Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1911-01-05


the legislature. Governor Osborn said:
To the Forty-sixth Legislature-The
constitution of the state of Michigan,
Sec 5, Art. VI, requires the governor
to communicate by message with the
Legislature. Although the constitution
divides the government of the state
into three departments, executive, jul
dicial and legislative, II is evidently
not the intention that these depart
ments shall be entirely Independent OF
each other The most satisfactory re-
suits of government may be obtained
only by a dignified working harmony
between all of the departments TO
all should be given credit for what
ever good is accomplished, and upon
all should be placed the proper respon-
sibiity of performance, as well as the
stigma of non-performance, and yet
all of the departments have their espe-
cial 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-legislative representative
This is partially because 1T is easier
for the state as a whole to watch the
governor than for the district segre ga
tA ,hn al Af fhA
members of the legislature.
Out of this somewhat false condition
has come an assumption on the part
of the governor of a legislative power
not intended by the constitution
Through this unnatural instrumental
ity 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. 2 shifting ~
legislative responsibility to the govern.
or. which is as unwholesome as 1t is
improper and undesirable Ideally, Ii
should be sufficient always for the ex
ecutive To communicate to the legis.
lature the states requirements. leaving
the latter to perform its duty without
| undue influence or coercion. This
does not mean that the governor must
always be right in his ideas as to the
! needs of the state. but it does mean
| that first and fairest consideration
should be given TO the welfare Of the
state. without reference TO personal or
political consequence.
7 credit each member Of the legis
| lature, no matter what his political
affiliation is, his condition of life or
| the nature of his pursuit, with as high
desire to faithfully and patriotically
and unselfishly serve the state as
possess. While the ambition TO serve
| is somewhat measured by intellect
temperament and character. 7 feel sure
| that when your constituents delegated
you to represent them here they
| conferred a deserved honor that will
| inspire you to do the best there is I'm
you
We will at once agree that the world
| has no citizenship superior to the
average of that of Michigan. have
recently 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 peo-
| pie as a whole desire to do what Is
| right is greatly strengthened. Each
year finds them more alert and willing
| and able to perform their duties OF
citizenship, and, fortunately, each year
| finds them better equipped to measure
men and things So while IL was once
somewhat the practice and possible to
| hoodwink a good many of the public.
| IL is now the few who are fooled by
| sharp practice and assembling on the
| part of public representatives. In con
sequence there is continual improve
| ment in the legislative type.
Nor can parties escape responsible
| ity anv more easily than individuals,
| and. while the complexion of the leeie-
| lature is both Republican and Demo-
| cratic. the former dominates and PROB
| erly will be held responsible for leeis.
| lative acts. both of commission and
| omission. 7 hone that the Democratic
members will he alert and aggressive
| In their service. for when all is -eia
and done we all seek the highest wei
fare Of the state before givir- -----
sideration 70 any matters. perSs--' ~
! partisan
! The latest census gives ample ssz=Hrr-
| evidence for thankfulness to 49,
God on the part Of all citizens ., ----w-
| igan The growth Of the state :. s.,,-
i uldllOll FIlu IDS Dtt--
| factory Our men and wom=a -l:: :
children are the states chieE a-s
after all. and their conservation --s---,:.- -
! be given first attention. Our ,.----lisA
4 are willing and anxious to d. sss,.s-
\ duty to the state and as a stata r1.A>
ever. they wish and have a r1.A~@ -.
expect that the public business VIII ~
transacted honestly, simply, efi1c1ssA
ly and economically. hearing as mSnH
similarity 70 private business mctAp
DDS as may he advantageous to ths
state To this end laws should he
passed. amended or repealed
Legislative investigation.
Because of confusion and distrust
growing out OF Institutional and de.
partmental Irregularities, | wish 10
recommend a thorough legislative in
yssugaton by a special copmiteN