New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-01-04
COVERNOR FLOVER'S MESSAGE.

The Empire State is in a prosperous cOndl-
ton. That is the main fact to be gained from
Governor Flowers second annual message to
the Legislature. The taxpayers will read with
great satisfaction that at this time New ork
is practically out Of debt. With the exception
of trifing obligation growing ont OF the
canals and of the Reservation at Niagara Fails
she owes nothing. gratifying eShiblt--let
us hope the Legislature will not find in it an
excuse for extravaganza.
The Governor treats OF many subjects OF
general interest but, strange to say, the blanket
ballot is NO one of them He makes no refer
ence to this reform although he must be aware
that there is widespread demand for 1t quite
independent of party lines. The omission Is
to be regarded as remarkable one-can II be
that the machine has determined that the
blanket ballot must not come? Tho paragraph
in the message which is devoted to the quar-
antine question is sure to provoke much dis
cussion. The Governor is opposed to allowing
the Federal Government to control in quaran-
tine matters, holding that the proposition is
opposed to "the Jeffersonian theory of self
government" With equal proprety the Gov
einor might argue that the Federal Govern
ment ought not to be allowed to control III
the business of carrying letters. That bust
ness is general in its nature, but not more so
than the business of taking care OF the health
of the country. We believe that the great
majority of New Workers will take their stand
with President Harrison and the Chamber OF
Commerce of this city in favor OF Federal
control rather than with the Governor, who
advocates a mixture of both Federal and state
and the consequent division Of responsibility.
1t is to be suspected that Thomas Jefferson, If
he were still in the flesh, would smile at this
attempt of the Governor to make the Jeiier-
sonian theory of elfgovernment" do service
as an argument against Federal quarantine
control.
Recognizing that road reform has come TO
be a prominent topic, the Governor expresses
his views on the subject at some length. The
positions which he takes are sensible and the
recommendation which he makes looking to
the passage of general road law is worthy OF
the careful consideration of the Legislature.
II is clear that the time has arrived for affirm
alive action of some sort. 1t is not too soon
for road reform to take practical shape in New
York. The need is great, public sentiment
is aroused, so that well-considered measure
would stand good chance Of passing at the
present session.
Still another matter of large importance
which the message treats Of is the Consttu-
tional Convention legislation. The Governor
comedies that there is a strong popular senti-
ment in favor of postponing the election OF
delegates until fall and admits that the Con-
yention bill which was passed at the last ses-
sion contains faulty and unconstitutional feat
urcs. What an Indictment is this OF the com
potency and fidelity to duty OF the Democratic
Legislature of 1892 Canal men will be in
terested in the Governors suggestion that cleo
tricty be substituted for horse power on the
towpath His recommendation that all the
canal appropriations be grouped together in a
single bill is as good as another recommends
ton, that registration be extended to the coun-
try districts, is bad-and no more need be said
in regard to either. II the Legislature has
respect to the message the National Guard Will
receive an appropriation OF S5O,O00-on ac-
count of equipment-and the Worlds Fair
Commission $500, 600; Compulsory Edra-
ton bill will be passed. Bureau of Agri-
culture will be created, and, for the better
protection of the ACKNOWLEDGES, the Forestry
Commission will be reorganized.
The message concludes with an admonition
to the Legislature to which, it is 10 be hoped, 1t
will give good heed. Seventy-two bills which
were sent to the Governor last year were so
carolessly drafted that they had to be Sent back
for correction while many other bills which
remained in his hands after the Legislature had
adjourned were vetoed because OF serious
verbal errors. Referring to these facts, the
Governor calls upon the present Legislature to
do its work with greater circumspection. 1t
is to be regretted that so many OF those to
whom this warning is addressed are incapable
of proftng by it.