The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1894-01-09
GOVERNOR VESTS MESSAGE.

| The Governors message to the Legis-
lative Assembly is brief but to the
point, and in view of the current be-
lief that this viii probably be the last
session OF the Territorial Legislature
it is very .appropriate, not being burd-
ened with suggestions as to new laws
or amendments to those existing.
The recommendations as to appro-
priations for the University and the
Agricultural college are wise, in face
of the foregoing consideration They
should be sufficient for present pur-
poses but not too lavish with the
probability of union of the two in
Istitutions and the present condition of
the public finances. The Governor
|discreetly avoids the disturbing ques-
ton as to the location of the united
institutions in the event of their ANAL
gamation.
A water commission. as he suggests.
authorized to inquire into the facilities
for obtaining the necessary water to
irrigate the lands and supply the do
nestle and manufacturing demands
would be an excellent thing, and the
whole subject of distribution and
economical utilization of our water re-
sources should be included in the in
vestigations to be made by such a
body.
With the approaching movements for
statehood so near, we would not be in
favor of the appropriation recommend
ed by the Governor for the Capitol
building, were it not for the opening
it would legitimately afford for the
employment of men now idle. With
that consideration we have nothing to
say against it. But it must not be
forgotten that the Insane Asylum, Re
form School and other public institu-
tons will necessarily draw largely
from the public treasury.
We think the Governors suggestions
as to the statue TO Brigham Young and
also as to the reorganization of militia
in Utah are timely and good.
That eight hours as days labor is
sufficient, we think is now generally
conceded. But that laws should not
be framed so as to hamper either the
employer or the employed, so as to de-
prive either of liberty. must be also
admitted. Therefore to limit the pro-
visions of a labor law to public works
and make eight hours a legal days
work thereon, fills the requirement
and does not go too far in the regula-
ton of the relations of labor to capital.
A mechanics lien law is one of the
necessities of the period And as both
parties seem to be in favor of it. and
we have now a Governor who will not
be likely to veto a judicious and fair
measure Of that character, it may be
expected that the Governors recon-
mendation win be followed and that
such an act win be passed without
needless delay.
That all territorial warrants should
be worth their face and never fall be-
low par is beyond dispute. and meas
ures should be taken to secure that
status, as the Governor suggests
The closing request for prompt ac-
ton on bills to be considered and their
early transmission to the Executive,
that he may be able to give them due
examination and not be crowded with
business towards the close of the ses-
sion, should be acceded to and in that
respect needed reform be instituted
in our legislative proceedings.
These are the principal topics COW
cred by the Governors message. They
are presented in simple yet forcible
language, and we commend them to
the careful consideration of the AS
sembly and to all the people of this
territory, as comprising a clear and
address. well worthy of
wide circulation and a conspicuous
place in the annals of Utah.