The Detroit times., 1911-01-06

To the Forty sixth Legislature:
The constitution OF the state Of
Michigan. section 8. article VI, re-
quires the governor to communicate by
message with the legi-.ature. Although
the constitution divides the govern
ment OF the state into three depart
ments-execuive. judicial and legisla-
& tive-it Is evidently Lot the intention
that these departments shall be enirely
Independent OF each other. The most
satisfactory results Of government may
: be obtained only by a dignlfied work
ing harmony between all OF the de-
partpents. To all should be given
piished. and upon all should be placed
the proper responsibility OF perform
ance, as wen as the stigma OF non
partments have their especial duties.
FOR which functions they are almost
directly responsible.
legislative dspartnepts are closer for
reasons of necessary Cooperation that
are very clear. Gradually the Pu5iie
as its quasi legislative representative.
This IL partially because II is easier
for the state as whole to watch the
governor than for the district segrega-
tons to keep the check on all OF the
members OF the legislature;
Out Of this somewhat false condition
has come an assumption on the part OF
intended by the constit tuition. Through
this unnatural fundamentally the
Closely, watching their legislators as
they should, both that credit may be
given where earned and blame when
There has been. also. a shifting OF
Legislative responsibility to the COVER
nor. which is as unwholasome as 1t Is
should be sufficient always for the
executive to communicate to the legis-
the latter to perform its duty without
undue influence or coercion. This does
not mean that the governor must
wsys BE tight IN his b, IDEAS do as to tae
that first and fairest consideration
should be giv"l to the welfare OF the
state, without reference TO personal or
political consequences.
i credit each member or the legisla-
ture, no matter what his political af-
fliation is. his condition Of life or the
desire to faithfully and periodically
and unselfshly serve the state as
possess. While the ambition TO serve
II somewhat measured by, intellect.
Temperament and character. feel sure
that when your constituents delegated
you to represent them here they con-
spire you to do the best there is in you
We will at once agree that the world
has no citizenship superior TO the 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
belief long held that the people as
whole desire to do what is right is
S greatly strengthened. Each year finds
Z them more alert and willing and able
10 perform their duties OF citizenship,
and fortunately each year hnds them
better equipped TO measure men and
things. So while It was once some
what the practice and .possibl" to
hoodwink a good many OF the public
IL Is now the few who are fooled by
sharp practice and assembling on the
Sequence. there IL a continual improve
ment in the legislative type
Nor can parties escape responsibility
any more easily than individuals, and
while the complexion Of the legislature
Is both Republican and Democratic
the former dominates and properly will
be held responsible for Legislative acts
both OF commission and omission.
hope that the Democratic members will
be alert and aggressive in their SER
All seek the highest welfare Of the
state before giving consideration, to
any matters. personal or partisan.
The latest census gives ampl" casual
God on the part OF all citizens OF
Michigan. The growth OF the state in
population and valuation has been sat
isfactory. Disease and disorder have
been infrequent. The threatened gen
eral smallpox epidemic has beer avert
"a. II was confined TO a small zone.
Through the acti"ity and cO-operation
OF state and local authorities In in
-stanees-thfs involved heroic 81 rFffiCts
on the part OF cIuzens, proving that
alive In Michigan. which is a source Of
line contemplation and inspirAtional
hope The N'chigan spirit was never
more awake. making for Wholesome