The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-01-13
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

While the message delivered by Gov.
Leedy to the legislature yesterday viii
take rank among the longest docu-
ments of it's kind, it is nevertheless con-
spicuous for the limited number of
recommendations it contains.
liberal policy toward the state
charitable and educational institutions
is recommended. The recommended
tions of the state bank commissioner
regarding needed changes in the bank
ing laws are Endorsed. The policy of
drilling the inmates of the reform
school in military tactics is strongly
condemned, and instruction in indus
trial arts is suggested instead. The
consolidation of all the boards for the
supervision of state Institutions into
two is suggested.
The clause devoted to railroad legis-
lation suggests maximum freight rate
bill with additional power for the board
of railroad commissioners. The failure
of such legislation is, however, antici-
pated, and as a final remedy for exist
ing conditions the building of the North
and South railroad by the state is rec
commended. This clause of the message
is the only one which could by any
stretch of Imagination be classed as
radical.
The suggestion of the building of par
alleled railroads to tide water will be.
looked upon rather as a threat than as
something which is actually to be car
ried into effect as a feasible PROPOSE
ton.
On the theory that silence gives con-
sent, it must be taken for granted that
the governor is satisfied with the pro-
hibitory liquor law as it exists and with
q prpSa0f constitution 10 in no
way refers to either question anywhere
in the message. Those who expected
declared administration policy on these
matters are doomed to disappointment.
The governors silence seems open to
but two constructions; either he is sat
isfied with things as they are, or he
feared to take a stand on one side or
the other. Judging by the general es-
timation of the character of the man,
perhaps the public generally will lean
to the first conclusion; that is, that he
would leave both the constitution and
the prohibitory law as they are, though
future developments may alter this
view.
The message certainly contains moth
ing calculated to alarm anybody, es-
pecially the eastern widows and or
phans'' who have Investments in the
such investments. His structures on
the federal courts are severe, but per-
haps not wholly without warrant.
Very little is said about mortgages
and loans; a good recommendation is
made for the recording of mortgage as
signments in a manner that will pre-
vent double payments and fraudulent
Investment companies are deserVedly
scored. These suggestions should meet
with the hearty Endorsement of both
capital and thrift.
AS an. incendiary document the mes
sage will be a disappointment to the
east, which has made dire predictions.
The financial moving for Kansas,
the great educational privileges open
to every child, the generosity of the
state to all her own unfortunate in adj
dition to importations thrust upon US
by the numerous waits sent from New
York and other cities. all tend to prove
that comparisons with Kansas throw,
odium on the Atlantic coast critics and
the localities in which they dwell.