Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-01-14
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE,

The message Of Governor Heber NJ.
Wells to the Legislature OF the state
of Utah at its fifth session is well
worthy OF careful reading, as II con-
tains many valuable suggestions and Is
oouched In plain and concise language
with well rounded sentences. The chief
criticism passed upon 1t is It's extreme
length. This occasions hesitation on
the part Of the average reader TO en-
ter upon It's perusal, but the epltome
given by the News" al the head of
the message proper, enables hasty or
busy people to obtain an understanding
of It's principal topics. There Is no
need on our part for any further sum
mary Of its contents.
While some portions Of the message
might perhaps have been abbreviated
without marring Il, the careful and
conservative manner In which the yarl-
Gus subjects II treats of are handled,
appeals to the appreciation Of all who
are interested in the progress. welfare
and needs Of our growing State. That
they will all receive serious considera-
ton by the Legislature may be looked
upon as settled.
There is one matter, however, which
he presents with which our State Leg
islature has nothing practical to do;
that Is, the election OF United States
Senator By popular vote. While we
may coincide with his sentiments the
fact which the Governor recognizes.
that the change Of method involves an
amendment to the Constitution of the
United States. places il out OF the pow
or and the province of State legislators
to provide for the desired reform.
Some comments have been made as
TO the Governors recommendation con-
corning the salaries Of the judges OF the
Supreme Court. Notwithstanding the
reluctance Of many estimable citizens
10 raising the amount. we must say we
endorse the Governors Views, ana be-
lieye the proposed change to be not
only just and wise but fully In line
with the provisions Of the state Con-
stltution in reference to this NATTER
Its application to the present incum-
bents Is as clear as II was in reference
10 other State officers. who have al
ready legally received the Dement'S Oh
the advance IN salary.
one of the most important subjects
touched upon IN the message Is that Oh
irrigation. And It requires the most
dudiclous treatment. Some changes III
the existing laws are absolutely nee
essary. in order that Utah may obtain
The benefits Of the new National lrri-
cation law. But In making them our
legislators should be careful not to es-
tablish anything that VIII interfere
with the prior rights OF water-users'
nor upset the settlements as to respec-
five water claims which have been
made by the courts. our Constitution
projects inc llbhNH Va iAtNh' fNNN
companies, and It must not be ignored
in any legislation that may be under
taken.
The advancement Of the State as SET
forth in the Governors address, IN us
financial, educational and material IN
terests, is truly gratifying and en-
couraging, and his advice as to tho
maintenance and improvement OF our
state institutions is timely and TO the
point. The message shows close insight
into the affairs Of the state, sincere
desire for the general welfare ana a
statesmanlike grasp Of the CHIEF needs
of the times We commend II to the
attention Of the public as well as OF
the members Of the Legislature with
the confident assurance that 1t WIZ
meet with general favor and appropa'
st,,,