Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1902-01-16
MESSAGE OF VOORHEES,.

Governor Foster NJ. voorhees, has
sent to the one hundred and twenty
sixth session of the New Jersey legis-
iature his last annual message. He
gives an extensive review of various
topics which have been brought prom
anently before the public during the
last year of his term and commits
himself to recommendations for GER
tain changes in state governmental af-
fairs, etc.
Governor Voorhees, takes an unquali-
hed stand for the election of United
States senators by popular vote in
stead of by the vote of the legislature.
He advocates that either one of two
methods by which the present system
can be changed be followed by the
legislature. The message comments
favorably on the manner in which the
state institutions have been managed
and touches on the accomplishments
OF various commissions appointed by
the governor for the purpose of re-
vising statues, etc.
The retiring governor states that the
income for 1901 was the largest in the
states history and illustrated by a ia.
bic that the treasury received during
that period an amount which exceeded
the receipts of 1900 by more than $780,
0UU.
The message refers to the necessi-
ty for the preservation of forests and
to the question of the disposal of the
sewage Of cities along the Passaic riv-
er, especially Newark. 1t also deals
with anarchy and its relation to Presi-
dent McKinley's assassination and
dwells on the death of Senator SeweIl
and the legislatures duty in choosing
his successor.
Gentlemen of the Senate and General AS
sembly:
Herewith is handed to you my last an
nual message. This is done in compliance
with the constitution, which requires the
executive to communicate to you the con-
dition of the state and recommend such
measures as he may deem expedient.
While propriety forbids me- an outgoing
governor, to indulge in boastful narrative
of that which while in office have been
enabled to do for the common good of the
state, l need urge no excuse for saying
not by way of apology for deeds of COM
mission, but by way of excuse for acts of
omission, that the full measure of per-
sonal desire has not been realized. Com
plete satisfaction comes to few. The hope
however, is INDUCED that some things
have been done which will make for the
happiness, prosperity and good govern
ment of the commonwealth whose inter-
ests are so dear to us all
l shall soon lay down my office. Its duties
VIII be taken up by another who is full
worthy to succeed. May 1 not be permit
ted to express the earnest wish that he
may in the days of the term soon to begin
find in the legislative branch of govern
ment the same spirit of cordial co-opera-
ton and the same desire to promote the
best interests of all that have proved SO
helpful to me.
Our constitution requires me to commu-
nicate to the legislature the condition of
the state.
OF this you will be fully advised by the
reports of the different boards and of the
state officials, who are charged annually
to give to you or to me account of their
transactions and of the conditions of the
Resp ctive institutions under their care.
These reports are laid before you and will
will be found clear and full account of
all transactions of the year so far they
relate to the state, and by them you may
be advised its condition. Little good
can come from repetition by. me of what
is there so well said. In the limits of a
message there could be set forth no more
than brief resume, and this would avail
YOU little. To them / must refer you for
your instruction, earnestly bespeaking for
them your careful and thorough study.
Management of State Affairs.
The state is to be congratulated. It's af-
fairs during the year just closed have
been managed with a marked efficiency.
Boards bipartisan in character have con-
tributed to this result. They who make
not the interests of party. but those of the
public their rule of conduct serve the
state best. Frequent and in many cases
almost dali contact with the public Off
Gals during more than three years past
has shown to me the ZEAL the conscien-
tious effort and the personal sacrifice dis
played in public service. In their reports
are described the varying needs of the in
situations and departments committed to
their care. Where those in charge ask for
help they should receive your generous
consideration. You may differ with them
as to the wisdom of some of their recon-
nendations. and you may doubt the ne
cessity for the immediate action which
they urge, but of the honesty of their
purpose ana the unSelI1Sn mai uT0 Oh Their
requests there is no room for doubt What |
they ask should have your uareful and pa
tent though and De granted If possible, |
always keeping in mind the urgency of
their wants and the need for economy in |
administering the affairs of the state.
The executive is also directed by the |
constitution to make to the legislature |
such recommended as he shall see fit.
The close of another week will mark the |
end of the term of the present governor. |
There Is no need therefore for lengthy |
discussion of those plans and methods |
which in his judgment should be followed
by others who are soon to assume the
burdens and the responsibilities of gov /;
eminent That force will not attach to his |
advice which comes with the utterances of |
one clothed with full powers of public sta |
lion. Soon there will be new executive. |
His should be the general policies to be |
followed To him and to you so far as you |
act with him will come the responsibility |
for what may be done, and to sfn and to .
you will belong the credit for effort wor-
thy of praise and endeavor crowned with /
success.
Voorhees, Recommendations.
That there may be a compliance with |
the constitution some few recommenda-
ftons are herewith submitted. They are /
such as to evoke no well founded criticism |
as to their propriety and, 1t is hoped, will |
awaken such opposition only as springs |
from honest difference of opinion as to the |
wisdom of their adoption. They are not +
offered to forestall those recommendations
which when embodied in form Of perma- /
nent law will show forth pronounced poll
cies peculiarly personal to the administra- |
fiora soon to begin Some, If not all. 1t is
hoped. will meet with approval and re-
ceiye your favorable action.
The majority of the citizens OF the state
do not know the value of the publications
fssued by it from time to time. Some of /
these reports. it must be confessed, are
merely fieeting and temporary in charac-
Ter. but many are Of great and permanent
interest. They are suggestive and helpful
and would II more widely circulated and
raad bv the people bring TO them great
-1z=,.....1.1a.ra of the affairs of the state