Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1909-01-07

long time too much special legislation
and special charter legislation by the
general assembly. This tendency
opens the way for bad legislation and
il should be discouraged in this body
The trend among the best governed
commemorative today is toward re
duction Of special legislation to n min
imum and toward as great a uniform
ity in charters as it is possible to on
tain. Our Gties ask for larger meas
ure Of home rule and only those who
are given the responsibility of man
agement of city affairs can appreciate
how much justice there is in this re-
quest. These things should be borne
in mind in your deliberations.
Governors Veto.
The veto power of the governor of
this commonwealth is an anomaly. AS
the governors veto can be overridden
by a majority vote, it is only a privil-
eye to express his opinion and has lit
tie force. The example Of the federal
government and Of the great majority
of state governments which require
two-thirds vote 70 override the veto OF
an executive, might well be followed
by this state.
Divorce.
While the laws of Connecticut in all
probability fairly represent the views
of TIE people of this state as to the
causes which should be recognized as
grounds for divorce, the law concerning
the recognition Of foreign divorces
should be rendered more certain. It
is also probable that reforms of pro-
cedure could be adopted which would
tend to obviate the r ssibilitX Of fraud
or collision in procuring such DEGREES.
1 invite the careful attention Of the
general assembly to this subject.
Direct Primaries Commission.
A special commission appointed dur
ing the term of office Of my predeces-
sor to consider the subject OF direct
primaries is said to be ready to make
its report to this general assembly.
The report. on account Of the high
character of the gentlement composing
the commission and the study they
have given to the subject, merits your
thoughtful consideration.
Report of Factory Inspector.
Your attention is called to the report
OF the factory inspector, particularly
to that part dealing with the operation
Of the law concerning the employment
of women and minors.
I am OF tn eopinion that an amend
ment should be passed 20 clear up the
existing uncertainties. and I recon-
mend a reduction in fhe hours Of labor
Tor women ana minors ana q raising
of the age limit for minors to include
sixteen years.
Conclusion.
Finally. gentlemen, the most super
fetal reflection upon these and other
matters that should engage your pat
riotic attention must make you SEN
sible of your solmen trust. It is not a
light thing to feel that the splendid
traditions of our state are in our hands.
As we have received gloriously, let us
transmit nobIy. To insure this one
thing only is necessary-th we obey
our best impulses. Let us scorn the
corrupt or selfish reward and sternly
punish him who is recreant to the laws
of honesty.
l earnestly wish you personal hap
Riness and collective honor. You may
2'hicve them by adherence to your
beSt ideals and make the present ses-
sion of the general assembly memorable
for its patriotic wisdom and concrete
achievement. May the generous Prov
idence that has heaped us with His
bounty guide you in your deliberations
and further bless the commonwealth
of Connecticut.