The Prescott daily news., 1913-01-16
Robinson Address
Continued from page one

the general revenue 1und anu reducing expenditures, or at once by making loan and providing a sinking fund to discharge it. We are concerned in determining the best and most req sonable way of solving this important question The task Is equally upon us all. The legislature alone can provide the means for ridding the state of the shadow of repudiatton cast by the eX- tstence of a debt unprovided for in the general revenue fund The debt com paratively speaking, is not a great one After 1t has been provided for there need be no increase in the total tax rate for state purposes. By placing the university the normal and the agricul- tural schools on a special rate and sus- pending the capitol tax, the rates can be easily readjuSted so as to provide ample revenues. Let our first labor be to restore the states finance to a cash basis as speedily as due regard for alt existing conditions will permit. When that has been done let us see that sucn a condition does not again rise during the administration for which we are responsible, by contining the appropria- tions to the revenues. The existing condition, however brought about. is hindrance to the progress of the state. The sooner 1t is relieved the faster will Arkansas advance, and that Is the one end more to be desired than all others.
 If 1t be justifable in addresses of this character to refer to abstract principles. we may concern ourselves with what constitutes good eovelnnent. It cannot DC salu 10 consist Tn nXed and unchanR ing laws or policies. but it is demon strated in that administration where the popular will is most accurately ex- pressed and promptly executed. Our theory of government is that all power inheres in the people. They have the right, regarding the limitations which they themselves establish and maintain to alter or amend the laws to suit them selves. It follows that publicity" in its broadest sense is prerequisite to progress in a free state.
 There should be full and thorough discussion of important questions among the people. At last the problem of government are theirs. They can ap- prove or disapprove the recommenda- tons or their executive and the legisla- tion enacted by any administration Opportunities should be afforded the general public of becoming familiar with all the acts of both the executive and the legislative branches of the gov crnment. As vice hides from the public gaze, so corruption cannot long exist in the light of public scrutiny. When the people study question. when they know the motives which inspire public acts as well as the manner in which they are performed, their conclusions are of the highest value. To soberly ana falrly ascertain public sentiment and respond to it, approaches the ideal or good administration, But public sentiments only to be consulted in de- termining the policies to be pursued and legislation to be enacted The governor
 
 les1slatu. e, and in exercising the veto power. performs legislative functions exercises part of the legislative pow. CT, When laws have been passed and arc to he enforced his legislative duties are ended, and his executive obligations assumed He may not consult the pop uiar will as to the enforcement of laws already passed That issue is fore closed. The public is conclusively pre- sumed to favor every law The eXecu- i've who acts on any otNer theory dis regards his duty. and will fail.
 Clear and important distinctions exist In legislative and executive duties
 The legislator is vested with discre- uon His primary task is to determine questions of policy.
 Popular feeling. as we'll as iersonal conviction. may influence him. He can not diVest himself of the responsibility implied in the nature of his office The obligation of the executive. as such is narrower. He is not responsible for the existence of the law. His duty is to execute it His personal views as to the merit or objectionable character of law should no more guide him than the opinions of those who openly violate if The existence of dead letter laws"- statutes which are ignored and unen- forced-is a reproach upon the eNecu- tlVe charged with enforcing them Here is found one rolson for the divi- slon or the powers of government into three coordinate branches It is calcu- lated to produce a fairer, more consist law.
 The standard cf public service win be raised if the officers of our state keep constantly in view well recognized maXims and principles
 public office is not private property. it is a sacred trust carving win if profound and continued responsibilities Equallty, not faVoritiSm; justice. not privilege, liberty, not intolerance: en- lightment not wealth constitute the foundations of society and progressive government.
 Tt is the chief aim of every state and
 throne
 That justice shall prevail
 And all men in the world shall have For there where justice rules
 All men enjoy their property secure: And over every hearth and every home Law watches with an angels eye"
 The public credit and the good name Of Arkansas are among the most imDor- tant questions which invite our atten- uon. Elections must be freed from the corrupting influences which in the past have sometimes threatened to defeat charitable institutions demand and must receive liberal and loyal maintenance. Controversies between executive and the legislature have heretofore sometimes prevented cooperation and occasioned Vindictiveness and retaliation Neither justification nor necessity exists for such disputes. Their only result is to embarrass the state and to becloud it's name. Whatever causes and influences. whatever motives and purposes may have prompted and inspired such condi- tions let them be abandoned, We can, and therefore let us say We will, work together for the upbuilding of the state, each within his own sphere. having due regard and respect for the rights and privileges of others
 The policy of an administration is manifested not only by the purpose and effect of the legislation advocated and enacted. It is also exemplified by the manner and spirit in which existing laws are executed. The existence of good order in any community depends