 The three existing insane asylums being filled to capacity, he supported bills establishing a new asylum in the southwest, and a colony for the feebleminded.He successfully pushed for legislation providing for a State fair to be held under the auspices of the State Board of Agriculture, and laid the groundwork for Missouri to host the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition.Stephens also strongly supported progressive taxation, arguing to increase the taxation of wealthy corporations in proportion to their real value, in order that to reduce the burden on farmers and small property holders.