THE MORNING OREGONIA, WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 10, 1917.
7
DRASTIC ECONOMY IS SUGGESTED BY GOVERNOR JAMES
WITHYCOMBE IN HIS MESSAGE TO THE OREGON LEGISLATURE
Pruning of $461,000 From Budget Recommended, Together with Increase of Inheritance and Insurance Premium Taxes to Raise Additional $260,000.
Legislators Told, People Expect Fulfillment of Their Desire for "Bone-Dry" Law Military Training in State University and High Schools Is Advised.
SALEM. Jan. 8. The text of Gov
ernor "Wlthycombe's message to
the. Legislature is:
Members of the Legislature: As citi
sens of a great commonwealth we owe
f a. debt of gratitude'
Z to the Omnipotent
- - ' One for the general
prosperity and hap
piness of our people.
We have been
blessed with a
bountiful harvest
and increased in
dustrial aotivlty
which brings plenty
and contentment to
the home.
It is with sincere
pleasure that I greet
the old. and new
members of this
Got. Wlthycombe.Legislature, meet
ing once again to lay the foundations
for another two years of state adminis
tration. Oregon is to be congratulated
upon the high type of capable citizenship-
represented here. There are dif
ficult problems to be met, but I am
confident the members of this body are
equipped to solve them with intelligent
foresight, fearless honesty and public
spirited patriotism.
This, I trust, is to be a session of
businesslike accomplishment and wise
economy productive of needed legisla
tion only. There is opportunity to
establish a record for excellence, san
ity and brevity. Such, I am sure,
would be appreciated by the citizens
of the state and would best fulfill ex
isting requirements.
Decentralisation Is Deprecated.
In my Inaugural message attention
was directed to decentralization, which
lias developed in Oregon governmental
procedure during the last decade, and
now again it seems fitting to refer to
this tendency.
In a large measure Oregon has a
AnmniiHRlon form of Kovemment The
(tnvnmnr has been more and more dl
vested of authority. As a member of
th Hoard of Control, in most lmpor
tant state matters he has Identically
the same power to obtain the results
i rfpslrpB as other members of the
board, although the public vests him
with a far larger measure of respon
sibility. I believo this tendency toward de
centralization Is ill-advised, that it
works against the best interests of the
' state, and that the resulting decrease
of individual responsibility lessens er
flrlnncv in Dublic service. This mat
ter is presented, not because I hap-
nerf to be the executive and seek in
crease of political power, nor to urge
immediate drastic action, but rather
to point out a tendency which, in my
opinion, will entail increasingly Harm
ful results.
Governor Should Control Penitentiary.
The penitentiary properly should be
unrler the Governor's jurisdiction. He
nhould either directly control its ad
ministration or be empowered to ap
point a non-salaried civil board of
supervisors, as is done in many states,
The constitution gives the executive
the exclusive pardoning and parole
powers. He, and no one else, regulates
thn release of prisoners, ana is in
measure responsible for their subse
quent conduct. He must be familiar
with their records in the Institution
nd the conditions surrounding them
there, as these facts naturally bear
upon the application of executive clem-ency.
In other words, the Governor, more
than anyone else, is directly concerned
In the details of prison administration
The state budget calls lor appropn
ations totaling $715,382 more than can
be raised under the provisions of the
recent constitutional amendment. The
situation can be met only by pruning
the budget estimates in conjunction
with the creation of new revenue. Both
these are subjects which should be ap
proached cautiously, considered with
painstaking care and acted upon, with
out bias.
Budget Reductions Advised.
Below are listed the amounts asked
under 21 heads together with the
amount which I believe can be deduct
ed from each estimate without impair
ing the essential activities of the de
partment in question:
Amount Proposed
asked, reduct'n.
ptate Fair Board $2S,6oO
University of Oregon and
Oregon Agricultural col-
leBtf Sol, 536
Vniveislty of Oregon medi
cal school 138,820
Bounty on wild animals . . . yo.OOO
Child Labor and Industrial
Welfare Commission (to
be Placed under Indus
trial Accident Commis
sion) 12,000
6tate Board of Health and
Social HvRier.e Socloty
to be combined under
Board of Health) 'S4.58S
Tairv and Food CommlsT. 40.S0O
Livestock Sanitary Board.. 43,0i
Korestrv 60,XH
Banking 30.l0)
Mines and geology 50,000
iState Engineer and Water
Board lOS.tma
TuMie Service 8U.10O
Tax Commission ao.OiMt
"Weights and Measures S,4,0
renitentlary (maintenance) 120.7BS
State Hospital (nvainten'ce) 374,880
Legislative Assembly 75.OU0
Total proposed reduction $401,000
BY OREGON
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS MADE
GOVERNOR TO LEGISLATURE.
Hope expressed that session will be businesslike and economical
and establish record for excellence, sanity and brevity.
Tendency toward decentralization of state government deprecated.
Belief expressed that Governor should control Penitentiary admin
istration. Pruning of $461,000 from amounts asked for by state departments
and Institutions advised, together with legislation to increase revenues
by $260,000. Some of reductions suggested are:
Limit of appropriations to $100,000 each for State University
and Oregon Agricultural College. ,
Reduction of wild animal bounty about 25 per cent.
Absorption of Child Labor and Industrial Welfare commis
sions by Industrial Accident Commission.
Absorption of work of Social Hygiene Society by Stat
Board of Health.
Reduced appropriation for State Dairy and Food Com
missioner and transfer of food inspection duties to Board of
Health.
Reduced amounts for Livestock Sanitary Board, Forestry
Department, Department of Mines and Geology, State Engi
neer's office and Water Board and Publlo Service Commission.
It is suggested that Forestry Department's expenses be met
to greater extent by timber owners.
Only one salaried Tax Commissioner.
Making Department of Weights and Measures self-sustaining.
Penitentiary will require less because of reduced population,
due to enactment of prohibition law.
Decrease in commitments to State Hospital also expected.
Abolition of office of State Labor Commissioner at expira
tion of present term and transfer of duties to Industrial
Accident Commission.
Lastly, decrease in expenditures of present Legislature sug
gested. Two suggested feasible sources of new revenue are:
Readjustment of inheritance tax.
Increase of insurance tax from 2 per cent on net premiums
to 2 per cent on gross premiums.
1 Importance of road work reiterated, with moderate Increase in
automobile taxation, total revenue to be devoted to road work.
Legislators told that people expect legislation making absolutely
effective the provisions of the "bone-dry" liquor amendment.
Better housing and equipment for State Penitentiary recommended.
Flax experiment reviewed. Soundness of movement asserted. Out
standing features are work for business and blazing of trail for new
Oregon industry.
Investigation of feasibility of convict-operated lime Quarry sug
gested. State Supreme Court Is overburdened. Limitation of appeals
recommended.
Military training in State University and high schools recommended
not compulsory, but with credits given on school work.
Absentee voters' law for soldiers recommeneded.
Rural credits amendment requires legislation to make it operative.
Provision for arbitration of industrial disputes.
Passage of sane sterilization act to check Increase of the mentally
unfit-
Establishment of child welfare department at State University.
Creation of office of fire marshal recommended as good economics.
Increase of anglers' license fee from $1 to $1.50 advised, additional
funds to go to propagation of trout for restocking streams. New fish
ladder at Oregon City advised.
State Fair needs coliseum.
Workable irrigation law needed. ,
Fruitful field for public economies lies in local administration.
Waste in printing of state reports should be eliminated.
Recognition of services of Oregon pioneers recommended at as early
date as state's finances will permit.
10.315
Less present outstanding; liabilities...
f 43.3oa
Original appropriation SU.D42
ll5,000
331,000
30.000
15.000
12.000
co.ono
0,000
5,0110
3 5,000
10,000
15,000
31,0l0
7.000
3 5.0IM)
5,000
30,000
20.0UO
10.000
Combined appropriation.
While the details of the retrench
ment programme above set forth may
be largely modified and revised, and
other fields for economy doubtless dis
covered. I believe the general schedule
will be found meritorious.
The total amount eliminated is $461.
000. To reinforce this saving I further
propoee legislation which will increase
the state's revenue some $260,000, mak
ing a total of expenditure eliminated
and' new funds created during the bi
nnium of $721,000.
Proposed Reductions Explained. ,
Following is a brief statement, or
explanation, of the various items cov
ered in the proposed budget reduc
tions:
The $120,000 suggested for the Stat
Fair Board, should be sufficient to pro
vide for the framework of a coliseum
whose interior could be equipped tern
porarily. and also for premiums and
other necessary expenses.
While no departments of state ad
ministration are more fundamentally
Important, and none have been more
creditably conducted than our educa
tional institutions, I feel that under
existing circumstances the appropria
tions asked by the university and col
leere are more than can properly be
allowed at this time. I therefore sug
gest an equal appropriation of $100,000
to each of these two institutions,
thereby eliminating from the budget as
now prepared, the sum of $131,000.
The bounties on wild animals might
well be reduced about 25 per cent,
which would accomplish the desired
saving of $25,000.
The work of the Child Labor and In
dustrial Welfare Commissions, which is
more or less purely legislative, may
well be handled by the Industrial Ac
cident Commission's organization with
out additional cost, thereby eliminating
the present appropriations of the two
commissions named. An advisory coun
cil representing the social features
should co-operate with the commission.
Health Board's Unties Increased.
The State Board of Health can con
duct the work of the Social Hygiene
fcioclety with greatly reduced overhead
cost and without lessening efficiency,
Here also the interests of the social
hygiene work should be represented by
a. committee co-operating with the
board to the end that the meritorious
activities of the former" may In nowiee
be neglected.
I believe the appropriation for the
Dairy and Food Commissioner can be
reduced without curtailing the effi
ciency of his department. In this con
nection I suggest that the Commission,
er's work be more exclusively devoted
to the dairying interests under his Ju
risdiction, and that an arrangement be
made whereby the subject of food in
spection shall be transferred to the
State Board of Health.
It Is believed that the cut suggested
can be made without impairing the ac
tivities of the Livestock Sanitary
Board.
While the forestry department is
rendering important service, I believe
its administration costs can be re
duced, and that if anything, they should
be met more by the timber owners, who
are the chief beneficiaries, and less by
the tax-paying public.
The banking department Is now prac
tically self-supporting and the appro
priation asked for can be eliminated.
A cut in the expenditures of the de
partment of mines and geology. Is, I
believe. Justified.
In view of the fact that the state
is not conducting any t constructive
work, as irrigation and water power
development la comparatively inactive,
and as water right adjudications are
largely completed. It appears that the
State Engineer's office and Water
Board are costing considerably more
than they should.
The reductions suggested for the
Public Service Commission can be ef
fected, I believe, through the applica
tion of close economy without Impair
ing efficiency.
Tax Commission Cost Reduced.
I suggest amendment of the tax com
mission law so that there will be but
one salaried commissioner working un
der the general jurisdiction of the
State Tax Commission. The annual cost
of this department need not be more
than $7500, allowing the commissioner
$3000, a secretary $1S00. clerical assist
ance $1200, traveling expenses $800, and
700 for extra expenses. This would
effect a saving of $15,000 In the bien-
nium.
The proposed reduction in the esti
mated expense of the department of
weights and measures is predicated upon
enactment of legislation, making thi
department in some degree self-sus
taining. It is suggested that peddlers
and traveling agents, exclusive of those
who are selling the products of their
farms, gardens and orchards, be 11
censed under the supervision of the
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
The Penitentiary budget is based
upon an estimated average population
of 500. It is now apparent, because o:
the considerable decrease in commit
ments following . the passage of the
prohibition law, that the population
will not average over 450, so that the
suggested saving can readily be ef
fected.
The cut in the State Hospital main
tenance budget is based upon an ex
pected decrease in commitments during
the biennlum, and the fact that the
present efficient administration of the
nstitution has been able to refund to
tne treasury a large amount appro
priated for maintenance, unexpended
during the last biennium.
Lastly, I have ventured to suggest a
decrease in expenditures of this Legis
lature, it should not be difficult to ac
compnsn this, and certainly economy
may wen Degin at home
Added Revenue Suggested
In my opinion there are two feasible
sources for new state revenue The in
heritance tax may well be readjusted
so that direct descendants would pay
1 per cent on amounts over the $5000
exemption, and up to $20,000. and .2 per
cent upon funds above that amount
collateral heirs, 2 per cent on all
amounts from $2000 to $20,000, and
above that, 4 per cent; all other bene
flciarles should be required to pay
per cent of whatever money they re
ceive
In the state insurance department it
is suggested that the tax of 2 per cen
on the net premium of insurance com
panies do cnanged to 2 per cent on
gross premiums
It is calculated that the suggested
changes under these two heads will
bring to the state an additional revenu
of $130,000 annually.
state roaa worn embraces some o
the most important problems confront
ing us. The policy of trunk highway
construction already under way shou
not be abandoned. Especially, sufl'l
cient funds must be forthcoming
that the state can meet the require
ments of the Shackelford bill and thu
secure this Federal financial aid
which, during the next fivefyears, will
amount to $1,819,280.
Having ascertained that many auto.
mobiles escape the property tax, it was
thought that this tax might be com
bined with the license. However, such
a procedure might be unconstitutional.
so I propose a moderate increase in
automobile licenses and that the total
revenue obtained therefrom be devoted
to state road work. It is estimated
that an average of at least $250,000 a
year would be available during the next
five years, making a total amount
available for roads after 1917 of ap
proximately $500,000 a year.
It is further recommended that a
commission of three unsalaried mem
bers be placed in charge of the State
Highway Department. The members
of the present Highway Commission
agree, I believe, that their other duties
are too multitudinous to permit giving
proper attention to this important sub
Ject.
The commissioners should be ap
pointed by the Governor, and one might
well be selected from each of the Con
gressional districts. This commission
hould be empowered to employ a high
way engineer, with the exclusive duty
f supervising state road work.
Bone-Dry" Legislation Essential.
The people of Oregon have decisively
approved tne so-called Uone-Drv pro
hlbition measure and this Legislature
is in duty bound to make absolutely
ffective the provisions and evident in
tentions of that measure. That it will
fulfill Its obligations to the letter,
am confident.
So far as the Governor's office Is con
cerned, it may be stated that during the
past biennium I have actively co-operated
with local officers toward the
adequate enforcement of the prohibi
ion law, and have found the officers
of the various counties and cities de
serve high praise for the sincere spirit
and marked efficiency with which they
have administered the act.
There has been returned to the Treas
ury by my office approximately $3000
of the $7000 appropriated by the . las
Legislature to aid in the enforcemen
of the prohibition and other laws. To
permit continuance of the policy
executive aid in law administration and
especially as regards the new and more
strict prohibition measure, I am ask
ing for an appropriation similar to that
furnished by the last Legislature, but
of $5000 Instead of $7000.
Penitentiary Needs Improvement
The outstanding needs of the pent
tentiary are better housing; facllttie
and employment for prisoners. Th
present buildings and equipment are
antiquated and Inadequate. It is not
advisable to provide for a new peni
tentiary building Just now, but a small
appropriation might well be made
which will enable the warden durin
the next two years to commence the
erection of such a building. The peni
tentiary makes its own brick and has
an adequate labor supply. Much of the
rough construction work could be ac
complished with prison labor at a min
imum cost, creating something of value
to the state and at the same time pro
viding needed occupation to its wards.
Our laws forbid tne sale of prison-
made articles in competition with those
manufactured by free labor. The in
ception of the flax Industry two years
ago was largely with a view to alle
viating the condition of non-employ
ment, resulting from these laws. it
has done much toward this end. as an
average of 153 men have been given
some employment each month, while
the average -number employed each
working day Is 72. In all there has
been paid to prisoners for flax work
$8356.
Status of Flax I Experiment.
Below is a brief statement showing
the financial status of the state's flax
experiment:
Appropriation utilized for flax
Permanent plant $33,713
Labor, straw, etc 0.229
Total $30,942
Value products on hand. 1?16 crop
rlfl Rtra-ff. S82 tons:
in nor cent fiber. S'J tone. 2!Sc uound .41 .000
tuioo bushels seed. $2.40 bushel 14.400
Tow, 5 per cent value of fiber 2,050
am'l 'Rosenblatt & Co-'s
7 Great Specials for Men
Total $57,450
3915 crop
75e busheta of seed, $2.40 bushel..
40,000 pounds tow at 5c pound....
. 1.814
. 2.000
Total $61,264
Less estimated cost of handling; prior
In thi-ir sale
Labor (Drt. 16 to July 37. Inclusive) . llS.'.tnO
Ten retting; tanks 1.600
Miscellaneous ............... 2,15
Apparent profit $ S.724
First l'Mi-l Laii ot Unexpected.
Tho loss sustained during the first
year or the flax project waa neither mi
expected nor extraordinary, as the en
tire enterprise was experimental and
exceptionally unfavorable conditions
were encountered. However, as Indi
cated by the above figures, the 1816
crop will show a profit, to date, and
the products of the coming season
should do even better.
While the financial outcome Is I
proof of the soundness of the move
ment, yet the two big outstanding
points for congratulation are that many
of the prisoners have been provided
with work and that we have blazed a
trail for the development of a new Ore
gon Industry. Flax will not only prove
a boon to the state from an agrlcul
tural viewpoint, but the manufacturing
inevitably accompanying its increased
production will be of far-reaching eco
nomic importance.
Another possible utilization of prison
labor worthy of your serious consid
eration is presented in the production
or inexpensive agricultural lime a
field of exploitation rich In possible
benefits to Oregon farmers. The feasi
bility of a state lime quarry operated
by prison labor merits investigation.
Supreme Court Overburdened.
The Supreme Court is constantly bur
dened with minor cases from which. It
seems to tn it should be relieved. Ex
isting conditions encourage litigation
over matters comparatively trivial and
result in an unnecessary expense to the
state, whiln lmnalrlns- th ff!olTicv nf
tne court through overburdening the
time and attention of its members. I
ecommend legislation to the end that
no appeal may be taken to the Supreme
Lourt unless it appears in the Judgment
appealed from that the amount of
money thereby required to be paid, ex
clusive of Interest thereon, costs or
disbursements, exceed $500. or unless
it appears from the Judgment roll that
there Is directly drawn in question in
the action, suit or proceeding1 the title
to real property, the personal liberty or
marital relation of a party to the litiga
tion, the constitutionality of an act of
the Legislative Assembly of the validity
of municipal charter or ordinance or
of the ruling of some board or com
mission established by law.
The establishment of facilities for
military training in our State Unlver
sity and in Oregon high schools is rec
ommended. This peed not be compul
sory, but it should be available for Ore
gon boys, and participation In it should
count In their school credits. I believe
such training is Invaluable for physical
development and the upbuilding of dis
clpllned character. It would also af
ford an opportunity for the application
of practical patriotism; those who take
the training would do much to make
themselves of value to their country in
time of military need.
Absent Soldiers Shonld Vote.
I suggest legislation similar to that
existing in several Eastern states,
which would permit Oregon soldiers on
duty outside of the state the privilege
of voting in state and National elec
tions. Over 300 of our citizens were
deprived of their franchise last Novem
ber because they were detained in
Southern California serving their coun
try.
On behalf of the citizens of the state,
hereby express my own and Oregon's
deep satisfaction at the splendid way
in which our citizen soldiers answered
the call to duty last June, when they
went with the colors to the Mexican
border. Their patriotic spirit and will
ingness to make sacrifice In a time of
seeming emergency deserve recognition
and praise.
The passage of the rural credit
amendment necessitates the enactment
of legislation to put its provisions into
operation. As this Is vitally important
to the entire state, and particularly to
agricultural development, especial care
should be exercised In devising wa o
and means for the most efficient appli
cation of the manifold benefits of the
reform.
Hitherto the state has carried its own
fire insurance. If a building should be
destroyed. It was possible for the
Emergency Board simply to appropriate
sufficient funds to replace it. Now,
however, under the tax limitation
amendment, it Is questionable If such
aji appropriation could be made, and it
Is suggested, therefore, mat mis legis
lature Investigate carefully the ques
tion as to whether or not regular fire
insurance should be carried upon state
nronertv. and if it should be, whence
the, funds to pay ( premiums will be
forthcoming. '
Labor Commissioner's Work Duplicated.
The State Labor Commissioner is
now largely duplicating the work of
the Industrial Accident Commission.
The factory Inspection activities of the
former might well be handled by the
auditors of the Accident Commission
who cover Identically the same ground
with practically the same end in view,
while the Accident Commission is also
concerned with the. same statistical
data as the Labor Commissioner.
I suggest, therefore, that at the ex
piration of the term of the present
Commissioner the office of Labor Com
missioner be abolished and Its duties
be transferred to the Industrial Acci
dent Commission. As labor Is directly
represented on the Commission, the
principles of whose operation are based
upon co-operation with the employe.
there would be no lessening of protec
tlon for its interests, which most cer
tainly merit and must have adequate
recognition
The change would save a consider
able amount In office expense and
would make available for other pur
poses the $25,000 now collected in fees
and used to meet the costs of inspec
tion, and it is suggested that the trans
fer of the Inspection work be made at
once.
With further reference to the gen
eral subject of labor. It seems to me
eminently desirable from the stand
point of all concerned that steps be
taken to the end that industrial ais
putes may be settled so far as pos
sible through arbitration. If a com
mission vested with olficlal authority
could be created, which would com
mand the reasonably united confidence
of labor and employers, it might well
devise ways and means which would
go far toward alleviating the losses
Inherent to Industrial disputes in
which the principle of conciliation is
ignored.
Reproduction of Unfit Is Wrong.
The prevalence and increase of fee-ble-mindedness
and mental disease is
one of the greatest problems confront
ing modern society. It is estimated,
for instance, that probably 2 per cent
of Oregon children are mentally defi
cient. There are hundreds of adults, of
course, who are mentally Incompetent
and. whose unrestricted propagation
simply means the creation of more
human wrecks. I am more and more
convinced that the reproduction of the
mentally unfit is absolutely wrong.
Through our shortsighted Inaction we
a ro nooulating our state with Imbe
ciles and criminals, insuring
1QHVfrs.Kaas,a .
ARROW
SOFT-CUFF SHIRTS
For quick selling, all our beau
tiful patterns in fine madras,
silk mixed and silk, all sizes.
$2.50 and $3.00 Shirts. .$1.95
.$3.50. and $4.00 Shirts. .$2.85
$5.00 Silk Shirts $3.85
$6 and $6.50 Silk Shirts $4.45
See the new
Multnomah Hat,
Unequaled at
HATCH ONE-BUTTON UNION SUITS
Greatly reduced for quick selling. All .Winter
weights, "first quality."
$1.50 Fleeced Union Suits. $1.25
$2.00 Balbriggan Union Suits $1.65
$2.50 Wool-Mixed Union Suits. ...... .$2.00
$3.50 Wool Union .Suits $2.75
COOPER'S 2-PIECE UNDERWEAR
At Special Prices
Cooper's wool -mixed shirts and drawers,
all first quality. Regular $1.25, special, per
garment $1.00
CHALMERS' SHIRTS AND DRAWERS
Fleece lined, "first quality" only, regular 75c
per garment, special 65 garment, or per
suit $1.25
$3.00 Cooper's Silk Lisle, Pure White Union
Suits, 'first quality,", special at- - $2.35
$1.50 Cooper's and Chalmers Fleeced Union
Suits, ecru and white, special at .$1.15
The Home of Hart Schaf fner & Marx Clothes
Southeast Cor. Fifth and Alder
Net value of products on hand. .. .$41,639
To which should be added original
v.lnA nf Tiljint. less 10 ner cent da
preciation 12.842
S68.KS1
ever-in
creasing public expense and opening
the way for disease, sorrow and trag
edy for generations yet unborn.
To mend this situation, I earnestly
urge the passage of a sane steriliza
tion act. Its application, should be
I
zealously safeguarded. The feeble
minded, the Incurably Insane and the
criminally Insane should be operated
upon. Kach case, it seems to me.
should be considered by a commission,
or Jury, composed of members of the
State Board of Health, the superin
tendents of the two State Hospitals
and the superintendent of the Feeble
Minded Institution.
It is especially desirable that the
needs of our Indigent crlfcpled children
be given consideration. Perhaps they
best can be cared for through county
institutions. In connection with this
Increasingly Important subject I refer
you to the first report of the Oregon
Child Welfare Commission, and I rec
ommend that there be established at
the State University a child welfare
department In connection with Its ex
tension activities, so that the impor
tant work conducted under this head
may hereafter have official recognition.
It is also suggested that the State
Board of Health operate a child hy
giene division, devoted to the study
and improvement of conditions sur
rounding the children of the state.
Fire Marxhal 'Worth Ills Cost.
As 23 separate bills relative to in
surance were presented in 1915, the
last Legislature wisely decided to place
the codification of insurance laws and
the enactment of new measures before
the mature consideration of an Insur
ance Code Commission. This commls
slon. after exhaustive study, has made
Its report. The subject,- covered are of
vital ImDortance to every citizen of
the state, and I recommend tho com
mission's recommendations for adop
tion.
To combat the Increasing state-wide
ORS by fire, a lire marsnai dim nita
been prepared. Twenty-six states al
ready have fire marshals, and it is
found that the department more than
pays its way In reducing the cost of
nsurance and in direct elimination oi
fire waste. Because It Is good eco
nomics, and is recommended by those
who have given the subject thorough
consideration, the passage of a fire
marshal law for Oregon is urged.
The Insurance Department, as does
also the Corporation Department, mer
its commendation for Its buslnessiiKe
and economical administration during
the last two years.
I desire to commend highly the ad
ministration of the State Industrial
Accident Commission. There will be
presented to you some minor revisions
In the laws governing it which merit
your approval.
r'lnh and Game Board KfTlclcnt.
Tli. workings of the Fish and Game
Commission, under the provisions or
the birl passed by the last Legislature,
have been most gratifying, and, I be
lieve, given satisfaction. Certainly the
public-spirited attention to meir ou
ties shown ty the Commissioners de
Krves commendation.
The Commission ltseir is suDmimns
rpnnrt and recommendations to you
Without going into details coverea
elsewhere, it seems desirable to men
tion here two important joints wnicn
ahnniH h covered by legislation:
A new fish ladder Is vitany neeaea
at Oregon City, ana a moaerate appro
priation to meet this requirement, woum
ho a wise investment.
It Is believed that the angler's
license fee. which is now 1. should he
carl n tl.50. There has been a
,.... . in licenses nald during the
tocf vMrs. and. on the other hand.
thoro la a ranldlv increasing need for
i-ostnr-kinsr of our fishing streams upon
nnn scale. It is my expecta
tion that the Increased revenue from
this source would be devoted almost
..Mnciv.lv to the propagation of trout
for the uDbulldlng of our angling
resources.
State Fair Needs Coliseum.
The State Fair is recognized not only
as a large event In Oregon life, but
un one of real Importance from
education and state-wide development
standpoints. The big need of the Fair
B o niii.nni where stock shows ana
nhr mthnrlnes can be held in the
nirht or during Inclement weather.
Such a building would. I am sure, pay
for Itself in a few years oy attracims
iTt-anaari attendance. The exterior
structure might at least be undertak
An nnur nnd the Interior left more o
loo imfinixhed at the outset, as I have
suggested In connection with the bud
To further irrigation development the
enactment of an.adequate and workable
Irrigation district law is cuuucuu; u
imhlit. The Interests of the section
affected will be best served.1 believe,
through the conduct of Irrigation en
terprises by the settlers themselves, so
far as possible.
Th trrowlnsr desire to keep down
taxes is to be commended, especially
because It surely indicates an Increased
public interest In community affairs.
The very best way to get efficiency In
nubile administration, wnetner it o
district, municipal, county or state. Is
for the citizens affected to take an
active hand in what is going on,
Local Economies Essential.
I welcome, therefore, these campaign
for lower taxes and improved public
administration; the latter, in Its best
sense, carries with It the former. But
so far as the state Is concerned we
should realize that only about one dol
lar out of every ten paid in taxes in an
average county goes to state expenses.
while the other nine are devoted to the
costs of the county, school, district and
city. This is no apology for state ex
travagance. Such as exists should be
eradicated. But It does mean that by
far the largest and most fruitful field
for economies lies nearer home. No
doubt this Legislature will devote se
rious attention to economical reforms
In some of the laws affecting expendi
ture of this nine-tenths of our taxes.
In smaller fields of possible economy
It seems well to mention the rather
abundant output of reports, which are
published from time to time by the va
rious departments. Occasionally there
Is useless duplication in the subject
matter covered. Often editions are
larger than warranted, and the value of
the report itself, as well as the size of
the printer's bill, would benefit If the
subject matter was reduced. It Is also
occasionally true that officials take
advantage of their printing appropria
tion for the Issuance of matter de
signed primarily for political purposes.
I suggest that means be devised where
by all publications handled by the
State Printer be supervised by the
State Printing Board, to the end, at
least, that duplications and waste be
eliminated.
Another economy of comparatively
minor importance relates to the state
purchases of postage stamps. Any
large corporation perforates all the
stamps used by Its employes. This
makes extremely difficult. If not Impos
sible, the use of state-owned stamps
for personal purposes. It is a business
like reform, which should be Instituted.
I'lonrrm Drierre Recognition.
Among items of deserving legislation
which perhaps cannot receive action
ow because of financial restrictions,
ut which merit future realization, I
commend to your attention the follow
ing:
The pioneers who founded Oregon de
serve recognition. A practical and use
ful monument to their accomplishments
would be the erection of a state his
torical building to accommodate the
aluable records and souvenirs of the
tate's early days, which now are poor
ly housed and In danger of loss by fire.
At Champoeg on May 2. 1843, was
held a gathering of unique significance
in the Western history of the United
States, marking the official birth of
Oregon. The anniversary of this occa
sion Is celebrated each year. It seems
eminently fitting that the state should
recognize the significance of these an
nual meetings and the event they com
memorate by giving financial aid to
he erection of a modest building at
Champoeg.
With these suggestions for the pres
ent and future. I close this message,
which marks the completion of half of
my official journey as Governor of Ore
gon. During the two years of my ad
ministration I have given the best I
have to the service of the citizens who
honored me with this office, and during
the coming biennium. If Providence
permits, I pledge them a continuance
of earnest effort for sane, constructive
administration. And I assure you. gen
tlemen of the Twenty-niiflh Legisla
ture, that you will find me ever ready
to co-operate with you for the better
ment of our beloved commonwealth.
Y. M. C. A. CAMPAIGN IS ON
Short Lino Gives $11,000 for l'oca
tcllo Plant.
I. B. Rhodes, state T. SI. C. A secre
tary for Oregon and Idaho, has gone
to Pocatello to assist in an Jll.OOn
campaign for Improvements for the
railroad Y. M. C. A. The Oregon Short
Line has announced the gift of $ 11,000
to the building fund and the people
of the city are expected to match that
amount.
Pocatello now has one of the largest
railroad associations In the country. It
Is a division point on the Short Line
and its membership Is composed large
ly of the employes of that company.
The growth of the association has been
so rapid that an addition to the build
ing and some more equipment aro
needed.
Xewlands Committee Continued.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9. Tne Senate
Joint resolution, continuing the New-
lands-Adamson railroad investigating
committee until December 3 next, was
adopted by the House today by a vote
of 198 to 61. The resolution now goes
to the President for signature.
WINTER AND SPRING TONIC
Winter is a hard season for thope who
have no stored up reserve of strength.
The coming of trying spring weather
means sickness for many because de
bility robs the system of its power to
protect itself.
One person may suffer exposure to
cold and wet without any ill effects
while another whose blood is thin and
whose nerves are run-down will be con
fined to bed after sitting in a draught.
Keeping the blood built up is the
secret of Keening well in winter and
spring. Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for
Pale People are the best and most con
venient tonic for the blood. Put up
with complete directions for use they
are a family remedy that can be de
pended upon in conditions of thin
blood, debility and many common
forms of weakness.
The blood goes to practically every
part of the body and if it is rich and
red it carries health and strength to
every organ. The digestion is toned
up, the nerves are strengthened and
aching mufcle9 are made strong. Dr.
"Williams' Pink Pills are especially use
ful to run-down women who worry
about their daily tasks and duties.
A few weeks' treatment has in hun
dreds of such cases brought the moet
emarkable improvement.
4 J a
Blot Out the Past Start
the New Year Right
The past cannot be recalled and redeemed. Blot it out,
except that portion which has taught you the folly of ex
travagance, and in its place put the bank book and the
satisfaction of the feeling of security that it will give you.
We'll be glad to help you make the start, and glad to
help you after the start is made. It is but a step from
savings to securities, and our depositors are willingly given
the benefit of our knowledge of securities when their sav
ings become large enough to make the change to that form
of investment.
First National Bank
. PORTLAND, OREGON