New-York tribune., 1910-01-19
HUGHES WITH TAFT
BOTH ADDRESS THE
GOVERNORS.
Relations of Executives to
Legislation Discussed at
Conference.

Washington. Jan. ls.-In welcoming the
conference OF governors at the White
House this afternoon President Taft in
dulged in a little good natured speculation
es 70 how the English system OF executive
authority might work in this country, espe
cially with respect to giving the Executive
the right TO argue matters with the legis-
latiye branch and go before the people II
necessary. He said he would like TO have
heart-to-heart talks with some Of the gov
eTnors as 10 their methods of obtaining
legislation.
IT would especially like to ask Governor
Harmon how he manages with Repub-
lican Legislature out in Ohio said the
President. II can assure him. he added,
that there are struggles even when you
have g Congress which nominaily is OF
your own party. There is no use mourn
ing over our lack of the English system
of government in this country, for we can
never have II. but you governors. as web
as ], have felt at times the injustice or
criticism which comes 10 the Executive be-
cause of a lack OF the English system
The President told the governors he
would have been glad to have had them
hold their sessions at the White House.
but that their committee had concurred
with him in the belief that it might be
better TO hold the sessions ''in a neutral
place. so TO speak, where you would feel
more independent. and where. doubtless,
things could be said and things could be
done which perhaps might be little en-
hsrrassing in doing when you were under
the executive shadow.
When you were here before" he added.
''Mr. Roosevelt, think, extended TO you
the hospitality OF the White House, and
the meetings were held here. but these
meetings Were so fully his, in the sense of
being called by him, that it seemed entirely
appropriate; whereas now, hope, this is
movement among the governors to have
some sort Of q permanent arrangement
that will bring them here without sugges-
ton from any one but the governors them
selves
NATION AND STATES.
"I regard this movement as of the utmost
Importance The federal Constitution has
stood tee rest OF more than one hundred
years IN supplying the powers that have
been needed To make the central govern
nnent as strong as it ought TO be, and with
this movement toward uniform legislation
and agreement between tne states ] do
not see why the Constitution may not serve
our purpose always. I speak TO you as
gentlemen who can influence legislation in
z
bic for it.
IT have thought that the English svs-
tem presents in certain respects a better
system than ours, in view of fhe inevitable
responsibility of the Executive for legis-
lstinn. because there the Executive is not
snly the Executive but also las control
over the legislative action of the govern
rent leads the legislature and, indeed,
goes out when. as the party head, it is
rot able to control the majority of the
legislature
TT seems 10 me, without ever hoping or
suggesting that there can he any change
n OFT systen-for its rigidity has advan-
iages-that still that system would present
good many opportunities that you and
would like TO seize upon 20 argue out
questions TO the legislature, and not only
% argue out questions but 70 save them
irle by giving them considerable informa-
aon on subjects in regard to which they
are not advised. It shortens. 7 am sure.
ske course Of legislation. Bit We have NOT
Eot thst system; We haven't it in any state
and we are not going to have it so there
S no need Of mourning over the fact that
ne cannot have if.
TT is because you do have such great in
suence in moulding legislation that your
7leeting to secure uniformity Of laws is So
important ard significant I feel that this
s the beginning Of conferences which are
certain 10 Lead in the end to an adjustment
Of state legislation that shall make our
country oapable Of doing much more team
work in the public good than we ever have
nefore thought possible"
Governor Hughes of New York and ex-
Mayor Seth Low of New York City were
the speakers at this afternoons session.
Governor Hughes discussed governors
Conferences: Their Scope and Purpose "
Governor Harmon Of Ohio. the presiding
7fioeT. introducing the New York Governor
IS one who has Shown qualities we all
verr 20 see in public life"
In view Of his recent announcement that
he is going 70 retire from public life said
Governor Harmon. Il want TO say we are
ell sorry ana hope it is a limited announce
nnent'
GOVERNOR HUGHES'S ADDRESs
Governor Hughes said in part.
The present conference of Governors is
hel6 on their OWL initiative and is not linn
TED 10 any one subject. Great as will be
the interest attaching to the question of
conserving our natural resources and to
re other subjects which NAV De presented
sor discussion, the matter of Fundamental al
importance I believe TO be the considera-
lion Of the potential advantage of these
conferences and the best means of securing
The fill benefit they are able 70 bestoEv
~ the outset the relation and proper Iirn-
% ions Of our efforts should be recognized
We are here in our own right as state ex-
scutlves- We are not here. I assume to
essf with questions which are admitted TO
os Of exclusively national concern These
arc matters 10 be dealt with by the fed
srel government The people of the states
n their capacity as citizens OF the United
states are represented by the President
and Congress. We are not here to acce-
crate or tn develop opinion with regard 10
matters winch have been committed "a
federal power.
But where state action is involved II is
the prerosstive of the state Governor
either 10 act, If the subject lies within
recommendations 70 the legislature II the
sctien he legislative And it is those mat
ters which may properly be the subject Of
official consideration on the part of state
eEecutfvs that ] conceive 10 fall within the
province of this conference OF state Gov
HTnors-
Whatever view may be taken of the ad
viss bility OF extending federal power or OF
wider exercise of existing federal power
~ the country must largely depend upon
the ef7cisncy Of state governments Proper
local administration IS a necessary com
plsEnsBt of essential federal administra-
firn. National activities inevitably will
widen, and IL We are 20 prevent an exees-
Five strain upon national administration
I'VE must develop our local agencies to their
maximum efficiency within their proper
spheres
THREE GROUPS OF QUESTIONS
The SCOPE Of these conferences may he
deemed 20 embrace at least three groups