The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1900-01-12
FRIDAY. JANUARY 10, 1900.
GOV. VOORHEES, MESSAGE.

sumed the executive direction OF tine
affairs of the busy State of New Jer-
sey. he has had an eventful admins
tration, which reflects ITSELF in his
first message to the Legislature. II
has merit and discusses a variety OF
subjects in a marked difference OF
literary temperament. The message
is especially interesting in that while
some portions of it partake of a
roseate hue, others SAVIOR strongly OF
NORWOOD Taken, however, as a
document indicating the temperament
of an exceedingly active and positive
Governor, it is worthy of not only
ordinary perusal, but deep reflection.
The full text of this message will be
found elsewhere in the Chronicle.
Governor Voorhees, has generally
been credited with having the courage
Of his convictions and at times has
had the conviction that either his
head and heart were wrong, but never
both at the same time. There are
some things in his message which
clearly indicates that he does his own
thinking, and be does it to suit
himself, as is the case with his de-
Tense of the States Industrial School
for Girls and the stronger defense of
his own action in connection with the
school during the recent critical
period of its history.
The Governor in the beginning of
his message makes the welcome state
ment that the little State of New Jer-
sey is nearly 500, 900 richer than it
was year ago. This represents the
increase Of the States income over
that of 1898. This is cheerful news to
convey to the representatives of the
people. The greater part of this comes
from the corporations, particularly
those of an industrial and commercial
character.
There are other comforting things
in Governor Voorhees, booklet. Promi-
nently and rightly so is the statement
that we did our duty faithfully to-
ward the Federal Government in con
nection with the Spanish-American
war and that there is coming to us
from Uncle Sam, in cash or supplies,
1868, 144, ID.
What the Chief Executive has to say
on the Hospitals for the Insane is of
particular interest to the readers of the
Chronicle. He favors the completion
of the work at Morris Plains and
new building for the Trenton Asylum.
Governor Voorhees, speaks with
commendable frankness on the injus-
tice of the County Asylum scheme
and its attending evils and though he
urges legislation, it is not possible
that such action can be secured, be-
cause it touches the pockets of many
rural counties-a dangerous procedure.
The Executive deprecates the fact
that owing to Misunderstanding the
appropriation of $25, 900 made last
year was not forthcoming, and he also
calls attention to the fact, after stat
ing "a very large number of appli-
cants for admittance were declined, y
that i'll case the Commission had re-
ceived the amount intended to be APP
propriated at least fifty patients would
have been received, and he further
states that in view of the circum-
stances attending the failure of the
appropriation, have no hesitancy in
recommending that like amount be
provided for in the Supplemental
Bill, so that it may become i'm
mediately available for the uses of the
school 7"
The Commission is thoroughly com
petent to handle so important mat
ter as the establishment Of this colony
At its head is the Rev J. NJ Buck
ley, d. D., who has made practical
study at home and abroad of the best
methods for treating epileptic patients
The plans proposed by the Board for
the Home will embody the best fea-
lures of the several colonies already
established and which are so success
fully operated elsewhere. The
Legislature can we'll afford to be
generous in the appropriation for
this object.
The Governor is evidently very
much in earnest to secure remedy
for the pollution of public streams.
This is shown by his generous dis
cussion of the subject and his prompt
appointment of the State Sewerage
Commission
He encourages the State Board of
Taxation in its work to secure an
equitable distribution of franchise
tax so that both state and municipal
ity shall be satisfied, unmindful,
however, of the spirit that may exer-
else the corporations who are directly
interested
In view of the criticisms that have
been made as to the State Reform
School for Boys, he devotes chapter
to its good purposes and management.
Governor Voorhees, shows that the
State Prison has been financial sue
cess, but makes no reference to the
troubles which gave he institution
so much unpleasant notoriety, and
caused half-dozen suspensions
among the employees during the year
There are many interesting facts in
the message, which renders it his
torical document we'll worth preserv-
ing. 1t undoubtedly cost many hours
of labor and it contains facts and