Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-01-12

i wish you TO know my attitude as
to the veto power of the governor.
The judgment of the legislature as to
matters legislative should be presumed
to reflect exhaustive analysis and SUI
perior wisdom. AS a general propo-
sftion, the governor, in my opinion,
should not interpose his veto unless
information reaches him concerning
a measure subsequent TO its enact
ment that was not possessed during
It's discussion, or for other rare and
rational reasons The dominant
party's fitness for legislative as we'll as
executive government is always on
trial, as is eminently proper. The peo-
pie expect the legislature to assume
a careful and patriotic plane in the
consideration of all matters that come
before II, and in this 7 feel certain
there will be no real disappointment
Economy.
There IS unusual need for the ex-
ercise Of the closest economy in the
management Of the business OF the
state in svew direction. | feel sure
the Legislature will appreciate this
fact and arise TO It. | hope that the
number of legislative employees will he
reduced to the lowest workable point
without the slightest consideration Of
patronage. Although the salary OF
each legislator is for the term, without
reference to the length Of the session,
the fixed charges OF the legislature
are defined by the length OF the ses-
sion. 7 trust the legislators will not
only decide to cut down the number
of employees. but will work one more
day a week than has been the custom
in the past, which should insure a
shorter session and a resultant saw
ing OF money.
II mieht also he wise TO cut out
the ancient iunkct practice. Commit
tees could make trims of examination
in a way and al n time that would not
interfere with the general work of the
legislature
Regulation of Express Rates.
Permit me to call your attention
to the condition Of the express bust
ness in Michigan. Rates are irregular.
excessive. unfair and unrea sonable.
No particular effort is made to serve
the public properly, and slight con-
sideration is given the rights and well
fare of the people. All the public will
press spirit No intelligent basis OF
rates seems TO exist. 7 recommend that
express companies be placed more
fully and directly under the jurisdic-
tion Of the state railroad commission
and that more complete power be CIV
en- the commission 70 fix rates and
generally regulate the express pusi-
ness Of the state for the benefit OF the
public welfare
Upper Peninsula Railroad Rates.
Upper peninsula railroads are per-
mitted TO charge a maximum rate OF
three cents a mile for passenger fare.
In my opinion the time has come when
the maximum rate TO be charged north
OF the Straits OF Mackinac should be re-
duced to 2 IL cents a mile. It must
be admitted that the population Of the
section referred to Is more sparse and
the physical operation of the railroads
somewhat more expensive in the win
ter time. On the other hand, the less
ned population is served by fewer
railroads There is less division OF
the railroad business than in the lower
peninsula Also. II should be consid-
cred that all. or nearly all, OF the
upper peninsula railroads are parts OF,
or feeders TO, great and rich railroad
systems and that by the very nature
OF topography they occupy strategic
positions that are Of great value and
operate In instances to the exclusion
or prevention Of competing lines. While
this may not be particularly felt or
appreciated at the moment, the time
will come when their values in this
direction will be more forcibly obtrud.
ed. The public should no longer be
called upon to bear an unjust share
OF the burden OF that over-capitaliza-
ton OF certain railroads for which II
Is nowise to blame, but OF which It is
a victim.
Non-Partisan Tax Commission.
The Republican party platform.
adopted in Detroit in 1910, pledged
special commission for the study of
the entire tax system OF Michigan In
all Of its bearings. The Democratic
party platform. adopted in Kalamazoo,
contained a similar pledge. I believe
the suggestion to be wise and timely
and one involving a promise that
should be carried out. In my opinion,
the commission should be bipartisan.
The legislature is called upon by the
new constitution to provide means,
this year, for a complete new equaliza-
tion Of assessments by a state board.
Perhaps a study of the system Of tav-
alton should be made by the same
board
Equal taxation and the taxation OF
all property will always be public prob.
lens Nevertheless, Michigan has
made great advances in the direction
OF fairer and fuller taxation during the
past decade. and there is no reason
why this desirable progress should be
checked at this time.
Taxation Legislation.
In making recommendation relative
TO taxation legislation, I deem Il ad-
visable to call your attention to two
features OF our new state constitution
One, the provisions affecting your
authority to impose specific taxes, and
the other, the limitations OF the sub
jects Of taxation that shall hereafter
contribute TO the payment of interest