost of the institution, in camp upkeep and. extra guards, an EXCERPTS FROM GOVERNOR WITHYCOMBE'S MESSAGE TO LEGISLATURE. Oreson is lut in her infancy and more than all else she needs sound assistance in the development of the resources Nature has given her. i All that is bound around with petty trafficking- or sectional antagonism merits nought from you but disapproval. .... , , ' . . A short sane session with a few good laws is at this time infinitely preferable to a lengthy assembly reulete with drastic changes and burdened with many enactments carelessly advised. Economy . . . was the dominant factor in pre-election pledges and it now devolves upon us to see that these promises are put in practice. ' . The principle upon which we should act when state money is concerned is the same as if that money were our own. , . .., Annual or continuing appropriations have come to be regarded widely as unbusinesslike. , ' During the last few years of each $100 paid in taxes in an average county about $12.50 has g-one to the state and approximately $37.50 to the county. In other words, county administration costs the taxpay er three times as much as state. Undeniably there are many leaks in county government that well may be checked by adequate legislation. ...... ,.,... The clerical and stenographic force at the last legislative session cost the state $J3.93J.9o. ... an increase of more than 20 per cent over the 1911 session. So far as I am ablo to determine there is no sound reason why this Legislature, by commencing its economy programme at home, cannot save at least "0'Your. difficult task Is to devise ways and means for making and keeping- Oregon actually a prohibition state so long as the will of the people shall decree. Wise road building is probably the best investment the state can undertake and for its encourage ment I recommend consideration of some plan for the establishment and use of a larger state road fund. It is generallv conceded that agriculture is our basic industry and if we are to realize a truly Greater Oregon we must "lav the foundation by means of constructive legislation for agricultural development. With one exception mv investigations have led me to believe that both in physical conditions and man agement the institutions "are fairly creditable. I cannot speak so optimistically concerning- the Or eg on SUate Penitentiary In many respects that establishment is in an unsatisfactory condition. Broadly speak ing its chief demerits are insufficient equipment and the unemployment of its inmates. During the last month there were 160 men in the Penitentiary without occupation. . . . Such a condition is contrary to the dictates of humanity and economic wisdom. v. Outside the prison walls the convict labor might well be employed in the construction of state high- WSJt present there is no way of segregating the youthful first-offender from the hardened criminal, so that in a great measure the state is conducting a school of crime, as the novice quickly imbibes the spirit of the veteran crook and much of his knowledge. ...... The feature of the prison policy of the past which probably has most concerned the general public has been the tendencv toward exaggerated leniency. I desire at this time to state emphatically that it will be the policy of "the Governor henceforth to entertain all due respect for judicial decisions and. where Judge and jury have passed upon a case and sentence has been pronounced, only under the most exception al circumstances will I feel warranted in setting aside or seriously modifying such sentence. The abolish ment of the death penalty coupled with a growing disposition to regard lightly the binding nature of Judicial sentences instills me with the belief that a more sparing use of the pardoning power will have a alutorv effect upon the criminal element and is demanded in justice to the community at large. Today Oregon's greatest need is payrolls. The development of manufacturing will provide wages for many of our immigrants and they, in turn, will supply markets which will make profitable the agricul tural development undertaken by others. The war ... is teaching us the possibilities of our own country.. One of its results on our conti nent will be to give a fresh, vital meaning to the phrase "Made in America" and it is my sincere hope that by proper action and foresight now we can broaden the field of products bearing the stamp, "Made Unreasonablo restrictions on commercial activities should be frowned upon and every effort made to ward the speedy and fair development of Oregon's resources. The public sVhools are truly the bulwark of our civilization and as such merit our most hearty interest and support The rural schools are suffering for the want of efficient teachers, nor is it difficult to as certain why. Each year Oregon requires over 1000 trained instructors, but we produce, through our Normal Schools, but approximately one-tenth of that number. V svstem of constabulary or state police should be formulated, independent of the citizen soldiery, so that' these men may be left free in the work of preparing themselves for the needs of National defense. Such svstem, 1 believe. i easily within our grasp and is desirable. With "the experience of the past to draw upon and by following a policy of careful development with strict safeguarding of the rights of the man on the land until recently considered too little there is every reason' to hope for the establishment of an irrigation situation reasonably satisfactory to settler and in- es,oT.-h:itver inethod mRy te fouowej in handling the revenue derived from fish and game licenses, it is my opinion that Justice to the sportsmen of the state, who exclusively provide this money, demands that it should be expended for fish and game .propagation and protection. Surely there is cause for infinite gratitude and thanksgiving among us now when God smiles here upon a land of peaceful plenty, while so much of the world Is plunged In warfare and want. il Prison Called School of Crime. I Of the 431 inmates of the penitentiary in December. 309 were serving a rirst terra, and were under thirty years of age. At present there is no way of segregating the youthful first offender from the hard ened criminal, so that in a great measure the state is conducting a school or crime, am rhn nnviee nuicklv imbibes the spirit of the veteran crook, and much of his knowledge. Sufficient financial assistance should be rendered the institution to al leviate this condition, and make reason able segregation possible. It would be wise economy, in the long run, to Drovide the institution with a larger dairy herd, and to give it more farm land. The feature of the prison policy of the past which probably has most concerned the general public has been the tendency toward exaggerated leniency. I desire at this time to state emphatically that it will be the policy of the Governor hence forth to entertain all due respect for Ju dicial decisions, and where Judge and Jury have passed upon a case and sentence has been pronounced, only under, the most ex ceptional circumstances will I feel war ranted in setting aside or seriously modify ing such sentence. The abolishment of the death penalty coupled with a growing dis position to regard lightly the binding nature of Judicial sentences, instills me with the belief that a more sparing use of the par doning power will have a salutory efTect upon "the criminal element, and Is de manded in justice to the community at large. It seems fitting to speak In behalf of one class of sufferers -who merit state as sistance. I refer to the indigent, crippled or deformed children. Their plight Is no less pitiful and deserving than that of the ; insane or feeble-minded, and far more meri- ! torlous than the criminals', whose mainte-! nance Is literally forced upon us. Oregon I owes something to these little unfortunates, many of whom may blossom forth Into i notable men and women if only their brains aro given the opportunity for de- velonment which their bodies can ne er achieve. I recommend their plight to your thoughtful consideration. Payrolls Greatest Need. Of late we have devoted large sums to the exoloitatlon of the state's resources. An organized publicity campaign has been conducted, its double purpose to matte known Oregon's attractions throughout the world, and 10 bring settlers and investors to the state. It is my judgment that the time has come to transfer some of this ef fort into other chan'nnels. Rather than continuing so strenuously our endeavor to draw people here, let us devote more of our zeal, ana more oi our money, m m tahllshine- them after they arrive. Today Oregon's greatest need is -payrolls. The development of manufacturing will pro vide wanes for many of our immigrants, and they, in turn, will supply markets which will make profitable the agricultural development undertaken by others. The situation we face at this time 1: bright with potentialities. It Is a matter of common knowledge that the European war has crippled manufacture across the Atlantic so desperately tnat recovery win require years. This has meant, in many Instances, that we of America are thrown upon our own resources and obliged to undertake the manufacture at home ot countless articles and products for which formerly we have looked to Europe ex clusively. The war has been educational In this respect; It Is teaching us the pos sibilities of our own country. One of its results on our continent will be to give a fresh, vital meaning to the phrase "Made in America" and It is my sincere hope that hv nroDer action and foresight now we can broaden the field of products bear ing the stamp "Made in Oregon." Development Plan Proposed, ' I propose that you authorize the appoint ment of an unsalaried committee of seven experienced business men whose duty it shall be to investigate the possibilities of profit to Oregon's existing institutions, and tha establishment of new Oregon industries, created by the pending changes in interna tional trade and manufacture due to the European war. the shifting economic con ditions produced by the Panama Canal, and our rapidly enlarging commercial openings in South America and the Orient. And suggest that some portion of the money hitherto devoted to publicity be placed at the disposal or this committee tor tne employment of an expert who shall devote his time to its work, under the supervision of Its members. In other directions we should avail our selves of every opportunity to promote and encourage commercial investment and de velopment In the state. By overwhelming votes at the last election tho people evi denced their hostility to drastic legislation likely to harass legitimate business enter prise. The indication should be followed. Unreasonable restrictions on commercial activities should be frowned upon, and every effort made toward the speedy and fair development or Oregon s resources. Under this eeneral head it seems ad visable reference should be made to the office of Corporation Commissioner. Dur ing the biennium this department has pro duced a profit or more tnan $4uu.uuj in fees collected over and above expenses. While such revenue is admirable the fact should not he ignored that the primary func tion of this bureau is not the creation of revenue but protection of Investors and the general public. It is most unwise, it seems to me, that unduly harassing restrictions be Imoosed upon corporate activity, for nothing that tends to discourage legitimate Investment should be sanctioned. Further, it aDnears that in some directions there is a tendency to inflict hardship upon bus! ness enterprise by requiring too many ana too exhaustive reports, the cost of whose preparation must ultimately be borne by the taxpayer. Appeal Made for Schools. The public schools are truly the bulwark of our civilization, and, as such, merit our most hearty interest and support. The rural schools are suffering for the want of effi cient teachers, nor is It difficult to ascertain why.. Each year Oregon requires over 1000 trained instructors, but we proauce. tnrougn our Normal School, but approximately one tenth of that number. Therefore, it seems to me good business for Oregon schools and for Oregon taxpayers in the final analysis that more generous support bo lent to our institutions for the training of teach ers here in Oregon. The State University, Agricultural College and Normal Schools are doing excellent work and are receiving generous sup port. I would suggest, however, to the Board of Regents of these institutions that the most rigid economy commensur ate with efficiency be observed. It seems most desirable that the cost to students be kept at the minimum, so that every en couragement may be offered to the young men and women of moderate means to avail themselves of the educational opportunities the state offers. 4 A subject that I ' would touch upon in passing is one which we are prone to treat with too little consideration the develop ment of a citizen soldiery for the purpose of National defense. While this matter, in its essence, is a National problem, yet under nnr svstem of aovernment a serious duty i falls upon the several states and territories that or providing a reserve i iiueu for defense should the calamity of war be visited upon us. To this end the citizen soldiery should have the sympathy and support of the people. A system of con stabulary or state police should be formu lated, independent of the citizen soldiery, so that these men may be left free in the work of preparing themselves for the needs of National derense. &ucn a sysiem, r Re lieve, is easily within our grasp and is de- irable. Irrigation Needs Great. Irrigation is a matter of vital importance rt inrirA areas of Oreeon. The extent of its beneficial possibilities Is hardly beginning to be realized, while at the. same time its problems are becoming better unaersioou. with the exoerience of the past to draw ppon, and by following a policy of careful cevelopment with strict' safeguarding of the rights of the man on the land until re cently considered too little there is every reason to hope for the establishment of an irrigation situation reasonably satisfactory to settler and investor. Under the supervision of the Desert Land Board. Oregon has Just completed, with con siderable credit, the first irrigation project ever built by a state. It is now for you to nrovide legislation governing the mainten ance of that project. I earnestly hope that the rules devised win insure Dusiness metn ods, and to me it seems desirable that so far am feasible the affairs ot the project be left in the settlers hands, rather than have them become a minor detail of some govern mental department. I further suggest that the funds received by the state from the sale of Tumalo lands be segregated in a revolving fund, to be utilized at some fu ture time for further irrigation aid, undei state supervision ; interest at all times, however, to be naid the state for the $450,- nftn orieinallv advanced. For the department of fish and game I bespeak your friendly consideration. The commercial fisheries provide our third greatest industry, and everything tnat can natural and artificial propagation of fish and their protection is entitled to support From the standpoint of recreation the re sources of the state in fish and game are of great consequence, and should continue to be, as they are today, one of Oregon s strongest attractions to the visitor as well as a healthful boon to the resident. Sportsmen Are Considered. In the conduct of this department strict economy and businesslike procedure are es sential, not only on behalf of the taxpayer, but in i ust ice to the work Itself, whose con. tlnuance upon a worthy scale can only thus be assured. natever metnoa may oe iut lowed fn handling the revenue derived from fish and game licenses. It is my opinion that justice to the sportsmen of the. state, who exclusively provide this money, de mands that it should be expended for fish and game propagation and protection. Cen tralization of administration and responsi bility in this department, as in others, is highly desirable. legislation permitting the establishment of hydro-electric power districts would tend, I believe, to a speedier development of the state. I would favor the creation of dis tricts somewhat along the line of existing irrigation district procedure, whereby groups of individuals In a community may band together for the co-operative development of the water-power resources of their neighbor hood. By such a pooling of interest and community-bonding, so to speak, small com munities and farmers could put to beneficial use natural resources now entirely wasted. The same method could also be applied in the reclamation of unimproved areas, notably stump and uudrained land, by the establishment of some system of land improvement districts. The Important events of this Summer on the Pacific Coast are the expositions in California. The last Legislature provided for Oregon's representation at San Francisco , with reasonable generosity. As these great , fairs in our sister state mean much to us through their exploitation of the entire Coast, as an exhibition place for our own resources, and in the travel they will bring to Oregon, 1 hope that nothing will be done now to diminish our opportunity of making a brilliant showing at San Francisco. Es pecially is this desirable in view of Cali fornia's generous consideration of our own I,ewis snd Clark Fntr. So through you I urge the people of Oregon to participate la California's season of celebration to the fulicst decree, Thasnka for Pearo Kxpreaaed. There, la much more that might be said, and with propriety. Hut rather than burden you further with formal utterances J ah a 11 refer simply to the present lmppy situa tion of the State of Oregon, tiureiy there is cause for infinite gratitude and thanks giving among us now, wheu liod smllta heie upon a land of peaceful plenty, while so much of the norm ia plunged in warfat and want. With an administrative platform based oa fundamental state development, sane econ omy tnd honest, businesslike procedure, I now close this, my first inewago. And In closing I desire to express to u my con fidence in tho exceptional ability and hth purpose of tnis :m Legislative Awrmbiv, and to reiterate my earnest desire of co operating with you. and all the officers of the state, to the utmost of my ability. I havo purpoeely made this message fur briefer than has been cuntomary, seeking to have it echo something of my hopes for the future than to be m weriom recapit ulation of the past. It haa, at leaat, con veyed to you and the ieopie of Oregon me deep sense of appreciation for the honor and responsibility that have been sivon me. JAM KM W1THYCOMBK. Oot ernor. CLARKE BOARD ORGANIZES A. Kawson Is Fltvtetl riininnun by Counljr Commissioners. VANCOUVER. Wash.. Jan. IS. (Spe cial.) The Clarke County Commis sioners has met and organized. A. Kawnon being1 elerted chairman of the board. The other two members Hre John P. Kijfplns, tho new member, snd William Llndsey, who waa re-elect The Commissioner went to Tortlnnd lo attend a meeting of the Columbia Kfver Interstate ftridire CnmrniMon. ONE way to reduce the cost of living is to watch the spoonfuls to learn the many simple ways of kitchen economy. You have heard a good deal about the discovery of the scientific Crisco Proce.y. Per haps you have not realized that one of Crisco s most im portant advantages is economy . Besides being a pure vegetable cooking fat, which produces digestible and delicious foods, Crisco also is a money saver. For the following reasons it is economy to use 1 ISCO For Fry in y For Sh ortenincf for caJcefiaJcmy Economy in Frying Can be used over and over for fryinff all manner of foods fish, onions, pota toes. It is not necessary to keep different kettles of fat for different fryings. In deep frying, Crisco can be heated hotter than lard without smoking. By having Crisco hot enough and by adding a small amount of raw food at a time, there practically will be no absorption. Notice how small an amount has been used. Economy in Shortening Crisco is the richest of cooking fats. Less, therefore, need be used. Crisco also is cheaper per net pound than the best quality of pail lard. Economy in Cake Making Crisco cakes are as delicate and rich as butter cakes. Crisco costs less than half as much as butter and less Crisco need be used, because butter is one-fifth water, salt and curd, while Crisco is 100 fat. Her Medicine Chest Instant Relief For: Baefcadw Sora MuscIm Stiff Nwk Stiff Joint Ache Strains CelJ rt Cold Limb rot Rhromatiim Chronic Rheumatism Muscular Rheumatism Sciatica Toothaduj Infection Intlammatioii Couch Sore Throat 4 be loae, on a busipesa basis, Lgw&rd tuo IMIMIIf KILLS PAIN (GUARANTEED) DR. EARL S. SLOAN. Inc. Philadelphia, Pa. St. Louu. Mo. Price. 25c.. 50c and 11.00 JU il