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 presented. If the legislature should deem it wise that the state should exercise such supervision, there ought to be provision made for a competent state engineer. The need for such an expert official would be not only for this purpose, but in the Highway Department and in connection with the building of bridges. From June 1, 1903, to June 1, 1904, there were paid to engineers for the preparation of plans and supervision of construction of bridges $25,277.55, and since that time probably fully as much more. The services of a capable engineer, regularly employed by the year, could be secured for a much less sum. It is true the payments are now made by the counties, but it would be a narrow view which would separate the people and the commonwealth. Whatever may be the conclusion of the legislature upon this subject, there ought to be the utmost care exercised in granting to corporations the right to take private property.

The question whether trust companies, which have of recent years played so important a part in the management and settlement of estates, and with which so much of the current moneys of the community is deposited, should also be permitted to do an insurance, surety and guarantee business upon the same capital, which involves another kind of risk, is one of moment and could properly be considered by such a commission as that proposed.

The large deposits of coal, anthracite and bituminous, which underlie the valleys and mountains of this state, are being shipped in profusion over the world where they become the foundations of industries and bases of wealth, or are wasted in harmful wars in South Africa or Manchuria, with which we have no sympathy. One of these days, the deposits will have been exhausted. It is only fair and exceedingly proper that Pennsylvania should derive some benefit from that which the Lord has given to her. I suggest that you consider the propriety of imposing a slight tax upon each ton of coal mined, so small in amount that it would not prove burdensome to consumers or interfere with trade, the proceeds of the tax to be used only in the construction of roads, or in the maintenance of schools in relief of the school tax now imposed by the counties.

The constitution directs that immediately after each decennial United States census, the general assembly shall apportion the state into senatorial and representative districts. No senatorial apportionment was made after the census of 1880, 1890 or 1900. Not only is the mandate of the constitution disobeyed, but the existing condition of affairs is unjust to Allegheny and other counties which have not the representation to which they 534