Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1884-01-11
BUFFERS SUCCESSOR

The annual message of Governor Rob insoa
of Massachusetts, is just what was expected
OF the man-plain, straightforward and full
OF common sense. In reference to the CON-
plant about the burden OF taxation, he shows
that it is more the result of municipal than
OF State action and fixes the responsibility
for Increase in taxation where it belongs.
lie discusses somewhat at length the pro-
posed amendment to the constitution pro-
vlding for biennial elections Of State officers,
Senators aud Representatives, and for BIZ
ennia sessions of the legislature and recon-
mcnds as the result of his examinations of
the working OF the abolition of the annual
system i'll other States, ME submission by the
legislature of the proposed amendment to The
people. Reviewing the defects which at
present exist in the election laws, he ur-
gently recommends revision of those
now in force, that Everything which
thought and ingenuity can suggest to aid the
honest voter and to guard the ballot box
against fraud aud error may he at once en-
bodied in our laws" The subject of for
estry, which is just al present receiving so
wide attention throughout the country, is
brought before the legislature with the sug-
gestion that whatever the State can do to
arrest further destruction of our forests can
not be done too soon. Inc strict enforce
ment OF all the statutes relating to hours of
labor, employment and schooling of children,
intimidation of laborers, is urged, and the
suggestion is made whether it would not be
wise to give the law which since 1879 has
required cities TO pay at intervals, not cx-
ceeding seven days. laborers employed by
them, wider application, so that laborers
who labor for private parties or corporations
may receive their pay, if they desire, weekly.
The evil of divorce IS discussed, and the
governor concludes his remarks on this
head as follows
Those who have closely watched the course
OF legislation on this subject can not resist the
conviction that many of the recent statutes
under which divorces are so easy of attain
ment and re-marriage unrestrained, have
been pressed through the legislature, after
repeated attempts, primarily aud principally
to cover, it may be, but single case. Relief
to one may suggest temptation and ex-
cuse for all. For the credit of the
State, In jealous regard for the sanclity
of the home, in the interest of good
morals and good order in society, trust
you will not regard it your duty to make
still easier the abrogation of the marriage tie.
Ii In Massachusetts, we maintain healthy
sentiment on this subject the influence will
roach hpvnn1 Tnif In,
legislation in all the States is in the highest
degree desirable. | submit to you to con-
slider whether it would not be wise to inau-
gurate measures, by conference or Otherwise,
toward concurrence Of action throughout the
country
OF the liquor question, Governor Robinson
has this to say:
PROFESSIONALLY the sentiment of Massachu-
setts favors the suppression of intemrerance;
but there is an honest difference of opinion
as to the proper and practicable method of
dealing by statute with this most difficult
problem. Under the present statutes the
town or city that declines to issue licenses
holds the liquor traffic within its borders
under the most stringent prohibition full
powers OF search and seizure are held by the
Officers, aud an offender becomes liable to
the severest penalties of foe and mprison-
ment. Ii there be found insuperable difficult
lies In securing convictions ia the courts,
the reason is obviously not in any weakness
or inefficiercy in the law, but may be in the
lack OF sufficient evidence, in the uncertainty
always attendant upon jury trials in all
criminal cases, or in the loose notions or
corrupt connivance Of some member of the
panel. ! misappIehend the judgment aud
temper OF the people OF Massachusetts II