The morning call., 1891-01-08
WATERWAYS FAREWELL ADDRESS.

Nothing became the late Governor OF
California so much as his way of giving up
the political ghost. In Office he was sor-
row and shame; but as he laid down the
reins of power he rose to the occasion, and
furnished one more Illustration of the posi-
bility of Geath-bed repentance. Not all
of his statements are true, nor are all
his views sound; but there is truth and
soundness enough ii his last words to en-
title them to consideration, and to make peo-
pie marvel that one who could, when he
chose, be so reasonable should have been
generally so foolish.
His warning against indebtedness is jul
dicious. There is, as he says. a decided
tendency on the part not only of county Su-
pervisors but of the Legislature itself to
incur debts for public improvements, such
rs Irrigation hemes, drainage schemes and
plans for impouudiug debris. Uniform ex-
perience teaches that when once the cnnsti-
tutionai barriers against running in DEBT
are broken down there will be no limit to
tie appeals for county or State aid, and the
maintenance of the public credit Will depend
on the succcSs of the enterprise for which it
has been pledged. The main feature in the
case will be that most of the schemes will
be really unworthy of encouragement
There Is a demand before the public for
money Tor the Chicago exposition, to enable
California to cut a proper figure. Mr.. EStee,
who has drawn the bills for the purpose,
niodestly asks for 5000 but Governor
Waterman thinks that 100000 would be
none too much. Everybody wants Califor-
mia TO make a good showing; but if we be-
gin to vote away State money for shows,
where shall We stop? If people are prepared
to assist, why not put their hands in their
own pockets, and not in other peoples, and
provide the money Tired by general sub
scription?
Governor Waterman is oppose d 10 the
State sub-treasury system, under which the
rey paid for taxes Is held until it returns
to the channels of trade through disburse-
ments. He recommends that it be lodged
in bank. and that the bank which holds it
pay interest on the current balance; but
this will hardly command the assent of the
Legislature, for banks sometimes fail, aud
the danger is that the very banks which are
in favor with politicians and to be chosen
as State repositories. We have tried such
experiments with Palmer. Cook & Co. aud
others, and to the injury of the public.
The Governor has definite notions on
the subject of State officers. He says that
more than $500, 900 is paid every two years
in the support Of special commissions with
out the smallest benefit TO the material in
terests of the State. and he recommends
their abolition. But he recommends the
creation of a new commission, to be known
as a Board of Examiners, to supersede the
present ex-ofiicio board, and to exercise a
supervision over the State Capitol, the
charitable Institutions and generally every
institution ana department of the State
Government The board would, in fact,
discharge the duty which now devolves on
the Board OF CensOrs in China.
In reference to Yosemite Park, he con-
tents himself with giving fiat denial to the
charges of mismanagement that have been
brought against the State Commission.
Whether the State has or has not violated
the conditions of the deed of cessOn is a
matter Of fact to be determined by evidence.
In view of the assertions that it has, and OF
the high character of those from whom they
have emanated, it might be proper for Gov
eTnOr Markham to order an official inquiry
to be conducted by impartial men, familiar
with the management of parks. No report
coming from politicians of either party in
this State would command attention. The
public want to know the truth. California
owes it TO the nation and its own good re-
pute to preserve the Yosemite Park in all
It's beauty. If it is not doing so, but on the
contrary has allowed ii to be used as a show
place IN which strangers are fieeced, and has
permitted its attractions to be curtaiIed.
remedial measures are necessary. If, on the
other hand. the charges brought against the
present commission prove to b. groundless.
somebody owes an apology to California and
to Governor Waterman.