TEXT OF TEH'S
FINAL IESSIEE
Retiring Governor Re
views Affairs of the
State for Last Two
Years
ASKS REPEAL
OF MANY LAWS!
Congratulates the Commonwealth Upon
the Work Done by the Various De
partments, and Suggests Revisions
Bather Than Moro Laws
The full text of Governor Toner'®
final message submitted this afternoon
to tin* House and the Senate is as fol
lows :
"The government fs a trust and the officers
af the governrrtnt are trustees, and both the
trust ana the trust js are created for the ben
efit of the people.'' The duty of a Governor,
therefore, upon his retirement from office,
should be to furnish the General Assembly
and the people r, ihe Commonwealth with a
statement of his trusteeship, and he might,
with propriety, refrain from making many
recommendation aa to measures for legislative
consideration, aa they may well be left to his
successor.
FINANCES OP THE COMMONWEALTH
General Fend.
Cash balance In the State Treas
ury. November 30. 1914 $7,427,208
Less amount cred
ited to the Sink-
In* Fund $*11,733 40
less amount cred
ited to the im
manent State
School Fund 50,804 77
Less amount cred
ited to the Motor
Fund i.9?3 00
Amount In General Fund,
November 80. 1914 $6,575,697 41
Estimated gross re
ceipts for the fis
cal year ending
November 30 ,
. 101 5 SS»,BSO,Sf>I 45
I* ess collections
which merely
pass through the
treasury, and are
Hot subject to
appro priation :
estimate*! in the
at 1,83?,675 35
Fsti-nat?d gross re
ceipts for the fis
year end g
November 3 0 ,
'916 - - 530.5%49.004 V
Less collections
which merely
prss through the
treasury, and are
not sub.'set to
appro priation :
estimated in the
aggregate at 1,832,670 35
529,017,229 17
Estimated receipts for the period
from November 30, 1916, to
May 31, 1917. 12,106,660 97
Total amount available and
to become available. June 1.
# - $76«217,773 65
Lees payment for obligations and
current expense tj June 1,
1917, a* indicated by the un
expended balances of existing
appropriations 26,468,132 16
Net amount available ami to be
come Available for appropria
tions lor the two fiscal years
beginning June 1, 1915, and
Ending May 31, 1917, 148,779,641 49
Sinking Fund, November 30, 1914. '
Sinking Fund assets-cash $811,733 40 1
Total public debt 651.110 02
Net surplus in Sinking Fund— $160,623 38
In estimating the probable revenues of the
< commonwealth. the ta.\ on anthracite coal
Imposed under the provisions of the Act of
the General Assembly of June 27, 1913, has
not been included, for the reason that prac
tical.y all anthracite ~oal mining companies
have appealed from the settlements made
gainst them and have indicated iheir inten
tions of carrying such apper.ls to the Supreme
' ourt of the United States. In case of a de
c'sion favorable to the Commonwealth, the
*-sult villi probably !>e that revenue from this
► »urce will not be received until after the
IK.riod for v.hioh tt.e above estimate is made.
A PPROPHIATIONS
Ur.der the la'.v the State •Board of Public !
i herities has free access to the grounds, Utiild- !
■ngs and all books and papers relating to char- !
It able, reformatory, and correctional institu- j
tions: and all such institutions that may de- I
sire to receive State aid musi give notice to j
the Board, on or before the first day of No- i
vember in each year, of the amount of any
application for aid they may propose to make j
to the legislature, and of the several pur
poses to which such aid, if granted, is to be |
applied ; and in its report to the General As
•e:nb'» the conclusions and recommendations
of the Board thereon are given. In acting
upon appropriations to these institutions I
have found these conclusions and recommenda- |
tions to be carefully prepared and worthy of
e*. cry consideration. The Legislature, there
fore, in making appropriations to thene insti- ,
tutions should endeavor to limit them to the
recon.mended by this Board.
The chief problem in the lives of individuals,
families, and business enterprises is the ad
justment of expenditures to the receipts, the
outgo to the inrome. In the management of
the State's fiscal affairs there should be estab-
I lined btisiness-lik' principles. It in wrong for
each session of ihe General Assembly to make
impropriations far iu excess of the revenue,
imposing upon the Governor the responsibility
of reducing the amounts to reasonable limits.
There is no e.cuhe for such a practice, espe
cially when one considers that the executive
end fiscal officers furnish, at the beginning of
each session of the legislature, a statement as
to what revenue will be available for appro
priation purposes.
I. therefore, urge the General Assembly to
discontinue this method of appropriation, and
thereby lighten in no little measure the duties
of the executive.
INVENTORY OF RKVL AND PERSONAL
. PROPKRTY
In order that an imentory might be made
of the tangible assets of Commonwealth,
I appointed an inventory commission to pre
pare an inventory of all the tangible assets of
the Commonwealth, as of May Ml, 1914. This
work has been performed with diligence and
ability, with the result that for the first time
the Commonwealth is in position to determine
the value of these assets. The totals in this
inventory aggregate $62,713,876.35, divided as
follows: Real Estate, $49, 356,392.81 • Personal
Property, $5,625,766.35; General Fund and
Sinking Fund in the State Treasury, $7 761 -
717.15.
This inventory has been prepared in detail
and hss been tie posited in the office of the
Kxecutive Controller, and should prove of
much value for comparative purt>oseß in all
future inventories.
HEALTH
The Department of Health has rendered in
valuable services to the people of the Com
monwealth in fact, it enjoyn an enviable in
ternational reputation. The work performed
at Austin, after that municipality was v.a#hed
away, and at Gettysburg in looking after the
sanitary and hospital conditions at the time
of the Reunion of the Blues and the Gmva
Is especislly worthy of notice. y#f
In its tuberculosis work the department
makes its biologic*! products after its own
formula; its sanatoria building have been i
planned so at to furnish the greatest possi- I
blc amount of air and sunlight ; and from its
115 dispensaries have not only come the Da- 1
tientj. for these Sanalorin. the rapacity of
tvhieh has been trebled in the last four years
but their nurses enter the homes of our people
and help them to protect themselves against
the spread of disease. Thousands- of patient,
have been discharged from Ute Sanatoria in
parently cured, or with their disease arrested.
By establishing and maintaining .(uarantine
In rural districts; supervising and a»«i,tin K in
the suppression of epidemics at request
of local authorise,; cleaning up the premises
and purifying the water supplies, the danger
to the people from epidemics of contagious
disease has been (neatly reduced. Trained
Inspectors have policed watershed, and divert
ed many thouaands of pollutions from streams.
plants have been constructed
to e*re for municipal sewage, i'iltfatio i plan;, I
«r» .tow furnlkhiOE filtered water to more than 1
(ene-half of the population ef the State.
' The records of the Bureau of Vital Statistics
•how a decrease of almost 70 per cent in the
death rate from typhoid fever since the satab-
Hshing of the Department of Health, and a
decrease in the general death rate of nearly
14 per cent.
Under the provislema of the Board ef Health
Act of June 12, 1913, hoards of health have
been secured or reorganised in nearly every
borough and first clans township. These boaros
are constantly advised and assisted by the da
partment.
By constant nse of sane and practical meth
ods. though at very considerable expense, ow
ing to the lack of compulsory vaccination law,
epidemics of smallpox have been prevented
during a period when infection was persist
ency being carried into our State from outside
sources.
Diphtheria AnMte.di l furn'shed free to the
poor has saved more than 10,000 lives that
would have been lost if this wonderful reme
dy could not have been readily obtained.
School inspection in fourth class district*,
under the provisions ol the School Code, has
been a success. In 191 L two-thirds of the dis
tricts rejected this inspection. During the
present year it has b€ n accepted by 90 per
cent of the same dist.Lets. Follow-up work
for three years shows 75,000 cases where de
fects found by in sectors have been remedied
by the plants after votice rceived from the
Department of Health.
Through its educational features—exhibit*,
lectures and publications-the department has
given the general public a better understand
ing of health laws and the value of fresh air,
of sunlight and sanitary surroundings, and
has greatly improved housing conditions. Pri
vate and public corpo atlons have instituted
improved methods recommended by the depart
ment. industrial interests realise that
money and effort expended for keeping their
well is a >?ooo business investment.
Liberal appropriations should be continued
for this laudable work. The department's gen
eral fund should be sufficiently increased to
provide for the Bureau of Housing, ana in
creased appropriations should be made for
medical inspection of schools.
PURE FOOD
Pennsylvania's pure food laws are probably
the best in this country. They are enforced
vigorously and efficient.y. It is the duty of a
State to see to it that meaaures are enaeted
for securing and maintaining a pure and
wholesome food supply, to facilitate its distri
bution, to safeguard its quality, and to prohib
it abrolutely any and every adulteration in
foot! and, drink.
During this administration many pure food
laws have been enacted. The law fixing stand
ards of composition of milk and cream has
resulted in a msrked improvement In the qual
ity of these important foods; the law requir
ing the denaturing of spoiled eggs has pro
tected the consumer from the use in bakers'
wares of these deleterious ingredients : and the
cold storage law. which was intended to cor
rect a serious abuse, has proven beneficial.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Since the pr-.ssage of the School Code in 1911
the State Board of Education and the Bureau
of Vocational Education have been organised.
The former has special charge of the erection of
school buildings and the dissemination of ed
ucational information. It employs an architect
to criticise plans of new school buildings, to
suggest necessary changes and to harmonize
new buildings with the requirements of the
law. It is charged with the duty of acquiring
by purchase the property of the State Normal
Schools. The schools at West Chester, Edin
boro, California, and Lock Haven have thus
f ar been bought and are now entirely under
the control of the State. The Act of 1913
makes the Board responsible also for the care
and education of blind babies, and a beginning
has been made along this line of beneficence.
The Bureau of Vocational Education has
In twenty-ei 'ht counties organized and estab
lished schools with UKricultural and vocational
departments, introduced courses in domestic
science and the household arts in many of the
school districts, r.nd supervised the establish
ment of schools for the education of miners
many of whom are not conversant with the
English language. As soon as the workmen
learn to read, write and understand English
and acquire some knowledge of ventilation
and other mining problems, the number of ac
cidents is diminished.
In the growing centers of population the di
rectors have difficulty in erecting sch«*>'
buildings rapidly enough to accommodate the
school children. The system of public instruc
tion is growing in efficiency and is attaining
colossal proportions. School buildings with a
valuation of more than $100,000,000, with
39,596 teachers in active service, and with
1,401,324 pupils enrolled, constitute an organ
zjtion the magnitude of which it is difficult
for the imagination to conceive. Its influence
upon the futile of our people makes it
worthy of the most liberal support and the
moct vigilant rare and supervision.
LABOR AND INDUSTRY
The comprehensive law creating the Depart
ment of Labor and Industry enacted at the
lust session of the General Assembly, has been
enforced fearlessly and honestly. It is the
duty of this department to endeavor in every
way to establish friendly relations between
capital and labor, in order that industrial dis
turbances may be prevented. The educational
campaign for the dissemination of knowledge
concerning "safety first" methods has been
vigorously conducted, as probably GO per cent
of industrial accidents are caused through
lack of knowledge of safety appliances. Num
erous industrial conferences have been held
over the State, including two State-wide con
ferences in Harrisburg, which have already
resulted in materially reducing the number
of such accidents.
MINES
Pennsylvania is the greatest coal producing
territory in the world: producing in 1913,
264,592,628 ions. The State has enacted com
prehensive legislation for the protection of
those employed in this great industry. These
laws are rigidly enforced and violators of their
provisions are promptly punished. The bitum
inous mining code, enacted at the session of
1911, has already proved its worth in conserv
ing the health of employes and by reducing
the number of accidents in and about such
mines. The number of inspectors in the
bituminous region has been increased to 28
and in the anthracite region to 21.
In order that the greatest possible safety
may be thrown about mining operations, the
department has recommended the establish
ment of First Aid Corps and Rescue Corps at
the various mines. The primary object of •
First Aid and Rescue Work is to render quick
service in times of emergency, and the effec
tiveness of the work has frequently been
demonstrated. In the anthracite region there
are now approximately 600 First Aid teams,
comprising 3,000 men, and the number In
structed in the work up to the present time
is about 6,000. The number of Rescue Corps
is over 100, comprising more than 700 men,
and in this work about 3.000 men have re
ceived instructions. In the bituminous region
there are more than 400 First Aid teams, com
prising 2,000 men, and the number instructed
in the work at the present time is about 3,000.
The number of Rescue Corps is about 3,000,
comprising 300 men, and in this work about
TOO mer. have received instruction.
In all the mining districts encouragement is
given to the various methods of education,
such as night schools, mining institutes, and
vocational schools.
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION
In my last message to the General Assembly,
concerning the subject of a workmen's com
pensation law, referred to in the report of
the Industrial Accidents Commission, I said:
"It is important in every civilised commun
ity. but is of peculiar importance in Pennsyl
vania. because of the pre-eminent position of
our State in the industrial work of the world.
The report deserves especial attention because
of the fact that it comes from a commission
made up of men who represent diverse inter
ests, who have all given the subject thought
and study before their appointment, and who,
after many months of work, are unanimous in
their conclusions. This unanimity in men of
their character and standing si>eakß eloquently
for the sincerity of efforts and the fair
ness of their work. ■'urthermore, the con
stant publicity which e commission gave to
its work, and the frequent hearings which it
gave to all interests, show that it has been
in close touch with the general sentiment of
the people of the State.
"In the appointment of the commissioners
I did not consider, and in same cases did not
know, the political \iews of the men appoint
ed. It is my earnest hope that the matter
will be dealt with by the Legislature in the
same non-partisan spirit.
"I strongly urge the enactment of the
Workmen's Comi>cnsation Bill, and the other
r lated bills included in the report of the
commission. .and without delay,
especially the bill regulating the employment
of women and children."
I most emphatically reiterate what was then
said and urge the prompt enactment of this
legislation. One-half of the States of tht
Union now have laws of this kind upon theii
statute books ; and in iny opinion Pcnnsylvanis,
the greatest industrial State of them alt,
should no longer hesitate, more particularly
as every State surrounding and contiguous to
Pennsylvania, with the exception of Dela
ware, has acted favorably upon this important
subject. The General Assembly, having the
experience of 24 States to draw from, is in »
position to pass a bill that would bo accepta
ble to employer and employe alike.
CHARITIES
♦u *' , c. 17881 * ow J** 1 * 8 has fceen
throughout, tiie country s marked awakening
along all line? pertaining to the care and wei
fare of the dependent, defective, and penal
classes. To this call Pennaylvania haa re
sponded in a manner that should arouse the
pride of every citiaen.
During the past four years she has placed
npon her statute books legislation looking to
the betterment of undesirable conditions. Pro
posed drafts af statutes are being • consid
ered for submission to the General Assembly,,
covering practically every phase of the care,
detention, and reformation of the weak, de- |
ftctive. nr. 'nrftunate. and errinc.
HARRISBITRG STAR-INDEPENDENT, TUESDAY EVENING. JANUARY 5. 1915.
During: ftii period iomMid leeoamodatlsnf
for the Insane have been provided at Fairvtew
end Rittersville; and additional building*
have been ereeled at Polk and Sprite City for
the care of the weak»mtnded. In aoditlom to I
the erection of buiMingf to care for "the coo- |
stantly Increasing number of these two classes 1
of unfortunates, large sums of money have 1
for the purposs of making
them comfortable. The last session of the
General Asaambiy provided for the erection of
a Home for Inebriates, a Women's Reforma
tory, and a Home for Feeble-Minded Women.
The Juvenile Court Act has been extended,
in order to make this already useful legisla
tion more effective; snd the powers of the
Board of Public Charities have bean so In
creased as to enable it to give better and
closer direction and supervision over the im
portant matters coming under its jurisdiction.
Many of the laws governing the care of the
dependent, delinquent, and penal classes were
passed years ago, when conditions were en
tirely different from those existing today.
Amendments were made from time to time I
as necessity see mod to require, until now, tak- I
ing them together, there are hundreds of
statutes relating to these different subjects. In
my Message to the General Assembly of 1913 '
ft WM recommended that, in order to correct
this condition, a commission be created to
examine into, these subjects and to report a
comprehensive plan for their improvement.
Accordingly, the commission wss appointed. 1
and will report the results of its deliberations ,
and conclusions at an early dale.
"Shall the helpless, be cared for?" ia no
longer a debatable question —it must be done.
Pennsylvania never hesitated a moment in an
swering this question, and she has answered it
with a iiberalty which no other State can rival.
During the\ past four years Pennsylvania has
given $11,000,000 for the sick, indigent, and
helpless in private hospitals and homes;
31,169,000 to those in semi-state institutions, i
which includes the blind and deaf; and $15.-
600,000 to State hospitals for the care and
maintenance of the indigent, insane, weak
minded, and sick. This does not IneJude over
¥5,000,000 given to the Department of Health
for the care of those auffering from tubercu
losis, and $5,500,000 for buildings to shelter
them.
AGRICULTURE
The great mining and manufacturing Inter
ests of this State have brought to the door of
the Pennsylvania farmer a market unsurpass
ed for everything produced upon the farm.
Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture
compares favorably with like departments in
other States. This department ex«rc»aes close
supervision over the agricultural interests—
by extending agricultural knowledge, by edu
cational work, and by protecting farmers and
other citizens of the Commonwealth from pos
sib'e fraud on the part of manufacturers and
dealers in commercial fertilizers, commercial
feeding stuffs, linseed oil and farm seeds. The
Division of Farmers' Institutes carries its
work into every county of the State, by hold
ing Movable Schools of Agriculture and
Farmer*' Institutes, delivering lectures and
Saving object lessons and systematic instruc
tion upon all subjects relating to successful
farming, domestic science, and the improve
ment of rural conditions generally. The "um
her of jiersons receiving instruetion in iheae
Movable Schools and Farmers' Institutes has
been increasing, reaching last yesr more than
208,000, the largest attendance in any year
since the beginning of the work. Special in
structors r.ud demonstrators have gone through
the State giving practical demonstrations in
soil improvement, dairy and animal industry,
poultry production, drainage, water-supply,
vegetable and fruit growing, homs sanitation,
household economics, etc.
LIVESTOCK
Notwithstanding the fact that the livestock
of the State is valued at $180,000,000. we are
compelled to depend upon the markets of
other States for horfees to do our work, and
for cattle, sheep, swine, and poultry for our
food supply. Pennsylvania should furnish a
surplus in this line and be able to export
rather than import animals and their valuable
and necessary products; and. to that end. its
institutions of learning and the various
branches 6f the State Government are encour
aging greater efforts in breeding and raisin%-
animals.
The wisdom of providing hygienic measures
for controlling the transmissible diseases of ani
mals has been demonstrated. Practically,
without warning, aphthous fever, one of the
most dreaded animal plague* of the old world,
has been forced upon us. From the Chicago
Stockyards, this disease was spread to sixteen
States within a period of two weeks. The dis
ease was introduced in its incubation stage to
practically 600 herds in 25 counties in Penn
syhania. In many cases the herds were locat
ed and quarantined by State agents before the
first symptoms of the disease had ap|*earcd.
Our livestock interests have been disturbed
extensively. Regulations, restrictions, and
losses have fallen heavily on many. For the
public good it has api>eared necessary to de
stroy many valuable animals and much per
sonal property. The Federal and State officers
have promised to reimburse those that have
been jnfortunate in this respect, in so far as
the laws and finances will permit. The ex
penses have necessarily been heavy and the
funds provided by. the last legislature have
been exhausted.
I therefore recommend that the General As
sembly mal;e prompt provision for the pay
ment of bills already contracted and for the
payment of expense? necessary to continue the
work of exterminating the disease.
ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY
The Division of Economic Zoology, to which
has been assigned all iperial work cooncerninp
fruit production, is well organied, and the
gratifying results accomplished by it have
more than demonstrated Its usefulness.
Original investigations are made for the pur
pose of discovering successful means for sup
pressing disease and destroying insect pests
to which fruit-trees and fruit-producing plants
are subject. Some of the results obtained by
reason of these studies are now being used,
not only in this State, but by zoologists in
other States and countries. Demonstration
orchards have been established in every coun
ty in the State, making it possible for any cit
lsen who is interested in fruit-growing to
reach a model demonstration orchard in lese
than one-half day's travel from his home.
GOOD ROADS
Your attention is called to the fact that on
June 1, 1912, the State took over from the
counties and townships of the Commonweslth
certain existing public roads connecting coun
ty-seats, principal cities and towns, relieved
the said townships and counties of authority
over said roads, and assumed to improve,
maintain, and repair the same as State fa
way routes, solely at the expenss of the Com
monwealth. These routes approximated 9,000
miles in length.
That such a task was stupendous is appar
ent. Many of these roads were not much
more than wagon-paths having no drainage
system, but marked by "water-breakers" and
encroached upon by grass and shrubs.
In order that money might be provided fa
sufficient amount for the early completion ot'
this comprehensive road improvement, an
amendment to the Constitution of the Com
monwealth was proposed, and the question
authorizing the State to issue bonds to th*
amount of $60,000,000 for the improvement
and rebuilding of the highways of Pennsyl
vania was submitted to the electors and failed
of approval.
The work done has been limited to appro
priations and funds totally inadequate to prop
erly repair and keep up the extensive high
way system adopted by the Commonwealth.
Broad, well-crowned, smooth dirt roadi have,
however, been substituted, as far as possible!
for the old time, ill-kept paths of travel, and
smooth, water-bound macadam roads have
taken the place of some of the old, rough,
stony turnpikes.
At the close of the season of 1914, there
had been shaped and rebuilt approximately
6,300 miles of dirt roads, and there were re
constructed approximately 50f> miles of maca
dam. Also, at the close of the current sea
son's work, there were approximately 481
miles of new State highway construction work
finished ; divided into three classes: State high
way routes. State-aid roads, and national
roads. This mileage, in addition to the mile
age of stone roads reconstructed by the High
way Department, shows a completed mileage
equal to the entire State highway system o1
Massachusetts.
There is not a contracted piece of new
State Road that has been finaily accepted
and the bond released thereon which ia not
in first-class condition, and for which tht
coat of all overhead expenses, including engi
neering, inspection, administration, and thf
auditing of accounts, has exceeded 7 per cent
of the coat of the work. Conaidering the are*
of the territory covered, the wide range of ac
tivitien and attendant expanse a, this overhead
cost compares favorably with similar work
elsewhere. In fact, the unit ccst of any type
of work performed by the State Highway De-.
partirent, either by contract or by force ac
count, will appear to the advantage of Penn
sylvania when compared with almost any mu
nicipal or other State Government work.
The diatinguishing feature of the Depart
ments work during the paat four years haa
been its comprehensive survey of the State
Highways. On June 1, 1911, when the depart
ment wak reorganized, there was found a com
plete absence of maps ar.d surveys adequate for
its purpose. The Commissioner was required,
by law, to cause to be made a survey of all
the roada in Pennsylvania : to compile statis
tics and collect, information relative to the
mileage, character, and condition of the
roads; to make and keep for the Department a
general highway plan of the Btate; and to
publish and keep on sale, at cost, complste
road surveys of each county in Pennaylvania.
By June 1, 1912, the surveys and plans show
ing crossroads, towns, villages, turnpikes, toll
roads and bridges, grades, culverts and othei
important i>ointa, and data to complete the
record of existing conditions, for practically
every mile of all the Stste highway rtutea, ag
gregating 9,000 mites, has been made.
This was, without doubt, one of the most
extensive continuous surveys ever undertaken
and performed in a short tims. The plans
nare osen kept up to date, and, together with
the other statistics collected and made by the
Department, coippriee a store of laformatftaa
necessary and adequate for future operations.
No following administration need be handi
capped for lack of this fundamental data.
INVENTORY OF WATEB RESOURCES
Subsequent to my message pf two years ago,
calling attention to the expediency of taking
an inventory of the water resources of ths
Commonwealth, in order that legislation might
be snatted to provide for their conservation
aad utilisation under proper State control In
a manner which will best promote the inter
ests of all the people of the State, the General
Assembly directed the Water Supply Commis
sion of Pennsylvania to make complete inven
tory of all the water reeeurcee of the Com
monwealth : to collect all pertinent informa
tion In connection therewith, and to classify,
tabulate, record, and preserve the same; and,
upon the basis thereof, to determine the point*
-at which reservoirs may be constructed for
the puri>ose of minimising floods, of storing
and conserving wate* for power, of increasing
the low water flow of livers and streams for
the purpose of nav ligation ; and, generally, to
devise sli possible ways and means to con
serve and develop the water supply and wateT
resources of the Commonwealth for the use of
the people thereof. To this end the said Com
mission was directed to study snd determine
upon a public policy wl h regard to the mar
keting and ectuitable distribution of the water
th* State; to the restoration, development,
and improvement of trrasportation by water;
te the supply of water for domestic and in
dustrial use# and to the conservation o£ water
resources by the aid of forestation.
The sum of $150,000 was appropriated for
the purpose, but because of insufficient State
revenue I was compelled to reduce the sum to
$50,000. In consequence, the Commission will
submit s partial report to the General As
sembly of 1915. It will contain data concern
ing the condition and utilization of the
streams. The inventory deals with water
supplies; water power; lakes and ponds; de
scriptions of all named streams: floods; navi
gatton ; culm in the streams of the anthracite
coal field ; a study of the methods of flood re
lief in Turtle Creek Valley; purity; foresta
tion. and fish.
The State would suffer If this work were to
be abandoned. Better, by far, continue the
w-ork until a definite and comprehensive plan
of State control and development of this re
gaining great re sou re: is worked out.
PYIIATUNING RESERVOIR
The Pymatuning reservoir should be com*
pleted at an early date. It is a conspicuous
example of the highest form of conservation
and utilisation of stream flow. There was ap
priatcd to the Water Supply Commission the
sum of $400,000, for the purchase of Isnd snd
to build an extensive storage reservoir in
Crawford County, on the headwaters of the
Shenango river, to prevent Hood damage and
to afford ample water supply for municipal
and industrial use in communities where short
age of water retards development. I wss com
pelled to reduce the appropriation to SIOO,OOO.
STATE POLICY OF CONSERVATION AND
DEVELOPMENT
Consideration of public welfare dictate that
the State shall assume more direct control of
the economic development of its resources. ,
Industrial development is intimately connect
ed with the abundance of fuel and cheap pow
er ; and while steam power used by manufac
turing establishments has increased by leaps
and bounds, yet the use of water power has
declined.
Of all states in the Union, Pennsylvania
ranks first in the production of coal, coke,
iron and steel, cement, glass and leather, rail
road cars and some manufactured articles. It
holds second place in various products, includ
edg textile and electrical machinery, and in to
bacco manufacturing. To long maintain *u
premacy in these lines our natural resources
must be conserved.
In no way is the waste of natural resource*
belter illustrated than by coke manufacture
in bee-hive ovens. Pennsylvania, in the year
1912, had 43,347 active bee-hive ovens, which
produced but 587 short tons of coke i>er oven.
For every 100 tone of bituminous coal used
these ovens produced only 66 tons of coke.
They destroyed 34 tons of every 100 tons. On
the other hand, by-product ovens yield 73.8
tons of coke from 100 tons of coal, and they
do more. They pr duce gas. tar, and ammonia
as by-products. In tqe year 1912 the 1,442
by-product ovens in Pennsylvania produced
1,369 tons of coke per oven. Moreover, and
this is the point of the matter, these 1,442
ovens produced approximately $2,300,000 worth
of by-products in addition to 1,974,619 short
tons of coke. The value of by-products was
about four-tenths of the value of the by-pro
duct coke, if the coke made in bee-hive ovens
in the year 1912 hr.d been made in by-product
ovens 4,077,765 tonE of coal and about $87,500,-
000 worth of by-products would have been
saved. •
The effect of forest depletion upon the lum
ber industry Is well known. Fortunately, tim
ber is different from coal. Enough timber can
be grown to meet the State's needs ; but coal
once hurned is cone forever. Pennsylvania's
investment In forest lands total a large sum
of money.
Inasmuch as the total value of iron and
steel produced annually in Pennsylvania is
enormous, the State Government and all per.
sons concerned with economic development
should be interested in the delivery of iron
ore to the srreat ateel centers at the lowest
possible cost. The railroad systems are excel
lent but must expand to keep pace with the
State's progress. The moat important point
where the transportation system needs
strengthening is that between Lake Erie and
the Ohio river, where approximately 50.000.000
tons of iron ore, coal and coke move annually
between the Lake and the Pittsburgh and Ma
honing Valiey districts. Pittsburgh's suprem
acy In the iron and steel trade is to be main
tained only by cheap ore.
The Act approved June 27. 1913, provides
for the construction, operation, and mainten
ance by the Commonwealth of a canal or
water-way between Lake Erie and the Ohio
river. The sum of $150,000 was appropriated
to defray the expenses of the Canal Board
in making the surveys and plans and prepar
ing for construction. The 3 mills per ton
mile rate, including tolls, as estimated for this
proposed waterway, looks attractive- as compar
ed with an existing rate of about 8 mills per
ton-mile over railroads from Lake Erie to
Pittsburgh.
If the proposed Lake Krie and Ohio River
Canal should be found desirab'e by the inves
tigation now ordered, it should receive sup
port from Pennsylvania. Improvements in
water terminal facilities in the Pittsburgh
district, including better connections with the
railroads, would be necessitated by the canal.
In the value of export and imports of mer
chandise. Philadelphia, during the year 1913,
ranked fifth amonc Atlantic and Gulf ports';
but it ranked second in tonnasre. Customs'
dutieß in the year 1913 amounted to 318 876 -
000; in 1012. to $21,088,000. Contrast 'with
this the total expenditures by the Federal
State una City governments in improving and
maintaining the harbor of Philadelphia, from
IM>O to 1014, amounting to only *17,293,000
This sum does not include the coat' of'im
proving the Delaware Uiver from Philadelphia
to the s»», which, from 1836 to 1913, amount
ed to $17,523,000,
The improvement of Philadelphia and Pitts
burgh's water terminals it not a local mat
ter. The whole State is interested. The vast
improvements needed at these cities are mat
ters of State, City and Federal co-operation
Hand in hand with the physical improve
ments at the water terminals in Philadelphia
and Pittsburgh should go co-opcration between
railroads, shipping interests and municipali
ties. Pro-rating, through bills of lading by
water and rail, reasonable terminal charges
physical connection* between railroads
wharves and warehouses, are all items of great
importance coming under State regulation.
In addition, the Lehigh and Susquehanna
valleys are vitally interested in securing ores
cheaply from Cuba and Chile. Immediate Im
provement of the port of Philadelphia should
be accompanied by a careful study of the pos
sibility of transporting by water these ore*
to the very doors of the Lebigh
r.snn* sieei plants.
In certain populated district* the problem*
of water supply and drainage and sewage dis
posal call for State establishment of metropoli
tan districts, and State control and aid in in
itiating the improvement; but all these thing*
which I have enumerated, and others as im
portant, cannot be done and be paid for out
of the State's revenues, because the latter are
insufficient. It would appear evident, then,
that the necessities of the people w'll demand
amendments to the Constitution of the Com
monwealth for purposes of economic conserva
tion and development, and I recommend this
to your careful consideration.
INSPECTION OF DAMS
The legislation recommended by me, And
enacted in 1913, provided stringent laws for
the protection of life and property against
insecure dams, and for the prevention of en
croachments along, or obstruction* in,
streams.
In actively enforcing this law the Water
Supply Commission examined 258 existing
dams, and when imperfections were found or
ders were issued for repairs. No new dams
have been built without the approval of the
plans therefcr* and inspection of the con
struction by t e commission. The number of
imperfections disclosed by these
tions indicated the wisdom and the necessity
if State control of the desimn and const ruc-
FORESTRT
The State owns 1,001,226 acres of forett
'md, purchssed at an average price of $2.25
«er acre, from which a revenue of $89,406.44
as derived to December Ist. 1914. Six thou
sand miles of roads, trails, and fire lines have
een built; the nurserie* contain over 10,000,-
00 trees; 200 leases for p .rmanent camp*
•tee have been approved; and during the cur
nt year temporary camp permits were issued
J over 4,000 persons.
This department should be given sufficient
appropriations to improve Its forest fire
warden service and for the purchase of addi
tional forest lands, and shoul' be permitted
U> furnish trees without coet to municipal!-
STOMACH FINE! INDIGESTION. CDS.
SOURNESS GONE—PIPE'S OIAPEPSIN
In Five Minutes! No
Stomach Misery,
Heartburn. Gases or
Dyspepsia
"Really docs" put bad stomachs in
order—"really docs" overcome indiges
tion, dyspepsia, gas. heartburn and
sourness in five minutes—that—just
that —makes Pape's Diapepein the
largest selling stomach regulator in the
world. If what you eat ferftients into
stubborn lumps, you belch gas and
ties "for all cihds of municipal planting.
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
The Public Service Company law, created
by an Aet of Assembly, approved July 26.
1913, is one of the utmost importance to the
people of Pennsylvania, and to those corpora
tions serving the people which are defined as
public utilities. This law puts the ultimate
control of public service companies, with re
spect to services, facilities and rates, in a com
mission selected under the authority of the
State. Up to the time of the passage of the
Act, this control was vested in the boards of
directors of these corporations, subject only
to such redress upon the part of the public,
as could be secured bv suits in the courts, and
was often exercised without regard to any
interests save thoss of the corporation*
which the directors represented. During the
short period of a year and a half since the
enactment of the law, it has proven to be of
great benefit to the people. Not only ha\e
they come to the Commission with confidence
to present their complaints concerning exces
sive rates, grsde crossings and similar mat
ters of importance, but the very fact that
there exiets such impartial tribunal, with
promptly and inexpensively to de
termine disputes, has led to care and self re
straint upon the part of the corporations.
Many cases of far-reaching importance
have already been disposed of by the Commis
sion. In one instance, the supply of heat of
a borough was turned off as winter approach
ed. The hearing before the Commission wa»
ended at 8 P. M.. a# opinion written durinj.
the night, and at 10 A. M. the next mornin?
an order was issued requiring the supply tc
be restored. The whole system of telephone
rates throughout the State is under consider
ation, and the rates upon the transportation
of anthracite coal to Philadelphia have been
materially reduced. The right of some of the
industrial roads to participate in through
rates was determined although the Interstate
Commerce Commission had decided otherwise
Between January 1, 1914, and June 30.
1914, 58 grade crossings were abolished and
4 under grade and 7 overhead crossings were
established.
Since the work of the Commission is rapid
ly enlarging both as to the number and im
portance of the matters brought before them
for determination, and since the vast num
ber of tariffs over which they have supervision
are filed with them and require to be provided
for and analyzed, additional space and facili
ties ought to be furnished by the Common
wealth.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
The Attorney General's Department has
rendered valuable services to the Common
wealth, not only in advising the many de
partments of ilie State npon questions of law
concerning the powers, jurisdiction and ad
ministration of the several departments, but
has carried to successful determination much
important litigation in the interests of the
Commonwealth.
Quite a number of Acta of Assembly, in
volving the administration of the various de
partments of the State Government, were
from time to time attacked as unconstitu
tional, and it became the duty of this Depart
ment to meet those attacka, which it did suc
cessfully.
The Department argued with success in the
Supreme Court of the United States the cut:
raising the constitutionality of the statute pro
hibiting foreign-born aliens from owning
shotguns and rifles, involving importsnt ques
tions as to the i>olice power of the State and
the construction of international treaties; and.
in the same court, the Department sustained
the validity under the State and I'ederal Con
stitutions of a very important provision of the
anthracite mine code, requiring in the inter
est and protection of the miners the leaving
of barrier pillars between adjoining mines;
also the case involving the constitutionality
of the Pure Food Law of 1909, which is the
principal act under which the Dairy and
Food Department operates. The constitution
ality of the Full Crew Law, and of various
provisions of the taxing laws, have also betn
upheld in the highest courts of the State, and
the act regulating private bankers, and sev
eral other important <u part mental laws, have
been sustained in the lower courts.
CODIFICATION OF LAWS
The Legislative Referent* Bureau, at the
session of 191°. was directed by the General
Assembly to make examination of the general
statute laws of the State and to prepare a lis;
of obsolete statutes and statutes wheroon some
doubt exists whether they have been repealed
by the general repealing clauses in subsequent
acts. Accordingly a bill has been prepared,
reciting by title and repealing upwards of five
hundred laws. The bureau was also directed
to prepare compilations and codes, by topics,
of the existing general laws, and to report to
the General Assembly in 1915 such codes as
have been prepared. The bureau has codified
and compiled the general laws of Pennsylvania
relating to taxation in all its phases, State and
IScal, relative to business corporations (ex
cept railroads, canals, banking, and insurance,
which will be codified separately), and to bor
oughs.
Even if the codes mentioned above should
not become laws, the amount expended on this
work is justified by the result* shown.
BANKING
There were 439 banks, trust companies, and
savings-fund institutions doing business In
Pennsylvania at the close of the year 1910.
This number has grown to 487 : the resources
have increased from $1,069,486,356.35 to $1 -
278.644,961.78: the deposits ha»e srown from
$747,610,554.36 to $923,294,436.82; Bn d the
number of depositors from 1,744 049 to
2,315,321.
Building associations in this State at the
elose of 1910 numbered 1.550, and now number
1,793. The resources have increased from
$181,302,088.27 to $233,564,455.60, in January,
1914 : making the total resources of all Incor
porated financial institutions in the State for
1914, about $1,700,000,000.
It is to be regretted that the Legislature
has not yet deemed it necessary to enact meas
ures similar to those in use by the National
I
FOR 1915
May be bad at the business office of the Star-Independent for or will be
sent to any address in the United States, by mail, for 5 cents extra to 'cover
cost of package and postage.
The Star-Independent Calendar tor 1915 *s another of the handsome series,
featuring important local views, issued by this paper for many years. It is 11x14
inches in size and shows a picture, extraordinary for clearness and detail, of the
"Old Capitol," built 1818 and destroyed by fire in 1597. It is in fine balf-tone
effect and will ba appreciated for its historic value as well as for its beauty.
Mail orders given prompt attention. Remit 15 cents in stamps, and ad
dress all letters to the
STAR-INDEPENDENT
18-20-22 South Third Street Harrisburg, Pa.
™ 1 s== =1
eructate sour, undigested food and arid;
head ia dizzy and ached; hreatli sour;
tongue coated; your iusides filled with
bile and indigestible waste, remember
the moment Pape's Diupepsin corned in
contact with the stomach all distress
vanishes. It's truly astonishing—al
most nnirrelous, and the joy is its
hnrmlessncss.
A largo fifty-cent ease of Pape's l)i«-
pepsin will give you a hundred dollars*
worth of satisfaction, or your druggist
hands you your money back.
It's worth its weight in gold to men
and women who can't get their stom
achs regulated. It belongs in your home
I —should always be kept handy in case
iof a sick, sour- upset stomach during the
| day or night. It's the quickest, surest
and most harmless stomach doctor in
the world.—Adv.
Government and many of the states for a
more expeditious and inexpensive method of
windmtr up the affairs of Insolvent financial
corporations.
Legislation should be enacted requiring all
Individuals engaged in private banking to take
out r license, and the provision in the present
law exempting certain private bankers should
be repealed. They should not be permitted
to receive deposits upon the credit of individ
uals. unless subject to the examination and
scrutiny of the Banking Department, in order
that such deposits may have the greatest possi
ble measure of security.
INSURANCE
Realizing that there were but two states In
the Union where more capital was invested in
insurance enterprises, and but one State
wherein the volume of business transacted was
greater that! in Pennsylvania, the General As
sembly of 1911 enacted comprehensive legisla
tion reorganizing the Insurance Department
and extending its jurisdiction until today the
insurance laws of this State compare favor
ably with those of any other State.
Policies of life insurance and health and
accident contacts have been so standardized
that beneficiaries csn readjly understand what
protection they or their familtea will receive
in the event of misfortune.
The liquidation of insolvent Institutions had
been a source of dissatisfaction on account of
the delay and excessive cost of administration
The act of 1911 authorizing the Commissioner
to liquidate insolvent companies has proved
beneficial. Some twenty-flve companies and
associations have already been wound up. or
are in process of liquidation, with a minimum
cost and no unusual delay.
Little additional legislation is required ; but
a standard tire policy should be adopted, au
thority should be given the Commissioner to
examine and supervise rate-making associa
tions, and provision he made for the licensing
of fire insurance adjusters.
NATIONAL GUARD
The National Gusr<' has maintained its ef
ficiency. It is composed of about 1 1.000 young
men of the State and is competently officered.
I visited the several encampments, ami was
impresaed with the interest manifested by the
officers and men. The training and discipline
of this organ' :ation teaches respect for la\T
and authority and prepares the young men to
understand and actv.it responsibility. The cit
izen-soldier is the nation's reliance for the de
fence of her institutions, and Pennsylvania
should be prepared to do her part by having
a strong force of trained and disciplined men.
The General Assemb'y b *oul' give thoughtful
consideration to the n. .Is of the National
Guard,
STATE ARMORY BOARD
The work accomplished by the Armory
Board, created to provide armories for the
National Guard, is commended. The appro
priations made by the General Assembly, from
time to time, to this Hoard aggregate $1,250,000.
Armories have been erected or aquired
throughout the State, representing a value of
$2,050,000, or SBOO,OOO in excesa of <he money
appropriated by the State.
STATE POLICE
The Department of State Police, created In
1905, consisting of four troops of 2 officers
and 65 men each, with barracks and stables
.it Wyoming. Pottsville. Greensburg, and But
ler, has rendered valuable service to the Com
monwealth.
The necessity for an increase in the number
of men and an adequate appropriation to dis
tribute thfcm to the beat advantage throughout
the State, is proven by the thousands of re
quests for assistance that are receivod yearly
from State and county officials, with the ma
jority of which the Department is unable to
comply.
FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CAT
TLE OF GETTYSBURG
The event proved to bo a great success and
In every way worthy of the Commonwealth.
For the firat time since the close of the Civil
War there was a general reunion of the vet
erans of the Union and Confederate armies, J
both of which were repre.Tented by large num
bers. and the celebration did much to create
good feeling all over the country. The Preal- |
dent of the United States and the Secretary of
War made addrctses. The Governors of many
States and other distinguished guests partic
ipated.
TRANSFER OF FLAGS
The commission created under the provisions
of a joint resolution of the General Assembly
approved June o, 1913, authorized to arrange
and supervise the transfer, from the Library
snd Museum Building to the cases in the ro- |
tunda of the Capitol, of the flags of Pennsyl
vania commands of the War for the Suppres
sion of the Rebellion and the Spanish-Ameri
can War, and other flags of historical value,
on June lft, 1914. transferred these flags with
.patrioti" and most impressive ceremonies, par
ticipated in by a portion of the National
Guard, Grnnd Army of the Republic, and pa
triotic societies. These flags, the most preo- i
ious jewels of the Commonwealth, representing
as they do the valor of Pennsylvania's son®,
are now cared for in a better and more ap
propriate manner than ever before.
PUBLIC PRINTING AND BINDING
Under legislation enacted at the last ses
sion of the General Assembly the distribution
of public documents is now performed in a
businesslike way. The creation of the Divl- j
sion for the Distribution of Public Documents
will result in a discontinuance of the wasteful j
method that existed prior to its establishment.
The editions of certain reports can be greatly
reduced, and it is suggested that legislation b»* '
enacted with that end in view, in order that
it may be in force when the next contract for
printing is awarded in 1917.
Attention is called to the expense of print
ing pink bills used by the Legislature. The
cost of printing these bills for the session of
1913 was $42,843.35. Unless this printing be
essential to the proper administration of the
business of the General Assembly, they should
be discontinued: at any event, the number of
these bills should be very much reduced, as a
large portion of the waste paper sold by the
Superintendent of Public Grounds and Uuild
tan* ivpiKNuiß a surplus or these bills.
Acts of Assembly authorising special pub
lications should contain an item appropriating
the money necessary to cover the coet of print,
ing, binding, etc., thus enabling the legisla
tors to arrive at some reasonable estimate
of the cost of such publications.
CAPITOL PARK
The Capitol Park Commission, created J»y
the Act of June 16, 1911, has conducted its af
fairs in a thoroughly businesslike way, and
its members are entitled to the highest praise.
The number of properties in the proposed
park area aggregate 537, of which 415 have
already been purchased by the commission, and
negotiations are now under way for the pur
chase of the remaining 122. The transaction
of the rapidly Increasing business of the vari
ous departments of the State Government
makes necessary the acquisition of this area.
PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION
The Panama-Pacific Exposition Commission,
appointed under the provisions of a joint reso
lution of the General Assembly spproved June
14, 1911, has completed the erection of a
building for the participation of the Stat* of
Pennsylvania in the Panama-Pacific Interna
tional Exposition, to be held in San Francisco,
Cal., In 1915, to celebrate the completion and
opening of the Panama Canal and the Four
Hundredth Anniversary of the Discovery of
the Pacific Ocean. This building is now bei*g
made ready for occupancy and use, and wl-C
it is believed, fittingly represent Pennsylvania
at this great international exhibition.
SECRETARY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
Attention was called at the last session of
the General Assembly to the fact that tha
maintenance of the office of Secretary of In
ternal Affairs, because of the creation of the
Public Service Commission and the Depart
ment of Labor and Industry, would nerve only
to produce conflict of authority, duplication
of work, and unnecessary expenditure of publta
moneys. The result was the passage of a reso
lution proposing an amendment to the Consti
tution of the Commonwealth for the abolish
ment of this office, and transferring the pow
ers exercised by it to the Public Service Com*
mission, the Department of Labor and Indu*
try, and the Forestry Department. I recom
mend that this proposed constitutional amend
ment, which conies before you for action at
this session, should have your early atten
tion, in order that the subject may be submit*
ted to the people for ratification.
WOMAN SUFFRAGE
The last session of the General Assembly
passed a resolution proposing an amendment
to the Constitution of the Commonwealth to
determine whether or not women shall have
the right of suffrage in Pennsylvania. I rec
ommend that this resolution, which comes ba
fore you for action at this session, shall re
ceive such attention, as will enable the sub.
ject to be submitted to the voters for theif
determination.
SENATORIAL AND REPRESENTATIVE AF
PORTIONMENT
Attention is called to Article 11, Section 11,
of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, which provides that the Stats
shall be apportioned into senatorial and repre
sentative districts immediately after each
United States decennial census.
THE NEW PENITENTIARY
The very best, thought hss been given to the
erection and organisation of Pennsylvania**
new western penitentiary, near Bellefonte,
which when completed will house a great por
tion of the State's convict population. An ajv
portunity will be afforded its prisoners to work
in the open, and to live and sleep in sanitary
surroundings, to the end that they may be re
formed and their shattered physical constitu
tions repaired. This institution it attracting
nation-wide attention.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
The details of the work of the several de
partments end commissions of the State Gov
ernment to which no special reference is
made, will be found in the respective reports.
I recommend that the suggestions found there
in have your careful consideration.
REPORTS OF COMMISSIONS
The Building Code Commission, created un
der the provisions of Joint Resolution of June
14, 1911. and many others will submit re
ports to the General Assembly :* e a
tive to the performance of certain duties and
make recommendations based upon investiga
tions authorized by legislative enactment.
These reports and the recommendations m*tie
by the several commissions, arc worthy of your
carefui consideration.
\Ve, in Pennsylvania, have every right to r*
j proud of our Slate and of her achievement*.
' No State has better law*, and in no other a\atj
are the laws better administered and more
I vigorously enforced.
In conclusion permit me to say that the
, people throughout the nation, yeneraliy apeaV
! ing, are suffering from a surfeit of laws,
rather than trom too few. 1, tnerefore. be
speak for my succesfcor your earnest co-opera
| tion and assistance in enacting only Hurh laws
j are nccessaiy and will prove for the i>en«as
i QA all the people of the < omroonwenlth.
Very truly yours.
JOHN K. TUNER.
j FIRST MAN FOR DEATH CHAIR
Mondella Is Convinced That He Must
Meet H s Doom
Union'town, I\M„ Jan. .j.—Nick Mon
della, the lirst murderer sentenced to
elect l ocution in Pennsylvania, yester
! day was notified that the State Su
: preme Court had affirmed the verdict of
1 the Fayette county court. He said lie
! would malie no further appeal and criti-
I c.iseil the trial Judge and the courts,
Mondella was convicted after
jury had been out. 12 minutes, for th'i
| shooting of Lillian Leonard in a local
! restaurant.
Drink Bay Rum and Die
Uniontown Pa., Jan, s.— Charles Me
! Kee, and Hugh, Beck, 45, died yes
I terdav at Herryopelis as :t result o r
j drinking l ay rum in a J'erryopolis liar
i ber shop Sunday. Koch man is said to
j have drunk a half-pint of l.lie liquid.
| HOT TEA BREAKS j
A COLD-IRY THIS j
(let a Miinll package of Hamburg
! Breast Tea. or as the German folks
i call it. "Hamburger Brunt Thee," at
! any pharmacy. Take a tablespoonful of
■ the tea. put a cup of boiling water upon
! it, pour through a sieve and drink A
! teacup full at any time. It is the most
j effective way to break a cold and cure
grip, as it opens the pores, relieving
congestion. Also loosens the bowels,
thus breaking a cold at onee.
•It is inexpensive and entirely \cge
table, therefore harmless.—Adv.
11