The record-union., 1897-01-06
Too Much Extravaganza in Con-
dueting State Affairs.
Salaries and Wages for the Same SerV'
ice DisProPordonats.
Advises the Regulation Of the Liquor Traffic
by State Law.

Governor, is extremely lengthy. Its
reading we conceive will be much con-
served by statement of many Of its fea-
tures in briefer form, omitting no point
made or suggestion advanced.
The message opened with congratula-
tons that peace has continued in the
State, and for immunity from disaster,
pestiIence and domestic disturbance. He
then turns to the subject of extrava-
gance in State conduct an extravaganza
that he holds has worked injury to the
State in retarding desirable immigration,
influx of capital and development OF
dormant industries.
The correction of existing abuses de-
wolves upon the Legislature and the
executive departments working In har-
mony. To these facts he called atten-
ton in his last message, from which he
quotes in support Two years of ex-
perience has confirmed the views then
expressed.
WAGES DISPROPORTIONA
The State Board Of Examiners has
found salaries and wages for the same
service disproportionate; lack Of uni
formity in systems of bookkeeping in
State institutions:
THE dissimilarity In salaries could
not be better Illustrated than by an in
spection Of the past payrolls of the
State Reform School at Whittier, and OF
the Preston School of Industry. In the
one the Superintendent's salary was
$1,000 and maintenance, in the other
it is only 50, 400 with similar provision
the former being in excess Of the salary
of the Wardens of our State Prisons. A
further inspection of the salaries and
wages paid at the Home for Feeble
Minded Children, near Glen Ellen, where
the work is hard and long and delicate,
and Of the wages in our asylums for the
insane, will also show the lack of uni
formity; and in the asylums them
selves, for the same service, the wages
are so disproportionate among the ofh-
GERS that in some cases they are twice
as much for a certain service as In
others for a similar service.
Salaries of officers in institutions
frequently exceed those of constitutional
officials, who are required to possess
special training and undergo the ex-
pense of campaigns and perform dele
gated and responsible duties. Besides,
some of these institutional officers are
furnished with dwellings and ma1nte-
nance for themselves and families.
'If the Board of Examiners had the
power to reduce the number of en-
ployes and offices in State institutions
it could effect large economies and
make great savings in expenses. For
year to June 80, 1896, the asylums spent
cplp- Hon.
and for the five months to December
LIST, $4,000 less than allowed for that
time. Such economy continued Will
save for the two fiscal years S113,4SS
and the asylums be as well or better
maintained than ever. The Controller
shows by estimate a possible saving OF
S104, ,667 for the next two years over the
estimates Of two years ago, which
speaks well for the work Of the Board
of Examiners"
The Governor urges the creation Of a
central board Of charity to conserve
economy in the various institutions and
supervise their business and expenses,
and prescribe the number Of employees.
He says he does not favor the cutting OF
all wages where responsibility is in
ouired, nor would he have needed Off
ces abolished, nor the compensation OF
constitutional officers lowered from
$1,000, while some county officers re-
ceive twice or thrice as much.
At this point he quotes largely from
the report of the Controller dated De-
cember, 1896, showing increase of offices
and output of salaries from S36,S9O in
January, 1891, to S44, 700 in November
1896, exclusive of the pay rolls of State
institutions. The Governor also quotes
from the message Of Governor Markham
pointing out the extravagant expendi-
ture for commissions, etc.
Governor Budd points out that two
years ago he advised the transfer of the
duties of the Viticultural, Horticultural
and Mining Departments to the State
University, and the reorganization OF
District Agricultural Societies. The
Viticultural Commission was trans
fered by which, exclusive of printing
500. .451 were saved. He vetoed the ap-
propriations for the Agricultural Socie-
ties and saved thus S193. 900. BY trans
fer of the Horticultural Commission tc
the State Capitol and by the Board OF
Harbor Commissioners furnishing quar-
antine Offices further economy was Sc
cured. The estimate for this commits
sion Is $50, 600 less. Thus in three out o.
four boards the Legislature and the GOV
ernor have saved $40. 900 to the people
During his administration no need
lass offices have been created. Had tni:
recommendation been carried out, M
holds. equally large other saving woult
have been made notably In the MATES
of the coyote scalp bounty and th'
item for support of indigents. while
two items were stricken out by th'
Legislature on his recommendation ant
that OF Governor Markham, saving q
the State biennially SS00,000. Thus N
claims there has been saved to the stat
in total 81 ,239, ,451 TO- besides over 81
100000 in appropriation bills vetoed
not including savings IN adVerhsiha
constitutional amendments, In insan'
asylurns. in editing school books, IN re
ducfrIg the National Guard ana In scru
tfnszing bills before the State Board
Examiners.
He finds now a general disposition L
econorr1ize wherever saving can D
effected. and points out the severai IN
s.it,,t,ons that have been conducted 70
.,,rns very considerably below tn
amounts appropriated for them.
BOARD OF EXAMINERS.
.sxu,tle tbe Board Of Examiners !
compelled to pass upon the claims