The record-union., 1899-01-16

~
the brief message of Governor Gage,
delivered as part Of the inaugural cere-
monies on Wednesday last, seems to
give encouragement that his admins
tration will be economical and the af-
fairs Of State conducted on business
lines
A STRONG DOCUMENT.
Los Angeles Express: Governor
Cages inaugural address is one of the
strongest official documents ever laid
before the State Legislature and the
people of California. Its keynote is
found in the following sentence
1T is my inflexible resolve to oppose
all unjust and excessive appropriations
as well as all other improper measures,
with firm veto.''
That is eninently satisfactory to the
heavily -burdened taxpayers of the
State, but what is better, the Governor
does not stop there, but goes ahead,
and points out what, in his opinion,
are existing mistakes and abuses.
There is only one thing left to be done,
and that is to carry out the RECON-
mendations made; and those who know
the stuff of which Mr.. Gage is made
are entertaining no fears on this score.
THE INAUGURAL.
Santa Rosa Republican,: Many sub
jects are discussed in Governor Cages
message. Most Of them pertain to his
duties as Governor. Just enough is
said about National politics to make it
apparent that he stands with the adj
vance sentiment of his party on the
great issue of our time.
The message is a distinctive declara-
ton in favor of economy. This is the
sentiment that especially characterizes
the document throughout. Our new
chief executive of the State demands
that the burdnes of taxation be light
ened in State institutions, State offices.
elections and in fact all along the line.
The spirit of the message is superb
throughout. It is manly. a patriotic
utterance. II Governor Gage accom-
plishes what he has undertaken he will
prove himself a true friend of the peo-
le-commanding their confidence and
receiving their commendation.
THE CZAR IN EARNEST.
The Oregonian: The Gar is, it seems,
in earnest about his peace and disarm-
ament proposition and nations that
have responded favorably to his invi-
tation to send delegates to his peace
conference will appear, through their
representatives, in St. Petersburg, in
May. Nicholas will be ready for them
with plans and specifications for the
disarmament of the Powers, which are
expected to receive earnest considera-
tion, if not Endorsement In the mean
time iC hot
battle-ships of every nation, including
Russia France and Spain are upon
the verge of that most distressing of
all conf1icts-civil war. England is en-
trenching herself in Egypt, ready for
all comers, and the partition of China
is among the probabilities of the near
future. Having had our war and won
our victory, we are peacefully dispos-
ed at present-but not on the disarma-
ment basis. Our experience of what it
is to be caught unprepared is too re-
cent for that.
THE NEW GOVERNOR.
San Jose Mercury: If Governor Gage
shall display in his conduct of the
States affairs wisdom equal to that Of
his utterances in his inaugural address,
California will be blessed with an ad-
ministration cleaner, more economical
and more efficient than it has had for
many years. The numerous concise
and pithy sentences interspersed
throughout the message evidences a
mind that is familiar with the funda-
mental principles of good government
should be remedied. Here are a few
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THE best governed State has the
fewest laws, and the wisdom of legis-
lators may sometimes be shown to the
advantage of the public by refraining
from legislation.
Were our law makers to spend more
time in repeating than in enacting sur
plus statutes, the public interest would
be better subserved
"The State, as well as each depart
ment Of it, should live within its actual
means.
Public money is trust fund which
public officers are obligated by their
oaths to protect against waste.
The money of the State should be
limited to the States necessities. and
splendor is never State necessity.
'The money Of the State is as sacred
in ownership as the money of the indi-
vidual"
Governor Gage has begun we'll. He
has given the keynote Of his admins
tration economy and a faithful use Of
the peoples money. He would like to
see fewer laws and better ones, and if
the Legislature follows his suggestions
and recommendations, it cannot go
wrong.
MEANS WHAT 1T SAYS.
Riverside Enterprise; The Presidents
message means exactly what it says.
The Filipinos can come in under the
flag in peace without war, or they can
come in after they are whipped. But
come in they must, for no backward
step will be taken, and the archipelago
will be won for progress and for civil
ization in spite of threats abroad and
doubts at home.
VOTING MACHINES.
Woodland Democrat: We sincerely
hope that the effect Of the Chronicles"
expose of an alleged voting machine
combine will not be to induce the Legis-
lature to abandon all efforts to find and
adopt a machine that will do the work
required. Our present system of count
ing votes is expensive and imperfect,
and often necessitates delays that are
both annoying and dangerous. In this
connection it is matter Of simple JUS
tice to say that the opinion is gaining
ground that the Ellis voting machine
is better one than the Christensen
which was recommended by the COM
mission.
SUGGESTED POSTAL CHANGE.
San Leandro Reporter: In the East
L. e. L y.