Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-01-12
Chase S. Osborn, Michigan's Governor
Furnishes An Interesting State Paper
in His First Message to Legislature

legislature. Although the constitution
divides the government of the state
into three departments executive, ju-
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 dignifed working harmony
between all of the departments. To
an should be given credit for what
ever good is accomplished, and upon
Ill should be placed the proper respon-
sibility 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 its quasi-legislative representative
This is partially because it is easier
for the state as whole to watch the
governor than for the district segrega-
tons TO keep cheek on all of the
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 weancd 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 a shifting of
Legislative responsibility 10 The govern
Or, which is as unwholasoIne as ii is
improper and undesirable Ideally, It
should be sufficient always for the ex-
ecutive TO communicate to the leeis-
fature 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
chat first and fairest consideration
should be given to the welfare Of the
state, without reference 10 personal or
political consequence.
I credit each member Of the legis-
fature. no matter what his political
affiliatiOn is. his condition of life or
the nature If his pursuit, with as high
a desire to faithfully and periodically
and unselfshly serve the state as I
possess. While the ambition to serve
is somewhat measured by intellect.
temperament and character I 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 7 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 10 measure
men and things. So while It was once
somewhat the practice and possible to
hoodwink good many OF the public.
Il is now the few who are fooled by
sharp practice and assembling on the
sequence, there is continual improve
ment in the legislative type
Nor can parties escape responsible
ity any more easily than individuals,
and. while the complexion OF the legis-
nature ia both Republican and Demo
cratic, the former dominates and prop
erly will be held responsible for legis-
1ative acts, both Of commission and
omission. 7 hope that the Democratic
members will be alert and aggressive
IN 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 to Almighty
God on the part Of all citizens OF Mich
lgan. The growth Of the state in pop
Vlation 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 a state. How.
ever, they wish and have a right to
expect that the public business will be
transacted honestly, simply, efficient
" and economically, hearing as much
similarity TO private business meth
DDS as may be advantageous TO the
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, I wish TO
recommend a thorough legislative In
vestigation by a 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 Republic
can party has promised to set in order