Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1910-01-19
Right to Appeal to People Might
Modify Criticism,
GOVERNOR HARMON PREsmEs
Principal Speech of.SessiOn is by Gov
ernor Hughes.
PROPER SCOPE OF CONFERENCE
Address IL Devoted to Problems
Wherein Exchange of Ideas and
Cooperation VIII BE
Helpful.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1s-In welcoming
the conference OF governors at the White
house this afternoon President Taft in
dulged in little good-natured speculation
as to how the English system on executive
authority might work in this country,
especially with respect to giving the execu-
tive the right to argue matters out with
the legislative branch and go before the
people. He said he would like to have
heart to heart talks with some OF the
governors as to their methods of legisla-
tion.
II would especially like to ask Governor
Harmon how he manages with demo-
cratic legislature out in Ohio"
II can assure him!' President Taft con-
tinued, that there are struggles even
when you have a congress which nomin-
ally is of your own party. There is no
use mourning over our lack of the Eng
lish system OF government in this country
for we can never have it, but you COVER
nors, as well as I, have telt the injustice
of criticism which comes to the executive
because OF lack OF the English system"
President Taft addressed the governors as
MY dear fellow executives and fellow suf
ferers."
Governor Hughes of New York and for
mer Mayor Seth Low OF New York City
were the speakers at this afternoons ses-
sion.
Governor Hughes discussed Governors
conferences their scope and purpose"
Governor Harmon of Ohio the presiding
officer introducing the New York gov
ernor as one who has shown qualities We
all want to see in public life"
I'm view Of his recent announcement that
he is going to retire from public lfe,'
said Governor Harmon, Il want to say
we are all sorry and hope 1t is limited
announcement"
Address of Governor Hughes.
Governor Hughes said in part:
AT the outset tho relation and proper
| limitations Of our efforts should be recog-
nized. We are here In our own right as
state executives. We are not here. l as
sumo, to deal with questions which ars
admitted to be OF exclusively national con-
Germ These are matters to be dealt with
by the federal government The people OF
the states in their capacity as cltzehs of
the United States are represented by the
president and congress. We are not here
to accelerate or to develop opinion with re-
gard to matters which have been ccm-
mitted to federal power.
But where state action is involved, it Is
the prerogative of the state governor either
to act II the subject lies within his admin
! istrative authority, or to make recon-
nendations to the legislature IL the ac-
tion be legislative And It is those matters
which may properly be the subject Of Of
ficial consideration on the part of state
executive that l conceive to fall within
the province of this conference of state
governors.
| Whatever view may be taken Of the ad-
visibility of extending federal power or
of a wider exercise OF existing federal
! power, it is manifest that the future pros
perity of the country must largely depend
upon the efficiency of state governments.
Proper local administration is necessary
complement of essential federal adminis-
traton. National activities inevitably Ill
widen and II we are to prevent an excessive
strain upon national administration, we
must develop our local agencies to their
maximum efficiency within their proper
spheres. We are fortunate In having our
local bases Of administration reinforced by
sentiment and tradition. And the ad-
vantages Of our dual system are so great
that we should aim to reduce TO the fullest
extent possible, through mutual intercourse
and harmonious action whatever inconven-
fence or injustice may result from present
methods OF laws.
Three Groups of Questions.
The scope OF these conferences may be
deemed to embrace at least three groups
of questons The first relates to uniform
laws; the second relates to matters of state
comfy where, II absolute uniformity may
not be expected, causes Of friction may be
avoided and the general welfare may be
promoted by accommodating action; the third
relates to matters which though OF local
concern can be better treated in the light
of the experience OF other states.
cat our first conference a question OF
fundamental Importance was presented
with respect to the conservation OF our
natural resources. These ultimate bases
OF our prosperity must be protected from
capture or spollation And we should be
astute to devise means by which the OPP
portunities of honorable Industry may be
preserved and extended while the public
right is strictly safeguarded. The preser-
walton and care OF forests, the creation
and maintenance Of state reservations. the
development of water powers, provision of
roads and waterways. the promotion of
! agricultural interests. and various plans
for internal improvement demand the best
thought OF our generation and the wisest
methods which may be devised after col
laboration and comparative study.
There is the question OF financial ad-
minstration involving taxation and appro-
priations or budget making, In every
state, l believe, there is pressing need OF
: considering the best means OF raising the
necessary money TO meet state expendi-
: lures, OF avoiding haphazard allowances
and OF making systematic provisions SO
E that requests for appropriations may be
properly scheduled In advance, annual out.
) lays may be compared, and the demands
I upon the state carefully and impartlaliy
g analyzed. There is no one OF US, / take t.
but would like to have the opportunity OF
: learning at first hand the experience OF
= other executives, who are similarly
8 charged with the duty OF securing. so fai
e as possible, economical administration.
1T would also be Of obvious advantage