Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-12-15

function suitable for the state to I'M
dertake, il accepted by the governor,
and all necessary expense incurred in
carrying out such function are au-
thorized under the practice SO long
sanctioned in this state, as much as
though directed by special act. Such
matters have always been left with
the governor and after understanding
the subject all seem to recognize au-
thority for what the governors have
done.
wish, also, to say that | see no ex-
celIence in a governor because he pays
or asks his staff TO pay the expenses of
state function. If il is the govern
or's private function let him pay the
bills; on the other hand, If it is state
function and conducted by him Off
cially, let the state pay the bills; in
other words. the state should pay its
own bills, and in such matters the
duty OF the governor is to exercise
good judgment in undertaking and
economy in discharging such require
ments so they may be kept within rea-
sonable bounds.
Perhaps it will be conceded that
more was crowded into my admins
tration than into the average admin
istration and possibly it would have
been wiser to have sighted more pub
lie exactions, but, following the light
as it was given in each instance, ]
sought to do the best, and as il turns
out, cost the state a few hundred dol
lars beyond the ordinary record, which
appears to be the rub.
The three affairs occasioning this
excess were more than other govern
ors have undertaken and from their
importance required expensive repre-
sensations. The state was called
upon to be represented on two oc.
casioDs in professions the equal
of any ever seen anywhere, and | did
not think the people would want its
representations at these demonstra-
tons in buggy, or located with a
colonel or two at some hotel for the
sake OF saving a few dollars, so pro-
vided according to what seemed to be
a better Judgment, assisted by one of
the most prudent state officials.
am aware of the disposition TO
make. the governor who costs the state
the least the greatest, but you will ex-
cuse me from any share in such a
thought. Such governor may be
the best or he may be the poorest. MY
was to give the state suit
able service in every public particular
and have 1t cost as little as possible.
To put it in commercial phrase, give
the state straight goods, ali wool and
a yard wide, at the lowest market
price.
| compare accounts with Gov. Dill
bingham only because our admin;stra-
tions were nearest alike in execution
OF public functions, manner of con-
Quoting them, and volume of expense
incurred in discharging them. We
are responsible for having done the
most in a certain way for the state OF
any of the governors asked to render
an account of their stewardships, and
having used the talents entrusted to
US as best we knew how, have re-
turned them and await the judgment
Of progressive people in progress
sive age.
Then discarding imitation and i'm.
proper classifications and allowing
proper credits, comparatively. upon a
lair basis, the official cost to the treas
lry OF the last five governors is rela-
lively as follows:
Dillingham; 81, 220.cO |
Page, $780,
Fuller, l,637.Q0 |
10000 |
5rout, 2,654.00 |
And in view OF what each did, with
n and without, for the state, you are |
eft toyour own conclusions.
am sincerely,
JOSIAH GRouT.
Derby, VT, Dec. 5, 1898.