Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-10-09
Gen. MCCullough's Recommendations

Not few compliments have been given
Governor McCullough's message as a
short, busness-like document the read
ing of which is a genuine pleasure. How
ever one may differ from the governor in
relation to the various matters discussed,
it must be conceded that his views are
presented in concise. yet comprehensive
manner, betokening the man accustomed
to deal with broad affairs.
The governor commends to the public
the retiring message of his predecessor as
one worthy of study, embracing as it does
an exhaustive and comprehensive view of
the affairs of state for the past two years.
He goes still further than Governor Stick
ney went in urging a reduction in en-
penses by expressing the opinion that all
the expenses of the State government can
be met by indirect taxation. This has
just been practically accomplished in the
State of New York, and the success at
tending the labors of Tax Commissioner
Cushman would seem to justify the hope
that the time may soon come when no
direct tax will be necessary in Vermont.
In discussing the referendum Governor
Mccullough emphasizes the fact that what
ever law is submitted to the people in ac-
cordance with pledges already given,
courts and judges should be removed as
far as possible from politics and the mat
ter of considering licenses. therefore,
should be entrusted to some other depart
ment or to boards specially raised up for
the purpose. He also calls attention to a
variety of considerations that should be
taken into account in the framing of a
law to be submitted to the people for
| their approval or rejection, recognizing
the supreme Importance of the step.
Governor Mccullough says the political
primary should be surrounded by the
same safeguards as the election; that
caucuses should be held on the same DAY
and hour throughout the State; that
check lists should be provided; that the
election of candidates should be by ballot
1t is a foregone conclusion that the Leg
islature will pass caucus law, and every
suggestion should be carefully considered
in order that we may have the best posi-
BILE law.
The desirabilty of good roads empha.
sized by Governor Mccullough is gener-
ally recognized 1t is true that improved
highways would increase farm values
and that nothing would serve more tc
| bring to our borders summer tourists. II
there is to be any increase in taxation fol
highways. as recommended in the COVER
nor's message, however, provision SHOULD
be made that the money raised in eaci
county be expended on the roads therein
There Is no good reason why the peopl,
of Rutland, for example. should be taxet
for support of roads in Essex county blu
it would be perfectly right and proper TO
the city of Rutland to help pay for tn,
roads in the surrounding towns tributar,
to it, for people drive from all parts o
the county to the shire town.
Governor Mccullough emphasizes In
desrability of a few wise and well con
sidered laws that will promote the wei
fare and prosperity Of the State, in pref
erence to great mass Of legislation Xix
so much of that which cumbers our stat
ute books, and the Legislature will d
we'll to bear this in mind. The question
is not how many laws a legislature ca
pass. but how many it can refrain fror
passing.