Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-01-05
TIE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

might nave COuLenE6u HIMSELF WIFI SIMPLE
reference to the reports of the several de-
partments, which together constitute al
ready quite formidable literature. But
we are of opinion that the industry and
thoroughness which have led him to pre-
sent in his message an abstract of the con.
dition OF the State in all its governmental
relations, should be regarded as a publie:
service, inasmuoh as a great many people
viii learn in this way facts of interest and
Importance which they could not otne1-
wise have become acquainted with.
There is in this message moreover a great
deal of matter for leisurely consideration
Members of the Legislature are always too
prone to be absorbed by sectional require
ments, and when they come here many of
them have formed no general estimate of
the needs OF the State, nor are they likely
to trouble themselves about such views
save as they may find it necessary during
the session to arrange compromises and
make concessions to other parts of the
State, for the purpose of securing the pas.
sage of the local bills in whose enactment
they are specially interested. 1t is there.
fore well that the Executive should at this
time present sketch of the whole field of
legislation, and members will do wisely to
master this review.
1t is neither necessary nor possible to
follow the Governor step by step through
his survey of the condition of the State,
but it may be pointed out that he does not
hesitate to make suggestions in regard to
remedial action wherever there seems need
for it, and that his suggestions are in
yearly all cases characterized by strong
common sense. Thus he indicates the
probable causes of the failure of the new
tax system to effect reduction in taxation,
and shows how impracticable it has thus
far been to secure any considerable increase
in the assessments of real estate, or to obtain
full returns of personal property. In re.
gard to the latter the defect undoubtedly
lies in the principle of taxation embodied
in the law. Personal property taxes are
always imperfectly collected, and always
must be, from the nature of the case,
since the taxpayer alone can furnish the
necessary information, and since human
nature has never yet been found equal tt
high moral principles in this connection.
The Governor discusses the educationa
question with the purpose of emphasizing
the fact that 90, 900 children of school ag
are growing up without any instruction
whatever. 1t must be admitted that thi
fact is alarming. Whether compulsor,
school law would remove the danger is
however, quite another question. T
. demonstrate that, it would have to b
shown that the school system as it exist
OPERATES to make good citizens of thos
who are taught under it. That the Stat
has not merely right but an obligation il
this regard, we hold to be established
Bat If the State compels children TO atten
school, it is equally bound to see that tn
schools they attend are really educationa
, agencies, and not in any respect perfume
tory make believes
In regard 10 agriculture the Goyerno
. suggests that the State Agricultural Soci
} ETY. should be made the agency whereof
, whatever special work is to be done 70
, particular associated interests shall be car
, RED out. This is very practical an
t judicious proposal. Certainly it is absurd
having such an organization under Stat
t control, to create special commissions Q
various kinds apart from it. The foster
: ing Of viticulture, cotton growing, coffee
tea, small fruits, or any other particula
industry, can be accomplished through tn
Agricultural Society, and ought to be 5
l accomplished. Any other method is IRA
r tional, extravagant, and lacking in system
, The Governor thinks that somethin
may be done to induce immigration th-oug
the same agency, and this idea also is
; sensible one. Hesuggests that the variou
r al toOCltblCS CON4u
statistics of the available lands in thei
respective sections, with all necessary in
formation respecting the qualities of soil
climate, market prices, etc., AMI that thi
I information could be put in shape an,
published from the State Printing Office a
comparatively little cost. The great ad
vantage of such plan would be the Sc
curing of the State guarantee for the au
thenticity of the statements furnished, an,
the avoidance of interested misrepresenta
tons such as have too frequently bee
spread abroad on behalf of speculativ
schemes.
Some seasonable recommendations ar
, made in regard to the Yosemite valley
in especial that the State Engineer shout,
be allowed to lay out the floor of the vale,
in accordance with the principles of land
scape gardening, to the end that the mag
nifcent views from various points shall no
be INSTRUCTED, rs they are at present, b.
the wild and unarranged growth of timbe
and underbrush 1t is also desirable tina
the trails in the valley should be mad
free.
The message embodies various othe
considerations in regard to the Stat,
Prisons, the Insane Asylum, the Debri
question, ION which subject a special mes
sage is promised and several other topicl
of>general interest. Its an unpretentious
businesslike document, taking it altogether
and it shows that Governor Perkins has
taken an entirely serious and earnest view
of his responsibilities.
REPRESENTATIVE APPoRTIoNMBNT.
General Walker has sent to the Score
tary of State the population figures of the
counties of this State, for use in legislative