New-York tribune., 1896-01-02
GOVEGNOR UORTON'S MESSAGE.

GOVERNOR MORTON'S MESSAGE
The second annual message of Governor Nor
ton to the Legislature will naturally excite less
interest than did his first. Coming into office as
the first Republican Executive of the State for
twelve years, his uttcranccs were awaited with
interest as indicating the changes Of policy 10
be expected Moreover, the adoption of the re-
vised Constitution the aroused public interest
in municipal government and the reform vie
tory at the polls in this city, which made much
local legislation necessary. brought forward
numerous important questions for Executive
considerations Governor Morton has now been
in office year. His general policy Is well un-
derstood. No radical departure from the course
he has pursued was to be expected. He is not
the man to disappoint and confound his friends
by startling declarations on any subject. lie
has met popular expectation in a careful review
of the various interests Of the State. which
shows the governmental departments To he well
conducted, and in conservative rccVmmenda-
tons for legislation.
The tone OF the message is in all respects mod
crate and judicous. The Governor is strong On
figures and lucid in his exposition of facts about
the progress of State enterprises. large share
of attention is given to the insane and the State
prisons and the passage Of a bill for the aSS'imp-
ton by the State Of the care Of the insane III
NewYork City to take effect not later than
April is urged. so that the tax levied last year
in expectation that the measure which Mayor
Strong failed to approve would become a law
NAV as far as possible be utilized for lis original
purpose Another hospital for insane criminals
to be erected by cOnvicts 1T DannemOra Is recon-
mended as well as the construction of sepa-
rate institution for the confinement AMI execu-
ton of condemned murlcrers. The necessity OF
making provision for convict labor otherwise
than bv contract as required by the Constitu-
ton. after this year is noted without attempt
To solve the problem presented. beyond the com
meudation TO the Legislature Of the report of
the Prison Commission. The movement for
the enlargement of the canals is reviewed.
and high hopes Of the good 10 be- ac-
compshed expressed; the regular appropria-
lions for the maintenance Of the waterways
and for public education are urged. and ade-
duate attention i devoted 10 the Atlanta ami
Mexican exhibitions the preservation "f tine
Palisades. the amendment of the ballot law. the
completion Of the Capitol. road improve
the revision of the statutes and civil Service
Reform. in the promotion Of which The Governor
believes this State now holds an advanced pos
ton ON all these subjects his comments and
advice will impress the people aS sensible ana
well considered.
Referring to the finances. Governor Morton
shows the treasury TO be in satisfactory con
dtion The corporation and organization TAX
for the last fiscal year brought in S2.llJ.s01 -
an increase of S3l9, ,1G6 9S over 1874. The in
heritance tax yielded S212Gs9l 81 an increase
Of S431 9lO4 Al The tax rate for the current
wear is 324-an increase of LOG over last year.
The levying Of this tax was unavoidable, owing
10 the need Of meeting expenses provided for
by former Legislatures. but only now falling due,
and owing to the States assumption OF the care
Of the insane relieving separate communities
Of this burden But for the increased appr"-
urjation for the insane the cost Of the revision
of The Constitution and other entailcd obllga-
tions the tax rate might have been 2o' a re-
ducton Of 11-lO0 Of a mill from that OF l3i
The two most Interesting topics before the
people of the State to-day are undoubtedly the
excise question and the proposed consolidation
of New-York and the neighboring territory.
Consequently Governor MortOn's views on them
will b. looked for with interest. He says that
New-York has far too many saloons. the ratio
here being one to every 150 inhabitants, aS
one 10 each 27s of the population. the ratio III
PENNSYLVANIA being one 10 Al, ana In Massa-
chusetts one TO 436 The Governor recommends
that an excise law be formulated (which shall,
'as far as practicable. cmbody the best features
.of the liuuor laws now in successful op"ratlon
"in the various States, with Il consistent aim
toward reduction Of the number OF saloons III
.the State" All the Governor has 10 say on
Grpatcr New York is summed mp in the tFc"
words .somr conclusive action as in contrast
with the mo definite action of the last i.egS-
lature This may mean that he favors consoli-
dotion without referendum. or perhaps any
action on the subject which shall 20 50 far aS
positive lawmaking will he considered con
elusive by him Apparently mere immediate
consolidation. leaving the fulur" 10 settle III"
details. Is what he has in mind for he does not
renew his advice Of last year that in view of the
difficulties in establishing proper government
commission Of citizens of the localities affect
cd be appointed TO frame Il charter and present
it to the Legislature.
These are the principal features OF busl
nesslike messag Readers will not fail to no
tice that 1t also contains temperate reference
TO the Venezuela incident. the force OF public
sentiment behind the Monroe Doctrine and the
propricty Of arbitration.