Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1907-01-10
MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
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MESSAGES OF THE GOVERNORS.

MESSAGES OF THE GOVERNORS.
The messages of Governor Sarles |
and Governor Burke will furnish the
members of the legislature with food
for consideration in their delibera-
lions. Messages from executives to
legislative bodies are required by the
constitution and laws, for the purpose
of giving the representatives of the
people information of the affairs of
as executive experience finds to be
wise, and, in the case of incoming
executives, for the purpose of ac-
quainting the legislature with the
wishes of the executive in the matter
of legislation. Messages serve also
not infrequently as campaign docu-
ments for political parties and the
temptation to set forth a little timely
campaign material is not always easy
to resist. The message of Governor
Burke, while not dealing to any great
extent with the affairs of the state
specifically or particularly, follows to
a considerable extent the lines of the
democratic platform, and calls for
8 such legislation as public feeling
seems at this time to favor, although
the recommends cations are in general
and sometimes academic terms Pri-
mary election everyone seems to be
agreed upon. Anti-pass legislation
has a considerable following. Legis-
lation regulating railroads is always a
timely recommendation whether an
executive be republican or democrat.
So that the message of Governor
Burke is suggestive rather than an
offer of any specific plan of legisla-
ton. The craftsmanship of the
judiciary and Of the elective officers
having to do with school matters is
something that can be supported with
sound logic and combated with per-
haps euqal. force. We have dis
covered however, that non-partisan-
ship is a good deal of delusion in
practice, and that it is perhaps more
often preached by the man of the
subordinate than the dominant party.
The governors recommendations
with regard to the government, regula-
ton and taxation of railroads are not
radical and by no means those of a
railroad batter" The matter of fix
Ing railroad rates is one that any
legislative body will find it difficult to
deal with, unless after prolonged re-
search and enormous expense Pos
Sibly it will be we'll to await the ex-
pertinent of the federal authorities |
with rate regulation before seeking |
to add to the confusion of litigation |
In this matter. With regard to what |
should be the attitude of the state
board Of equalization in the taxation
of railroads, every fair minded man
Will agree with the governors state
ment that all property, public or
private, should pay its Just and pro-
portionate share of tax. The only I
question is as to what share the rail |
roads are paying at present, when
considered in connection with the |
share paid by individuals. The ques-
lion is not SO much one of principle as
one of detail.
The message of Governor Sarles !
was fuller document, dealing with |
the departmental affairs OF the state
and pointing out particulars in which
he believes the laws can be amended
to facilitate the states business and
better the conduct of its affairs. He
sets forth some facts with reference
to the finances of the state that are
of particular interest, showing the
sum OF more than a half million dol
lars paid during the past two years
i for permanent improvements at state
institutions, and for expenses that
may be classed as extraordinary, I'm
addition to the payment Of the current
expenses of the government Of the
state and its institutions. He also
shows balance in the general fund
Of more than $50 900 at the first OF the
year. after the payment Of these
more than usual expenses Other
recommendations deal largely with
matters Of administration detail dur
! ing the biennial period, with some.
suggestions regarding state institu-
rfons that should be of interest and
vaiue to the Legislature.
Some of the suggestions In the two
messages are largely similar, notably
those dealing with primary election.
mniforn taxation, car shortage and