The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1911-01-05
OSBORN'S MESSAGE


wear finds them more alert and willing
and able 10 perform their duties 81
citizenship. and, fortunately, each year
finds them better equipped 10 measure
men and things. SO while II was once
somewhat the practice and possible 10
hoodwinlS a good many OF the public,
n is now the few who are fooled by
sharp practice and assembling on the
part Of public representatives. Tn con
sequence. there Is a continual improve
ment IN the Legislative type
Nor can parties escape responsible
fly any more easily than individuals,
and. while the complexion OF the legis-
lature Is both Republican and Demo
cratic the former domino es and prop
erlv will he held responsible for leeis-
lative acts. both Of commission and
omission 7 hope that the Democratic
members will be alert and aggressive
/ I'm their service. for when all Is said
and done we all seek the HIGHEST well
/ fare Of the state before giving con-
/ sideration TO any matters, personal or
/ partisan.
The latest census gives ample causal
! evidence for thankfulness 10 Almighty
! God on the part Of all citizens of Mich
! ,gan. The growth OF the state in pop
lllation and valuation has been salts
| factory. Our men and women and
/ children are the states chief asset
after all and their conservation should
be given first attention. Our people
are willing and anxious 10 do their
duty TO the state and as a state How
! ever. they wish and have a right 10
| expect that the public business will be
transacted honestly. simply, efficient
w and economically. hearing as much
similarity 10 private business meth
DDS as may be advantageous to the
| state. To this end laws should be
passed. amended or repealed.
Legislative investigation.
Because Of confusion and distrust
growing out Of institutional and de
partmental irregularities, wish TO
recommend n thorough legislative in
vestigation by special committee.
This should be done at this time with
as much independence. fearlessness,
interest and thoroughness as one
would expect TO follow the Inaugural
ton OF a competent and earnest DEM
ocratic administration. The kepubli-
can party has promised 10 set in order
the state. A general investigation
such as is here suggested will dis
cover TO the people OF the state both
those who have been faithful and those
who have been unfaithful. Out OF this
information gathered would come
ideas of Improvement that would more
than Justify the time and expense in
volved in the work. The public has
a right to know intimately and in de-
[ tail about the condition of the state
in every way.
The Veto Power
I.wish you to know my attitude as
10 the veto power of the governor
J The judgment of the legislature as Ia
! matters legislative should be presumed
; TO reflect exhaustive analysis and SUI
, perior wisdom As a general propo
, sition, the governor. I'm my opinion
, should not interpose his veto unless
information reaches him CONCERNING
a measure subsequent TO its enact
mert that was not possessed during
its discussion or fer ether rare and
+ rational reasons. The dominant
) party's fitness for legislative as well a:
4 executive government is always OF
r trial as Is eminently proper. The PEG
: pie expect The legislature to assume
a careful and patriotic plane in the
consideration of all matters that come
before it. and I'm this I feel certain
there viii be no real disappointment
Economy.
There is unusual need for the OK
: ercise of the closest economy in th'
MANAGEMENT of the business Of The
state in every direction. I feel SUR
the legislature will appreciate this
fact and arise TO it. I hope that thu
n number of legislative employees will b.
: to hn t~uln M
n without the slightest consideration o
e patronage. Although the salary o
n each legislator is for the term. withou
reference to the length Of the sass on
the fixed charges of the Legislature
are defined by the length Of the ses
II sion. 7 trust the LEGISLATORS will no
e only decide to cut down the numbe
e of employees. but will work one NOR,
day week than has been the custom
1. in the past which should insure
Is shorter session and a resultant say
&c inc of money.
II might also be wise 10 cut on
: the ancient iunket practice Commit
3 tees could make trips Of examinltio
e in a way and az a time that would no
IS interfere with the general work of tn
- legislature.
Regulation Of Express Rates.
Permit me 10 call your attention
10 the condition Of the express bus
ness in Michigan. Rates are irregular
D. excessive. unfair and unreasonable
e No particular effort is made to serv
IS the public properly. and slight cor
m sideration is given the rights and We
v fare of the people All the public wi
m bear. and sometimes more. is the e'
10 press spirit No intelligent basis c
rates seems TO exist. / recommend tha
" express companies be placed NOR
n fully and directly under the iurisdii
ID tion OF the state railroad commissio
N and that more complete power be 81
a en- the commission TO hN rates an
m generally regulate the express bus
N ness OF the state for the benefit OF tn
~ public welfare.
~ Upper Peninsula Railroad Rates.
- Upper peninsula railroads are pc
a. mitted TO charge a maximum rate
10 three cents n mile for passenger far
In my opinion the time has come whe
the maximum rate to be charged mort
Of the Straits of Mackinac should be r
duced 10 2 10 cents a mile. II mui
In he admitted that the population Of n