The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1910-11-10
Jrrmont Mtthntan.
GOVERNOR MEAD'S SPEECH.

GOVERNOR MEAD'S SPEECH.
In his speech at Barre on Friday
evening Governor Mead announced a
policy which will meet with general
public approval, and one that may be
followed with profit by the members
of the Legislature, that of determining
the size of our necessary appropria-
lions, or fixed charges" and our prob
able revenue and then apportioning
the balance among the most worthy
of the many good causes that appeal
for money.
The people of the State are aroused
to the need of progressive measures
and they expect the Legislature to give
all the aid that is possible with the
funds at their disposal. What the Gov
ernor said concerning agriculture de-
serves the most careful consideration.
This paper again and again has called
attention to the vast possibilities that
lie in a more intensive development
of our agricultural need of agricul-
tural schools, which sail teach
our boys who are ambitious to
become first class farmers, the most
modern and up to date agricultural
methods is something that we have
neglected too long. We are not asked
to embark upon an experiment of
doubtful value. The value of such
schools has been demonstrated be-
yond the possibility of a doubt. Yer
mont is practically the only agricul-
tural State that has failed to provide
such instruction.
While our manufacturing and quar-
rying interests may employ more men
than labor upon farms, they are con-
centrated in a few cities and villages
the great bulk of our State is, and
for many years is likely to be, devoted
10 agriculture. Therefore it is of the
utmost Importance that we shall do
everything possible to increase the
value and the output of of our farms.
What the Governor says regarding
our Normal Schools ought to be
weighed very carefully by legislators
before that important subject is dis
posed of during this legislative ses-
sion 1t is surprising that condi-
lions that prevail in this department
should have been permitted to con-
tinue so long. All the arguments, for
years. have been against the continu-
alton of our Normal School policy,
nd yet every two years the well known
lobby has got in its work with the
members. and the old, wasteful meth
DDS have been permitted to continue.
The Journal is glad to see that Gov
ernor Mead is aroused to the impor-
lance of reform, and that he is ag-
excessively in favor of making
change.
What the Governor said about good
roads will be read with much inter-
est The importance of highways
good for travel the year around can
not we'll be overestimated. That first
class gravel roads are much cheaper
and more easily maintained than
stone roads and in the majority
of instance are entirely service
able. this paper believes to be
true. The important problem is to
secure as many of such roads as may
be obtained in the shortest possible
time. Not only are good roads eco
nomical for the ordinary business
transactions of the former and all
who travel over our highways day by
lay, but they will bring here, as Gov
ernor Mead has intimated, an ever in
creasing number of automobile tour
lists, who will advertise our Green
Mountain State as the paradise OF
summer resorts.
Vermonters everywhere, who have
the best interests of our State at heart
will wish Governor Mead the fullest
possible measure OF success in his
campaign for better schools, better
roads, and better agricultural meth
DDS. His speech was a good one and
it's progressive tone will give encour-
agement to those who are fighting in
the ranks in behalf of larger and bet
ter things for Vermont