The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1911-01-06
LEGISLATURE
READS MESSAGE
Osborn Recommends Abolish
ment Of Many Offices.
.FAvORS CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM

Closest Economy In Management Of
States Affairs-WouId Have Com
mission Handle Liquor Question.
Lansing, Mich.-In his message to
the legislature, Governor Osborn said:
To the Forty-sixth Legislature-The
constitution of the state of Michigan,
Sec s, 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, ju-
dicial and legislative, 1t is evidently
not the intention that these depart
ments shall be entirely independent Of
each other. The most satisfactory re-
Y suits of government may be obtained
only by dignified working harmony
between all Of the departments. To
all should be given credit for what
ever good is accomplished, and upon
4 all should be placed the proper respon-
sibility 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
fhas come to look upon the executive
nc &c ouou; laoicIativa repracoptatiya
This is partially because it is easier
for the state as whole to watch the
governor than for the district segrega-
tions to keep check on all of the
kmembers of the legislature.
" Gut OF this somewhat false condition
has come an assumption on the part
of the governor of a legislative power
n not intended by the constitution.
4 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. shifting OF
legislative responsibility to the govern
or, which is as unwholesome as it is
improper and undesirable Ideally, 1t
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 II does mean
that first and fairest consideration
should be given to the welfare of the
state. without reference to personal or
political consequence.
I credit each member of the legis-
lature, no matter what his political
affliation Is, his condition Of life Or
the nature of his pursuit, with as high
a desire to faithfully and periodically
and unselfishly serve the state as |
possess. While the ambition to serve
is somewhat measured by intellect,
temperament and character, 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 in
you.
We will at once agree That the world
has no citizenship superior to the
average of that of Michigan. I 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 II was once
somewhat the practice and possible to
hoodwink good many of the public
It 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 any more easily than individuals
y and. while the complexion of the legis
lature Is both Republican and Demo
cratic. the former dominates and prop.
erly will be held responsible for leris.
lative acts, both Of commission and
omission. hope that the Democratic
members will be alert and aggressive
in their service. for when all is said
4 and done. we all seek the highest wei
fare of the state before giving con
sideration to any matters. personal or
partisan
The latest census gives ample causal
eV1ueUCe lot tndhhlhhtSo W hiihi@h''
God on the part Of all citizens of Mich
fgan. The growth OF the state in POD
,Ilation 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 to do their
duty to the state and as state. How
ever, they wish and have right to
4 expect that the public business will be
transacted honestly. simply, efficient.
9. ly and economically. hearing as much
Is a Iuilarity to private business meth
',iIds\ -, may be advantageous to the
Itate. "T0Sns1s end laws should be
flbassed, amende&N or repealed.
IN Legislative Investigation.
Because of confusion and distiust
4 growing out of Institutional and de
7 partmental irregularitiles. wish "a
4 Recommend thorough Legislative In
yestigation by a specially committee
1 This should be done at this time with
\ as much independence, fea,rlessness
interest and thoroughness "a, one
would expect to follow the fnausuh. :,
ton OF q competent and earnest Dem-