The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-01-05

To the Forty-sixth Legislature:
The constitution OF the state OF
qrires the geverpor 10 correspondence by
s,ssssss Nth che isgis.st
ment OF the, state into three depart
ments--execuive. judicial and legisla-
ttve--it is evidently lot the intention
that these departments shall be enirely
independent or each other. The most
satisfactory results OF government may
be obtained only by dignihed work
ing harmony between all of the de-
partments. To all should be given
credit for whatever good is accom-
plished. and upon all should be placed
the proper responsibility OF perform
performance. and vet all OF the de-
partments have their especial duties,
for which functions they are almost
directly responsible.
The relations OF the executive and
Legislative departments are closer for
reasons OF necessary cooperation that
are very clear. Gradually the public
has come to look upon the executive
as it's quasi legi slativc representative.
This is partially because II is easier
for the state as a whole To watch the
governor than for the district scgreEa-
tons to keep the check on all OF the
members Of the Legislature.
out OF this some what false condition
has come an assumption on the part OF
the governor of a Legislative power not
intended by the constitution. Through
this unnatural nstrumentality the
people have been weaned from as
closely watching their legislators as
they should. both that credit may be
given where earned and blame when
deserved.
There has been also. shifting OF
Legislative responsibility TO the COVER
nor. which IL as unwholesome as II is
improper and undesirable Ideally, II
should be suif always for the
executive to communicate 10 the legts-
lCture the states requirements. leaving
the latter TO perform its duty without
undue infiuence or coercion. This does
not mean that the governor must
needs OF the state, but IT does mean
that first and faircst consideration
should be given 10 the welfare Of the
state, without reference 20 personal or
political consequences
credit each member or the lcgisla-
ture, no matter what his political ar
ilation IL, his condition Of life or the
nature of his pursuit. with AS high
desire to faithfully and particularly
and unselhshly serve the state As
possess. While the ambition to serve
Is somewhat measured 10y intellect.
temperament and character, ! feel sure
that when your constituents delegated
YOU 10 represent them here they con-
ferred deserved honor that viii in
spire you to do the best there IS IN YOU.
We viii at once agree that the world
has no citizenship superior TO ne aver
age Of that of Michigan. ! have re
Gently come in quite close contact with
active citizens IN every walk Of life and
in all portions Of the state and my
whole desire to do what IL right ~
greatly strengthened Each year finds
them more alert and willing and able
20 perform their duttcS Of citizenship.
and fortunately each year finds them
better equipped to measure mon aud
things So while II was once some
what the praCttc" amt possible TO
hood wink good many of the public
10 IS now the few who are fooled by
sharp practice and assembling on the
part ~ public representatives. In con-
sequence. there Is e continual improve
mrut in the legislative type.
Nor can parties escape responsibility
any more easily than individuals, and
while the complexion "f tho legislature
IL both Republican and Democratic
he former dominates and properly viii
be held responsible FOR legislative acts
both ~ commission ana omission.
hope that the Democratic members viii
be- alert and aEgrrsSiV' ma thcir Ser-
vice, for when all Us said and dom, We
all seek the highest welfare Of tue
state b"tur. giNtu~ consideration 10
any matters. personal or partisan.
The latest census gives ample casual
evidence for thauNiulnCSs Co Almighty
God on TIL part OF All tlti<tns OF
MiChiEnn The growth ~ the state iu
population and valuation has boon sat
isfactorV Disease and disorder have
bsep ia FREQUENT The, Threatened gem
rrat smallpox epidemic has been avert
ed ~ was confined 10 a small zone.
through the activity anu cooperation
OF state and local authorizes IN IN
stances this involved heroic sacrinCeS
ON the part of citizens. proving that
the axe nf hirh perfurmancc Us sun
alive In Michigan. which - source ~
hne contemplation and iusptrational
hope The Michigan spirit was nrNcf
more awake, making for Wholesome
and successful Comp'ttt n. with niher
sections Of our common country, alung
lines moral, ethical and material Bht
altruistiC senses OF our people nave
prevalent idea that our people have
been glving themselves over TO ms-