Los Angeles herald., 1893-01-04
THE GovsRNoR'S MESSAGE.


The synopsis of Governor Markham's
first biennial address to the Legislature,
which appears on another page, con-
tains some suggestions that will meet
with general popular approval. The
governor has on divers occasions DEM
onstrated that he can rise above politics
when the public veal requires it, and
the HERALD, although politically at va
rance with his excellency, has at no
time withheld from him his proper
need of praise. Again. it affords US
pleasure to congratulate his excellency
on the amount of common sense en-
bodied in his message. Whatever we
have of criticism to make on his address
we will defer till later time. For the
present we will touch briefly on the
merits the document contains.
First, it is commeudable for its brew
ity. The governors idea Of transmit
ting his views in special messages to the
legislature, as the occasion may arise,
instead of trying to cover the entire
field of possible legislation, is a good
one. A little OF the average executives
message goes great way. 1t is more
palatable in small than in large doses !;
and, in accordance with the scriptural
aphorism, Sufficient to the day is the
evil thereof" we prefer to take the
governors message and other weighty
state papers on the installment plan.
Governor Markham in his message
says the state is in most prosperous
condition, but calls attention to the fact
that large quantities Of food products,
notably livestock, meats and canned
goods, which could be produced here,
are being imported. This is hardly a
matter for legislation. but the fact re-
mains that California does import
many articles which che should pro-
duce herself. Why is this thus? The
HERALD has often asked why, and is
glad the governor has emphasized the
question by bringing it to the attention
of the Legislature; not that we expect
that body to pass any legislation in the
| shape of subsidies for the stimulation OF
home production, but because agitation
of the question will help to open the
ewes of our farmers and manufacturers
| to the fact that they are not supplying
the demands of the home mar
ket, although they have unlimited
opportunities at their command. South
ern California alone can produce enough
food products to supply the entire state
and do a large export business besides,
and the sooner our people get move on
themselves and make the most Of the
advantages nature has given them, the
more prosperous we all shall be.
The governor thinks there is room fol
reform in the matter of state printing
1t is true that $220, 1000 is large sum to
pay for the printing OF public reports in
two years. There is no doubt that a
great saving can be made to the state by
the practice of economy in the state
printing Office.
In recommending the repeal OF the
coyote scalp law, the governor has
struck blow at an infant industry that
the late Republican legislature of many
scandals WAS at great pains to build up.
and for which curses have gone up from
the hard-hearted taxpayers loud and
long. 1t is to be hoped that this imam
GUS piece of legislation will be erased
| from the statute books ere the state goes
bankrupt.
In the matter OF the manner OF max
ing county and municipal assessments,
the governors recommendations are in
line with the policy the HERALD has
long advocated. There is no reason
why one assessment roll should not
serve both city and county govern
ments.
1t is either sad commentary ON the
morals of California or a mark of the
efficiency of her criminal courts that
there are confined in the pris-
ons of the state from two %. to
three times ss many persons as
in any other state, in proportion
to the population, and the governor may
be pardoned for feeling glad io- legiti
mate excuses for frequent use of the par.
doning power.
There are other things in the govern.
or's message that We shall comment
upon anon.
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