The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1876-01-20
GOVERNOR EaARTRANET.

1t must be particularly gratifying to Gov.
Hartranft, and his thousands Of friends all
over, that his recent message meets with unl-
versa acknowledgements vieing with
Republicans in their expressions of praise OF
it. But how could it we'll be otherwise, as
the message is but truthful history Of a
most successful state administration-an ad
ministration based upon honesty Of purpose
and an infexible determination to make every
consideration secondary to the best possible
good of the people, which called it into pow
er, and after 4 term Of trial, rewarded 1t
again in kind for meritorious services.
Among the matters for which the message
Is particularly noticeable, that which relates
to our State finances is probably the most
important. This the reader will have read in
the extended synopsis which We published
last week. We cannot, however, refrain from
noticing one or two of the most important
matters broachcd-more by way Of reniln-
der than for any comments we have IL view
to make Indeed comment would be out
Of place after the full and free discussion
INDUCED by the Governor. But most
gratifying point made and established by the
Governor is the large reduction in our public
debt during the past years ,335, 497. .63.
This IN view of the remains of the panic of
1873 still lingering among US, and in view,
also, of the fact that it was accomplished
without placing additional burdens upon the
people is, indeed most gratifying 1t Is
doubly gratifying as showing that notwith-
standing the charges of venality and pecula-
ton so literally heaped upon the Governor
and the party, by the opposition, during the
recent campaign, the results all show that
the policy of honesty and economy in the
management of the State finances Inaugural
ted at the advent of Republicanism into
power, remains to this day as infexible as at
the beginning. 1t furnishes most damag-
ing comment upon the rapacity, yitupera ton
aud falsehood upon which the opposition
hoped to ride into power during the reccut
campaign, but which the people, III their
great wisdom decided most emphatieally
should not be.
Another of the good points taken by the
Governor is that foreshadowed in his aSser-
ton of the necessity for cutting down all
needed appropriations to the lowest possible
figures, and the foregoing of all not necessary.
We must be just before We try to be gener-
ous, is a maxim of mom ent for States as
well as for individuals, and the Legislature
will do well TO pay heed to the suggestion.
Last winters appropriations exceeded the
years receipts from all sources some $500,
600, aud as in the reduction Of taxation thi>
sum will be doubled by way Of deficit, there
must be a corresponding reduction in Legisia-
tive liberality This must become the rule
or increased taxation will become az absolute
necessity This the Governor justly anC
righteously deprecates, and we much mistake
the temper of the mantle stamina CT the
statesman-if the contrary course, on the
part Of the legislature does not meet with
most emphatic Veto Governor Hartranf
dare go to any length to secure the right
aud it is equally certain that he dare so al
far to prevent a wrong.
Altogether there is much cause for con
graduation over the reelection Of Governo
Hartranft His administration will prov
no untried experiment, having as it does sucl
eommendable antecedents as a continuou
reduction of the public debt, continued rcduc
ton of taxation, continued economy in ever
department of the Government and in1exibl
honesty as the prompters of every act ant
deed. In view of these facts, and in view Q
that other fact that the message is a true re
fex of the administration in its every act
we can cheerfuIy unite with our distinguiShe
neighbor over the way in saying that
altogether the message is a very fair paper
adjuIation." :" We could eveu join him 4
more than this, but rest couteGt with eve
this much OF Justice from a source whereof
true Justice is so rare commodity.