New-York tribune., 1908-09-27

ence in this country and abroad committee OF
the Legislature at the last session recommended
a revision of the highway laws and the estap.
lishment of bureau Of highways, consisting OF
three commissioners, to secure both efficiency
and suitable continuity of organization ana
policy.
In order that there might be no claim of an
attempt to secure partisan advantage. the ap-
pointment of these commissioners has been leit
to the next Governor. Their positions and work
should be regarded as non-political Lest II De
said that this is another illustration or govern
ment by commission" it may be added that the
Democratic members of the committee or the
Legislature joined in the recommendations ana
that the plan was enacted by the Legislature
without party division.
BANKING LAW AMENDMENTS.
1 have already referred to the administration
or the Banking Department Following upon the
financial disturbance last fall in order that the
LEGISLATURE might have suitable recommended
tions before it soon as possible. l requested
unofficially six bankers of high reputation to act
commission to make report upon ADVISABLE
changes in the law in order to perfect our sys-
tenn of supervision.
AS a result of their recommendations and of
those of the Superintendent of Banks there has
been a notable Improvement in our laws. The
provision for reserves has been strengthened,
checks against corporate abuses have been sup
piled and the supervisory powers of the depart
ment have been increased. Through this legis-
lation the interests of depositors have been much
more safeguarded. Not least important is the
provision for liquidation in businesslike man
ner through the direct agency of the department
a most important measure securing protectlon
against the scandalous frittering away OF the
resources of insolvent institutions through eX-
+ penSiVe receiVerShipS.
THE INSURANCE LAWS
The Insurance Department has been strength
ened by provision for the increase in its force
and for improved administration. There cannot
be too great in protecting the interests of
the policyholders, and l desire that nothing
should be left undone to procure the faithful en-
dorsement of the laws which have been enacted
for hpi rrafpPfinn Through
these laws important economies have been Sc
cured and conservative management has been
promoted. If experience shows that in any par
ticular these are too drastic, amendment should
be made
vetoed bill passed at the last session which
would have modified restrictions upon expendi-
lures, because it was not conservative measure
such as it was we'll known 1 did not view with
disfavor. but would have opened the door to ex-
travagance and facilitated q return to old condi-
tions. 1 have but one desire in this matter, and
that is to conserve and promote the business of
life insurance, than which there is none more
important, and adequately to protect the inter-
ests of the policyholders. from which those of
the companies and agents cannot properly be
divorced.
Important legislation has also been enacted
for the better protection of our agricultural in
terests. Provision has been made to increase
the efficiency of the Agricultural Department,
and larger means have been placed at its dis
posal. The just interests of owners Of diseased
cattle have been recognized and more liberal
scale of compensation has been fixed. and ad-
ministration is proceeding along just and con-
servative lines.
We have made notable provision for agricult-
ural education. The State Agricultural School
at Cornell University has been built and
equipped. AS a suitable complement to its
work secondary agricultural schools have been
provided for. The general law has been amended
so as to require minimum annual appropria-
ton for the benefit Of the agricultural societies
of $3.50 900. The plan devised for the develop
nent of the state fair on scale worthy of the
state is now IN process of execution. and the
State Fair Commission has been reorganized
upon better basis.
We have also added to the long list of enact
ments under Republican administration in the
interest of labor.