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PUBLIC PRINTING.

I call your attention to the lavish waste of the public money in the printing of useless and unnecessary public documents. The law, in many instances, provides for the publishing of reports and documents far beyond any demand or necessity, and, as a result, the store. rooms of the capitol building are rapidly filling up with this matter that is worse than useless. I am sure a careful inspection of this accumulated material will convince any legislator of the necessity of reform along this line.

THE FISH AND GAME INTERESTS.

I recommend that the fish and game interests of the state be put under one control, and that laws be made more stringent for the preservation of both game and fish, and that the power of the warden and his deputies be enlarged, so that they can more effectually enforce the law.

I also believe that a fish hatchery should be established, with the view of propagating such fish as are adapted to the streams of Kansas. Other states have made this a profitable industry where conditions are no more favorable than they are in Kansas.

STATE ARCHITECT.

I would recommend the enactment of a law authorizing the appointment of a state architect. The legislature of 1901 appropriated $730,250 for new buildings, to say nothing about the repairs that are included in the appropriations for maintenance and repairs at the different institutions. The average paid architects by the various boards is 2 per cent. of the contract price. Some are less, but others include the expenses of the architect. On $730,250, 2 per cent. would be $17,206 paid out during the past two years.

I feel that a state architect who has supervision over the buildings of the state will not only result in a saving to the state but will induce a uniformity in the buildings, a condition much desired.

ELECTION LAW.

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I recommend that the election law passed by the last Legislature be so amended that no square shall be placed upon the official ballot opposite "No Nomination." The law should as far as possible make it easy for the voter to register his wish at the polls. I believe, with this one amendment, the law will be very satisfactory.

FREE EMPLOYMENT BUREAU.

The free employment bureau has been in operation for a period of nineteen months. The report of the director shows that during the existence of the bureau there have been applications for work and help, 6687; furnished, 4937. The workings of the bureau have not been as satisfactory as the Legislature anticipated. The law provides that the city clerks of cities of the first and second class shall open and maintain free employment agencies to work in con

junction with the bureau. There is no compensation provided for this work and there is no penalty for neglecting to comply with the law, and, as a result, but few cities have maintained free employment agencies, as contemplated. I believe the law should be so amended that the free employment agencies must be maintained permanently, as contemplated in the present law.

CONGRESSIONAL REAPPORTIONMENT.

Kansas has eight members in the National Congress and the state is divided into seven congressional districts, necessitating the election of one member at large. I recommend the redistricting of the state and the formation of eight congressional districts, as is contemplated by law. The congressman-at-large, while he has the same rights upon the floor and in the committee room as the member who has a district, is practically denied other prerogatives of a member. Each congressional district is entitled to certain recognition, certain patronage. Kansas practically loses one-eighth of what she is entitled to under the present apportionment. The fact that a district has 60,000 or 70,000 more population than it is entitled to does not entitle the people of the district to any more recognition than they would have if they had the number contemplated by law. I earnestly hope that this legislature will reapportion the state and follow the example set by other states.

OIL INSPECTION.

The report of the state oil inspector shows a net profit to the state from this department of $14,000. His recommendation that the present law be so amended that the consumer can be protected against poor grades of oil, as well as the dangers of explosion, seems to me to be just, and I recommend this matter to your consideration.

STATE HOUSE.

The last appropriation made for the completion of the state-house was sufficient for the purpose, and it is gratifying to know that we have a capitol building which is a source of just pride and for which no further expenditure is now needed, save for its proper maintenance.

STATE ACCOUNTANT.

I believe that a competent state accountant can render valuable service to the state in systematizing the vast business of the state. I recommend an appropriation to maintain this office, as contemplated by the law of 1895.

REVISION OF INSURANCE LAWS.

The insurance laws of the state should be revised and corrected While the laws have been added to from time to time, there has been an absence of positive corrections and repealing acts, and we are left in doubt as to the implied repealing force. As a result, the insurance department is in possession of a compilation of laws in which there are contradictions and inconsistencies. This is unfortunate,

both to the insurance companies and the people, and it is certainly annoying to the superintendent, who, under the law, is charged with "the execution of all laws now in force, or which shall hereafter be passed, in relation to insurance and insurance companies doing business in the state."

ESTIMATES.

The law provides that the state auditor shall embody in his official report estimates of the expenditures to be made during the next two official years. In compliance with this law, the auditor has compiled these estimates, and they will be submitted to you for your guidance and information.

CONCLUSION.

To be called upon to legislate for a great state like Kansas is a responsibility that I know you fully realize, and that you will bring to your work your best thought and effort. The natural pride every citizen has in his state suggests at once that the institutions of the state should be maintained upon a plane commensurate with the dignity and growth of the state. This is commendable; but there is another interest that should be sacred to every one charged with responsibility, and that is the duty we owe to the burden-bearers, the people who pay the taxes. The people will justify a generous support of all the great interests of our state, but they will condemn any profligate waste of the public money.

Hoping your associations may be pleasant and your work harmonious, I pledge you my hearty cooperation in carrying out your wishes and in giving Kansas the best administration possible.

W. J. BAILEY.

On motion of Senator Noftzger, the Senate adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow morning.

SECOND DAY.

MORNING, SESSION.

SENATE CHAMBER, TOPEKA, KAN.,

January 14, 1903.

The Senate met pursuant to adjournment; the president in the chair.

The roll was called.

Present: Senators Allen, Branine, Buschow, Caldwell, Carpenter, Chaney, Codding, Conrad, Crum, Cubbison, Findlay, Fitzpatrick, Fulton, Gabriel, Henley, Householder, Hurrel, Kennedy, King, Leidy, McKnight, McMillan, Miller, Morehouse. Morrow, Noftzger, Pestana, Peterson, Porter, Simons, Smith, Sponable, Stewart, Tapp, Vincent, Ward, White, Wright, and Wulfekuhler.

Absent: Senator Fullington.

The invocation was offered by the chaplain, Rev. L. B. Parker.

The chair announced the following committees of Senate, which was read, as follows:

Committee on Rules: Senators Morrow, Carpenter, Pestana, Allen, and Householder.

Committee on Governor's Message: Senators Noftzger, Miller, and Wright.

Committee on Employees: Senators Leidy, Henley, and Hurrel.

Senator Smith introduced Senate resolution No. 18, which was read, as follows:

Resolved, That the sergeant-at-arms is ordered to place in the Senate an Independent telephone and cabinet for the use of the Senate.

The resolution was adopted.

Senator Buschow introduced Senate resolution No. 19, which was read, as follows:

Resolved, That the sergeant-at-arms be requested to prepare an

alphabetical roster of the Senate, giving their city address in full, and have 500 copies thereof printed.

Senate resolution No. 19 was amended by Senator Stewart, as follows: "That the resolution be amended so as to read 200 copies instead of 500 copies."

Amendment prevailed.

Resolution as amended was adopted.

Senator Simons introduced Senate resolution No. 20, which is as follows:

Resolved, That the entrance under the arch be kept closed during the session, and that senators and visitors enter through the north door.

Senator Wulfekuhler introduced Senate concurrent reslution No. 2, as follows:

WHEREAS, The people of Kansas are vitally interested in the construction of the Isthmian canal, and believing the success of that enterprise will depend largely upon the ability of the commission provided for in the act of Congress providing for the construction of said canal: therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, the House concurring therein, That having the most implicit confidence in the ability and integrity of our present United States senator, Hon. W. A. Harris, and also knowing that the life-work of Mr. Harris has been such as to peculiarly qualify him for a place on the Isthmian Canal Commission, we earnestly commend him to President Roosevelt, and respectfully request him to appoint Mr. Harris as one of the said canal commissioners.

Resolved, That the secretary of state be directed to forward to the president of the United States a certified copy of these resolutions.

The resolution laid over, under the rules.

On motion of Senator Noftzger, the Senate adjourned until ten o'clock to-morrow morning.

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