The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1871-12-16
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
The Governors Message not having been
completed, owing to the delay OF officers in
reporting until the Legislature convened,
his purpose to furnish the Press with copies
cotcmporaneous with it's delivery, was de.
feated. The copy sent Us, although mailed
on the 9Th inst. was five days leisurins
along the route. and in despair of re
eeiving it We copied the summary from the
Herald for the more general information of
the public. Since that we have received the
Message. It's quite long. but 10 practical
throughout, and 10 without exception the
ablcst document of its kind that has been
submitted 10 the Legislature Of Montana
Were it not published in full in the Non.
tonian. and enough copies ordered by the
Legislature to disseminate it generally
throughout the Territory, we should even
yet present it entire.
The man idea apparent in it 10 recon-.
mcndations looking to economy In expenji.
lures. security of public monies, efficiency
OF officers. revision of the Revenue laws
20 as to tax the properties instead Of the
industries of the Territory, and by retrencl,.
,nent in expenses and adoption of the cash
system of payment tighten up the taxation.
All these things are good to do, and his sug-
gest,ons to attain the purpose will almost
unexceptionsbly commend themselves a.
practical. sufficient. and advisable.
Az means to attain the end sought, he
recommends the reduction Of fees, and the
repeal of extra compensation to oil officers.
As the law has given the Governors liberal
addition 10 their salaries by this extra com.
pen sation, he certainly evidences no dispo-
sition to let personal considerations conflict
with the system of retrenchment and rigid
economy he urges
The opinion offered that oil officers should
be salaried and the system of compensation
by fees abolished, meets with considerable
favor, and will probably be thoroughly dis.
cussed this winter. 1t is project 60 new
10 US, and bearing upon matters the work
ing and results Of which we have 80 little
knowledge of, that we offer no opinion on it.
A large portion of the Message is devoted
to the details of plan tor securing Public
Monies in the hands of County Treasures,
and it possesses 50 many advantages over
the present system that we hope 1t will be
adopted. The Territorial Treasurer mud.
die is explained briefly and clearly, and
the same systems of safeguards recon.
mendcd in the Office as in counties. The
in relation to obtaining
reliable statistics through Assessors, District
Attorneys and Territorial Auditor, are wise
and their enactment desirable.
The suggestions in regard to Public
Schools, and the Supervisory system, are
sound, and those most important institutions
will, we hope, be placed under the Supcrin.
tendency of person adapted by education,
and circumstances for the i'm.
portant trust, that there may be system,
vitality, and carnestness in bringing the
Public Schools up to the highest standard
of usefulness.
The fact that the bonded debt of Montana
will fall due before the Legislature .egulsrly
convcues again, and that the deficit AZ the
law now stands will probably approximate
go. 900. calls out plan for bonding the
warrants, redeeming the old bonds as they
mature. and the adoption of the system.
PAY as you Co." The plan is feasible and
worthy Of favorable consideration.
There are other suggestions of a general |
nature, and on many points an official repre-. |
of the situation, without recon.
which we have not space TO |
We congratulate the Governor on the
character Of his first Message. It Is scnsi
BILE. dignided. and devoted to practical con.
sideration of material topics. He has evil
lerccd excellent judgment in eschewine
psrtizan themes. aud whether his recon.
are adopted or not they com.
mnnd by their ability, tone and evidently |
earnest desire 10 cooperate in legislation |
that Twill promote the welfare of the whole
k..1 4 /