Coverage of the Inauguration of Robert D. Holmes in Salem (Oregon)

It happened you hear it happened first on radio. This is Dave Hart speaking from the main floor of the House of Representatives in the state capitol building here in Salem, Oregon, where this afternoon the Oregon State Broadcasters Association in cooperation with Grant "Ficher" chief engineer of radio KAOC Is pleased to originate the ceremonies attendant to the formal inauguration of Governor Robert D Holmes formerly manager of radio station KAST in Astoria Oregon. The color and protocol of this 1957 ceremony will be highlighted by the bi annual message of retiring governor Elmo Smith. And the inaugural message of incoming governor Holmes. The first time that this has taken place since Douglas MacKay of Salem succeeded John Hall of Portland as governor in 1949 some eight years ago. The House and Senate have been in joint session here since approximately one twenty five this afternoon. Going through the formalities of organizing and appointing special committees to conduct the various officers of the state into the joint assembly for the purposes of hearing the inauguration

and the canvas of the ballot for the governor of the state of Oregon. We are momentarily awaiting the arrival of the various state offices and their escorting committees and coming through the door now are The various state [music] elective offices state of Oregon and the Oregon State National Guard Band in the background with the ceremonial. [band music] The State officials of Oregon who are being escorted in by senators. "Will Helm" of Portland and senators Sweetland of Portland and representatives Annala and representative Tom Include the Secretary of State Mark Hatfield, the state treasurer Segun Ander, The state Labor Commissioner Norman Nielsen The attorney general Robert Thornton the superintendent of public Instruction the honorable Rex Putnum. [band music]

Representative and allies now introducing the various officers of the state who are being escorted by the two senators and two representatives. Within the bar of the joint meeting of the House and the Senate. And they will be seated in the front of the House of Representatives. Here in our state capitol building. Committee escort our guests to the rostrum [gavel bangs three times] The presiding officer of the session is Rep Sen. Jean Louis of Portland Oregon. Who was elected temporary president of the Senate for the purposes of organizing the state government and she has called for the guests to be seated on the rostrum. As they approach down the center aisle from the lobby

to the rear of the House of Representatives. [Gavel sound] They are now seated three raps of the gavel signifying the assembly to stand one rap for the assembly to be seated again. Approaching now are senators "Gil" and "Boylan" and representatives Duncan and Lehman escorting members of the Supreme Court of the state of Oregon. Chief Justice William Perry, Justice George Rosman. Justice Hall Lusk Justice. James T. Brand justice Harold Warner Justice William McAllister and the newest member of the Oregon Supreme Court justice Randall Kester. [Band music] Senator Gil is now presenting the chief justice And the associate justices to the assemblage and to the senators and

representatives here. And immediately following they will be called to the speaker's platform. "A Warner, WIlliam M McAllister, and Randall B Kester" "Senator Gil will you and your committee" "escort the honorable Chief Justice, the Honorable associate justices of the supreme court to the to the rostrum?" [three gavel raps] Now the traditional three raps of the gavel for the assemblies to stand as the chief justice and the associate justices approach the platform. This radio broadcast is being presented over some 19 stations in the state of Oregon. And will bring you in their entirety for the most part the ceremonies as they are presented here this afternoon. The next group of people to be presented to the assembly will consist of a number of ex governors of the state of Oregon. Among them expected to be in attendance will be Mr. Jay Bowerman Mr. Oswald

West Mr. AW Norblad Mr. Charles Sprague Mr. John Hall and we believe former Governor Douglas Mackay is now in Washington D.C. and will not be attending the session here. [music] Coming up now as the committee escorting governor elect Robert D. Holmes consisting of Senator Phil Brady of Portland and Sen. Walter Pearson Representatives Robert "Clintsome" some and Representatives Bob Stewart announcing. Senator Brady has announced that Governor elect Holmes is within the bar of the House and Senator Lewis the presiding officer is inviting the governor to the [three gavel raps] rostrum. And once again. Assembly is asked to stand while the governor is escorted to the position of honor.

At the speaker's rostrum. Following the appearance of governor elect Holmes will be Governor Elmo Smith. Who will be escorted by Senator Howard Belton and Sen. Walter Leff Representatives Hermon "Chindrin" and Representative Bob Hellstrom Salem. [gavel rap] The formal ceremonies prior to the beginning [band music] of the formal ceremony the Senators, Representatives and honored guests here in the house were entertained by the Eugene Gleemen of Eugene, Oregon under the direction of Theodore Pratt conductor and dean of the School of Music at the University of Oregon. Senator Belton and now in the rear. Is reporting that his Excellency governor Elmo Smith is now within the bar of the house. And to be escorted to the rostrum By the committee which we enumerated a moment ago Senator Belton and Senator Walter

Leff from Polk county representative "Chingrin" from Clackamas County and representative Elstrom From Marion County. The professional music as we mentioned a moment ago under the direction of the Oregon National Guard Band and a Solo was presented by miss Juanita Reese soloist and now let's go to the podium, "The national anthem and the invocation. Color guard advance and post the colors" [posting of the colors] "And now the national anthem by Anne "Lise" accompanied by Mrs Dorothy Lee [National Anthem] [National Anthem]

Right. the Episcopal church Seaside, Oregon.

Reverand Father Adam. Let us pray - Almighty God we command the state of Oregon and our nation to thy merciful care. That being guided by Providence we made well secure in thy peace. Strengthen with thy Holy Spirit. Thy servant Robert, now to be inaugurated our governor. Grant him wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill him with the love of truth and righteousness. And to make him ever mindful of his calling to serve this people in thy fear. Give my blessing to the legislature and all in authority. That they may ordain for our governance. Only such things as please thee. To the glory

of thy name and the welfare of thy people. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son Our Lord. Amen. (gavel sound) Pursuant to Senate resolution. The Senate and House are meeting in joint assembly at this time. For the purpose of opening and canvassing the vote for governor

on November 6. Nineteen hundred and fifty six. To hear the message of Governor Smith and the inaugural address of the Honorable Governor elect Holmes. It is my privilege at this time to present his Excellency Elmo Smith the governor of Oregon. (gavel 3 times) (Applause) (Gavel once) Oh. Madam Chairman. Mr. Speaker. Members of the forty nine legislative assembly of Oregon. Two years ago. A man who we all knew as a fine Oregonian

and an outstanding governor of Oregon addressed this assembly from this same roster. He said. I ask your help. And God's guidance in my administration to the end that Oregon and its people may be stronger and happier for my having served. Governor Paul Patterson we're dedicated to the people of Oregon. And Oregon is stronger for the service he rendered. His quiet effective leadership. Will long be remembered. Not only in these halls but throughout the broad expanse of this state. In the comparatively short time during which it has been my privilege to serve as governor I've endeavored to emulate the highest standards of public service set by my predecessor. At the same time, I endeavored to discharge the responsibilities which fell upon me as governor in the manner I thought proper. For the best interest of all

the citizens of this state. In carrying out my responsibilities as governor. I have had the opportunity to observe the needs facing the society the people and the economy of our great state. I should like to discuss these points briefly with you. State finance, There are many demands upon Oregon's financial resources for new and expanded services. Some of these programs are essential. Most of them are desirable. But the plain fact is that we do not have and will never have the funds to provide all the services people want at a tax cost that all of people are willing to pay. It has been the policy of our administration to provide maximum public service at a minimum tax cost. Since the inception of personal and corporate income taxes more than a quarter of a century ago there has been only one major tax increase. A state property tax

has not been levied in the past 16 years. This is a record virtually unmatched among the states. During my administration I recommended repeal of the surtax. I repeat that recommendation. I believe that it will be necessary to replace a substantial part of the revenues currently produced by the surtax. with fair adjustment in our tax structure. I recommend also that the state be entirely removed from the property tax bill reserving this source of revenue for local government. I urge that you take action to prohibit the state property tax in excess of the amount necessary to pay bonded endeavors. The budget is already in your hands. It is a balanced budget. It has maintained and in some cases raised the present standards of service. It has anticipated our growth in population and increased need for governmental services.

and it requires no increase in taxation. Education. In the field of education we face a clear challenge. Closely related to the question of state finance. Our primary and secondary schools can effectively meet sharply rising enrollment through an increase in state basic school support. A proposal to accomplish this will be before you. I urge that you give it your favorable consideration. We must continue to maintain to maintain Oregon's high standards of public education. Beyond high school there are insistent demands for better training of more and more students. These needs have been met in the proposed budget. By provision for additional teaching personnel, higher salaries, and new building. The budget for higher education does not exhaust our responsibilities. We face certain decisions

of long range importance. Education at the primary and high school level has been continuously and thoroughly studied. We know our goals on the problems we face in achieving them. In the field of higher education, we are not so well informed about our objectives and our responsibility. The people of Oregon will support reasonable expenditures for higher education if they have assurance that the addition of the educational dollar is being spent as wisely as possible. If there are ways to realize economies without lowering standards of educational service we should find them. Even with the maximum economy, we face stern financial demand. For these reasons, It is imperative that an impartial committee of educators, citizens and legislators survey fully and objectively the entire question of state responsibility for education beyond the high school level.

Such a committee should be fully representative of the public interest. It's work should be conducted by technically competent and impartial staff. The study should include our institutions of higher learning and all phases of our vocational and adult education programs. It should provide for a comprehensive review of all education services. It should provide for an analysis of the state government's role in meeting both present and future educational needs. The study should result in planned capital development based upon agreed long term educational policy. Properly conducted, such a survey would provide a basis for a clear cut statement of policy and a guide for the Legislative Assembly, the Board of Higher Education and our vocational education agencies. The need for such a study has been noted in recent years by responsible

observers. It is of top urgency. State institutions. In recent years, there have been dramatic advances in methods of treatment operating standards and facilities at our state institutions. Our penitentiary has made great strides in its rehabilitation program. We have virtually rebuilt this institution in the past five years with the completion of three new cellblocks, a new segregation building, a new industrial building, and thorough remodeling of other buildings. Construction of the Oregon State Correctional Institution is underway. We have reached a point where the next step forward in the management of the penitentiary program is to establish a separate women's unit. Provision for this has been made in the budget. At Fairview Home, despite the fact that its capacity has been increased one third in the last five years there is

today a waiting list of 300. To meet the need represented by this waiting list, nearly $3.5 million dollars has been allocated to the building program. New drugs, new therapies and the expansion of outpatient clinics have paid rich rewards in the treatment of the mentally ill and those afflicted with tuberculosis. The budget provides for continued progress in these areas. Funds for initial operation of the Portland State Hospital, now under construction, are included in the budget. The rapid and significant progress of the past has only laid the foundation for the work that must still be done. While the scourge of tuberculosis is being conquered, our skills and capacity to aid those who are mentally ill must be further developed. Human welfare. Public Welfare and old age assistance is a field of pressing human

need and one in which the state has a prime obligation. These programs should have first claim upon any additional revenue that becomes available by the development and adoption of your tax program. I urge you to carefully review the Relative's Responsibility Act adopted in 1953. It should be amended to eliminate demonstrated inequity. I recommend that the gross income level at which single persons with no dependents begin contributing be raised from $2700 dollars to $4000. And from $4000 to $5500 dollars for married persons with no dependents. Proportionate adjustments should be made in the entire contributions schedule. Financial assistance is but one part of our responsibility to our older citizens. We must devote greater attention to the social problems of the aging.

Science is opening new vistas of opportunity for health, recreation and constructive usefulness for our older citizens. I would like to commend the churches of Oregon for the outstanding community leadership they have exerted in this critical area of human need. I urge this assembly to establish a Council on Aging. It should function as an advisory and coordinating agency rather than as an administrative body. Its chief function would be research into the nature and extent of the geriatrics problem in Oregon and coordination of work of state, local, and private agencies. Legislative Action will be required on the pending termination of federal supervision over the Klamath Indian tribe. This termination will affect the Klamath Indians not only as individuals, but as a social and economic group. The termination could profoundly affect the economy and the land, forest,

and water resources of the Klamath area. I recommend that a legislative interim committee be created to review all aspects of the termination and determine how the rights of the individuals and the public may best be protected. Veterans Affairs. Oregon may be justly proud of its veterans program. It has won national recognition for efficiency of administration however, veteran loan limits set in 1953 no longer have realistic relationship to present real estate value. It is my recommendation that the maximum limit on home loans be increased from $9000 to $12000 dollars. And the permitted percentage of the loan to appraised value being increased from 75 percent to 85 percent. Similarly, the maximum loan on farms should be increased from $15,000 to $20,000 dollars.

Highways. Our highway system is the lifeline of Oregon's economy and and the key to much of our future growth and development. The $72 million dollar highway modernization program authorized by the legislatures of 1951 and 1953 was completed during the past year. This program has given Oregon one of the best highway systems in the nation. It has placed us in a position to take the fullest advantage of funds available under the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956. The largest and most ambitious public works program in the history of man begins with the passage of this federal act. Primary responsibility for the planning administration and completion of this 13-year program will rest with each state. If we can meet federal matching requirements from current revenues we should do so. Borrowing at this time should be avoided except where necessary to permit our fullest participation in the federal aid program.

In concentrating on the federal program, we must be alert to the need for improvement of arterial, market and urban access roads so necessary to our balanced future development. Natural resources. In the field of natural resource conservation and development, our objective has been to secure an equitable balance in water, land and forest use. The Natural Resources Committee has effectively coordinated the programs of state agencies dealing with our natural resources. The test stream program proposed by the committee merits the special consideration of this assembly. This experimental plan is a laboratory study of an entire river drainage system. A study to determine the interrelation of all natural resources. This knowledge would assist in improved multiple use of all Oregon resources.

The Water Resources Board took a forward step in resource conservation when it determined to establish minimum flows based upon a stream by stream study of water appropriations. About 80 percent of Oregon waters are over-appropriated and some streams will dry out if all withdrawal rights were exercised. It is not the intention of the board to impair existing rights. The program will chart the desirability of future appropriations and keep them within the limits of constructive and balanced use. The Water Resources Board has demonstrated its important value to resource conservation. The scope and tempo of its activities could profitably be intensified. I recommend ratification of the Columbia River compact by the northwest states. This would provide an agency to offer qualified and farsighted counsel on Columbia Basin planning. More

important, it would protect Oregon's interest in northwest water resources particularly at a time when states outside the northwest are seeking to divert Oregon waters to their own use. Power. Oregon development demands an ample supply of low cost electric power. There are three factors that complicate our problem of securing this power. First the future needs for power in Oregon exceed by a wide margin any reasonable estimate of all the income available through federal construction of new projects. Second, hydro-electric development has been slowed by lack of agreement as to which projects should be undertaken by the federal government, which should be undertaken by local agencies themselves or in joint efforts with the federal government. Third, there is no formula for the equitable division of federally generated power among the Columbia Basin States.

I make these recommendations. First and most important, the problems of power supply should be removed from the arena of partisan politics. Only through affirmative and aggressive bipartisan effort can we assure adequate power for Oregon's homes, farms, and industries. Second. Necessary steps should be taken to assure Oregon of a fair share of federally generated power. Equity between states can be achieved by making specific allocations taking into account the present division of power supply. These allocations should be included in legislation authorizing new federal construction. There is precedent for this method in the legislation authorizing the construction of Priest Rapids Dam from which Oregon will receive 31 percent of the power generated. Third. I recommend that every effort be made to secure a determination at the highest

policy level as to what projects are to be constructed by the federal government. Only after this determination is made can we mobilize the full resources of local agencies both public and private and undertake new starts with a minimum of delay. We should then, with a unity of purpose and a strong determination, press for the earliest possible construction of new generating facilities in all classification.