New-York tribune., 1901-01-03
THE GOVERyOR's MESSAGE.

Governor Odell mad so clearly indicated in
various ways since he was elected his under
standing Of the things most essential 10 thor
oughly creditable administration of State affairs
that it was quite safe 10 forecast the general
character of his first message to the Legislat-
ure delivered yesterday. Its keynote is econ
omy. not merely possible accompaniment
of efficiency, hut Indispensable condition
of efficiency This view of the matter is sound
Beyond a doubt extravaganza not only tends
powerfully TO b.eed actual corruption, but in
evitably fosters low conception of what is due
TO the public from its servants, and i'm effect
progressively converts natural capacity and
rectitude of purpose into Incompetence and inf
deity. The least attentive observation of gov
ernmental affairs shows continual growth of
expenditures out of all proportion to the in
crease of public business transacted, and the
Governor has done well to call attention thus
conspicuously at the beginning of his term 10
one of the most serious and indeed. dangerous
evils of the time. Whatever may be thought of
his specific recommendations, he handles his
subject with refreshing freedom and decision.
There is nothing perfunctory about the message.
1t 'says things in way TO command hear
ing. and is sure TO engage attention 10 an un-
usual degree In fact. we had reason TO know
within a few hours after its delivery that it was
already under anxious discussion in various
quarters of the State
Reserving important proposals which the Gov
ernor has made. presumably after careful
thought, for further consideration, we may
properly say at once that we heartily sympa-
thize with his desire TO simplify and concen-
trate the management of numerous branches of
the State government and 10 assign the work
that they involve as far as possible TO the de-
ernment by commission has become a great
abuse in this State. That sort of administrative
machinery cannot be dispensed with, but it
ought TO be reduced in quantity. 1t can be
abolished in part. and have no doubt that
II can be consolidated TO a considerable extent
with positive advantage to the State. financially
and otherwise. There would seem TO be no
reason why such single Department of Labor,
for example, as the Governor recommends in
place of the Board of Arbitration. Bureau of
Labor Statistics and the State Factory In
spectors should not conveniently perform their
respective duties, and the Fisheries Game and
Forest Commissions and the Forest Preserve
Board might be combined with good results
Other recommendations in this general line and
especially those affecting the State Board of
Charities and the Lunacy Commission are sure
to be stoutly opposed on unseIfish grounds and
should not be hastily commended. 1t must
be admitted, however. with reference to the
State Board of Charities that there is a great
preponderence of desire on the part of those
most sincerely devoted to charitable work In
this city, If not also in the State, TO wipe out
what they regard as the disturbing interference
of the Board In private works of beneficence.
To the fundamental question of taxation Gov
ernor Odell has obviously given much thought
and in his nfi In
general his views as to the necessity of effect
ing more equitable distribution Of the burdens
of government sound, and his specific ap-
proval of the principle of franchise taxation,
perhaps imperfectly embodied in the present
law, is particularly useful at this time when
forces are known to be at work for it's repeal
The entire exemption of mortgages from taxa
ton is highly desirable, and the Governor does
not hesitate TO suggest means for accomplish
ing that object, including the uniform taxation
of the capital of banks and trust companies and
of the surplus of savings banks. Whether the
latter exaction might not operate TO reduce the
interest on deposits is question TO be seriously
considered. To the same end, that of relieving
the mass Of taxpayers directly or indirectly
bearing a heavy load, would tend the measures
of economy t0 which we have already referred
in general terms The Governor specifies with
hensible examples of extravaganza as the cost
Of collecting the inheritance tax, the States
monstrous printing bills and the grossly ex-
cessive remuneration of various county officers
within the limits of this city.
1t is singular fact that with all the serious
talk and eager gossip about police reorganization
in New-York no hint has been given of the
Governors plan for abolishing the office of Chief
of Police of this city and making the pronosed
single Commissioner the executive as we'll as
the administrative head Of the force. He would
have that officer, appointed by the Mayor, re-
movable by either the Mayor or the Governor
and. with a decisive dismissal of the State
constabulary and metropolitan police schemes.
offers this as his solution of the problem which
has been under discussion so long OF course.
it is new only in the particular Just mentioned,
but that is an exceedingly interesting novelty.
AT first thought 1t may seem to put TOO great
an amount and variety Of work on the Com
missioner but inasmuch as he would be PRO
vided with such deputies as he required that
may not be a serious objection wellnigh
complete concentration of authority and respon-
sibility would be the immediate consequence
and unquestionably that Is what the people of
New-York are now generally demanding
The foregoing among the more notable
subjects with which Governor OdelPs first
message deals, but it should be said that it
comprehends the whole range Of State inter-
ests and shows no lack of candor at any point
II will be read and debated with more in
terest than any Governors message for years.
because it puts aside generalities and gives d.
rect and definite attention TO radical defects i'm
administration. II will also command special
interest because 1t comes from q man who has