Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1913-01-17
Governor Byrne's Message.

When South OAK Ota'S ship or state
was laboriously warped off the cling
ing sands Of corporation control it
just missed going onto the rocks OF
blatant demlgogism. But finding a
narrow channel between shoal and
reef it is out into the otfing and sail
ing on level keel.
The message of Governor Byrne to
the legislature is documentary evil
dence that the electorate chose wisely
in placing man OF his experience,
probity, wisdom and progressivenesi
at the helm.
The governor shows that he is prac-
tical and experienced when he urges
the imperative necessity for the legis.
lasure To get down to real work and
waste no time at the beginning OF the
short session of 60 days.
His courage and devotion are en-
phasized when he denounces the fed
eral courts for enjoining the enforce
ment of the states orders reducing
freight and passenger rates, and delay
ing for years to render a decision upon
the merits OF the cases, and when he
urges the legislature to use its in-
huence in favor of a national law cur
failing thiSpower of the federal courts.
This reaches to the senatorship.
Governor Byrne's message criticizes
without bitterness and takes advanc-
ed ground without becoming visionary
or Impractical. Seldom has an exc
cutive in his first message been able
to present to the legislature such a
comprehensive view of the conditions
and needs of the state institutions.
This is partly due to his legislative
experience, but more to the fact that
he began working for the state as
soon as he was elected, travelling
about and visiting the various in
stitutions and informing himself con-
cerning them.
The social service and humanitarian
spirit Of the progressive movement is
reflected in his recommendation for
reform in the treatment of inmates Of
the states penal institutions. He
does not find abuses therein but he
calls for new and broader policy,
having for it's object reformation
rather than punishment.
Intention to give the state busi-
ness administration is shown in his
recommendations for economy and a
more practical system of making
ing appropriations for state institu-
tions and also in his declaration that
those serving in appointive positions
in my administration must give their
time and services to the state and pre-
form the duties Of their respective
positions fully and efficiently, or quit
and make way for those who will"
"This is only what'I shall do myself
during the term of my official life, !"
adds the governor.
There is inspiration in Governor
Ryrne's words and this affords room
for hope that this legislature will
make an epochal record for the state.
There is promise in the message Of
the best administration South Dakota
has ever had, and it is more than a
promise, for there is back of it Mr..
Byrne's record in public and private
life that justifies faith in fulfillment
Turning down the self appointed
bosses who went to Pierre to tell legis-
lators what to do on the speakership
is also good omen for this admins
tration. The men elected are the
men the people put their trust in
They placed the responsibility where
they thought 1t would be safe and
they know where they placed it,