The Detroit times., 1911-01-06

and successful Competit. n with other
nSs Of our n0G
altrulstlc senses OF our people have
never bee1. more .:een. There is a
prevalent idea that our people have
been giving themselves. over to ma
terialism TO such a degree as TO bring
about a deformed public development
There Is a desire to have this corrected
by sufficient attention TO legislation
that Will help 10 improve the CondI-
lions under which the masses OF our
people work and live. Our men and
women and children are the states
chief asset after :. and their conser-
walton should be given first attention.
Our people are willing and anxious 10
state. However. they wish and have a
right to expect that the public bust
ness will be transacted honestly.
ssnriHs ss much .imi na nc nrinai
business methods as may DE advan-
tag eous to the state. To this end laws
should be passed, amended or repeated
Legislative investigation.
Because giof confusion and distrust
growing out OF institutional and de-
partmeDta tar irregularities wish to
recommend a thorough legislative in
vestigation by special committee.
This should be done at this time with
as much independence. rearIessness. in
terest and thoroughness as one would
expect to follow the Inauguration OF a
competent anu earnest Democratic ad
ministration. The Republican party has
promised to set In order the state. \
general investigation such as Is here
suggested will discover TO the people
OF the state, both those who have been
faithful and nose who have been un-
faithful. Out OF this information gath
cred would come ideas OF Improvement
that would more than justify the time
and expense involved In the work. The
public has a right to know intimately
and in detail about the condition OF
the state in every way.
The Veto Power.
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 pre-
and superior wisdom. AS a general
proposition the governor. in my opin-
Ion. should not interpose his veto un-
ing a measure subsequent to its enact
ment that was not possessed during
its discussion, or for other rare and
rational reasons. The dominant party's
fitness for Legislative as well as execu-
tive government IL always on trial as
is emlncnty proper. The people ex-
full and patriotic plane IN the consid-
Grafton OF all matters that come be-
fore II and in this ! feel certain that
ther" VIII be no real disappointment.
Economy.
There Is unusual need for the exer-
cls" or tn" closest economy in the man
agement OF the business OF the state in
every direction. | feel sure the legis-
lature VIII appreciate this fact and
arise 10 1t. | hope that the number OF
lrglslatlVe employees will be reduced
TO the lowest workable point, without
the slightest consideration OF patron
age Although the salary OF each legis-
Iator ~ for the term, without reference
20 III" length OF the session, the fixed
charges OF the Legislature are defined
by the length OF the session. trust
the legislators will not only decide to
cut down the lumber OF employees but
viii work one more day week than
should Insure a shorter session and a
resultant saving OF money.
IL might also be wise to cut out the
ancient junhet practice. Committees
could make trips OF examination in q
way md at time that would not in
terfere with the general work OF rhe
Legislature"
Regulation OF Express Rates.
Pernlit me to call your attention to
the condition OF the express business
cessiVe unfair and unreasonable. No
particular effort Is made TO serve the
public properly and slight Considera.
the people All the public will bear.
and sometimes more. Is the express
spirit No intelligent basis OF rates
press companies be placed more fully
and directly under the Jurisdiction OF
the state railroad commission and that
NOR" complete power bc given the com
mission TO fix rates and generally reg
uIat" the express business OF the state
for the benefit Of the public welfare.
pper Peninsula Railroad Rates.
Upper peninsula railroads are per
mittrd 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 b. charged north
OF the Straits OF MaCkinaC should be
reduced Ia tW and Onc-half cents
i2l7cJ per mile II must be admitted
that the population Of the section -
f-FF+ti 30 ~ more sparse and the physi-
cal operation OF the railroads some
what more expensive In the winter
time. on the other hand. the lessened
population Is served oy fewer rail
roads There f. less division OF the
railroad business han in the lower
peninsula Also. IL should be Consid-
cred that all, or nearly all. Of the
upper peninsula railroads are part OF
or feeders TO great and rich railroad
systems and that by the very nature Of
topography they occupy strategic po-
sitiOns that are of great value and
operate In instances TO the exclusion or
prevention OF competing lines. While
this may not be particularly felt OF sp-
preciated at the m. nent. the time will
come when their values In this direC-
ton VIII be more foTcibly obtruded.