St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-01-06
FLOWERS MESSAGE.
Eminently Sensible Advice and
SUGGESTIONS


ALBANY, n. Y, Jan. 5.-Gov. Flow
er, in his first annual message, sent to
the legislature this afternoon, congrat-
uIated the people of the state upon the
fact that for the first time i'll eight
years the governor is able to address his
suggestions to legislature in political
accord with the executive. He states
that the paramount duty before the leg
islature is to provide for the enumera-
ton of the inhabitants of the state,
preparatory to reappOrtlonment of
the senate and assembly districts. He
also points out the necessity for an i'm
mediate reappOrtionment of congress
sional districts.
In regard to finances the governor
shows that the total debt of the state
not provided for amounts to only a lit
tie over S1,000.000. Upon the subject of
taxation the governor says: "If it con-
tinues to be the policy of the state to
widen the field of indirect taxation, the
time is close at hand when, with right
economy in appropriation, all the eX-
penSes of the state may be met without
the imposition of any general state tax.
Indirect tax laws, however, should be
based upon broad principles, and should
be carefully framed so as not to unnec-
essaTIly Or unwiSely hamper individual
or corporate enterprises. Radical legis-
lation in that direction may prove pub
lie injury. rather than public benefit
8 One methodsof increasing the indt-
rect revenues of the state, namely, that
of taxing the bonda@ Indebtedness of
corporations, has been repeatedly Sug-
geSted for the consideration of the legiS-
lature, by the comptroller and by my
predecessor, and | submit it again
to your attention. 1t is estimated
mated that moderate tax of this nature
upon each per centum of interest paid
would yield an annual revenue of
81, 10000 to the treasury.
1.-THE criticism has been frequently
made that part of the recent corporate
legislation of our state has been so
harsh that corporations are being or
ganiZed under the laws of New Jersey.
which, under less severe requirements,
would organize under our laws. What
real basis such criticism has. | do not
know. Our corporations laws should
be strict enough for the protection of
the public, but they should not tend to
discourage the investment of money in
worthy enterprises and industries
within our borders. l suggest that the
legislature authorize joint committee
of it's members to investigate this SUBJ
ject, and, if possible, to procure uni
formity of legislation bearing upon it in
neighboring states"
He advises the legislature to make
proper provision for constitutional
convention. While discussing the Ques-
ton of education and the state" the
governor says that since 1851 the per
cent of the entire school population at
tending the public schools has fallen
from n q Nnt hn
expense per capita has increased from
1926 to 1892. He says that these
figures are startling and show retro
grading influence and greatly increasing
extravaganza in management. II there is
waste in the present lavish eXpendi-
lure, it should be discovered and
checked. If the present compulsory
educational law is not effective. and the
evidence is clear that it is not, it should
be strengthened by wise amendment.
Certainly the state cannot afford to per-
nit thousands of its children to grow up
in ignorance, only to increase the popu-
lation which crowds our jails, our re-
fOrmatorieS and pOOrhouSeS, and men
aces the integrity of our public service
and our institutions with the weapon of
unintelligent bollot.
The governor opposes state aid for
what is known as university extern
siOn." He advises the legislature to re-
peal that portion of the electrical exc
cutioD law" which prohibits the news
paper publication of an account of the
details of an execution.
Upon the subject of the worlds fair,
the governor says: 1.-The legislature mas
as yet made no appropriation for the
proper representation of the state at the
worlds fair in Chicago next year. This
IL, al Il h aE
honorable body: The time is growing
short for the erection of suitable
building for the exhibition of the states
interests, and if New York is to be rep
resented commensurate with its COM
handing position and great resources,
special legislative action is necessary.
This duty the state owes to its COM
mercial and industrial interests. The
provision for state representation and
participation should be liberal, but
not extravagant. Our citizens will
not begrudge an appropriation of public
money for this purpose which will en-
able the state to be properly represent
ed, but they will disapprove any ex-
travagant expenditures and insist that
whatever appropriation Is granted shall
be wisely expended under competent di-
rection."
The governor recommends the extern
sion of the system of registration of
electors to all parts of the state and says
that any measure properly drawn and
not in conflict with the constitution
which will so bulWark the present bal
lot law as to make intimidation and
bribery impossible, will receive his
hearty approval. The governor advises
the passage of a constitutional amend
ment transferring to the courts jurisdic-
ton in all contested election cases.