The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1913-01-08
GOVERNOR STEWARDS MESSAGE

Governor Stewart, in his first message to the legislature,
places himself upon record as a platform democrat"
Surely, that is the best kind of democrat there is or can be.
His excellency urges the complete fulfillment of platform
pledges and his message has every evidence of sincerity.
The brevty of the message is one of it's strong points.
Governor Stewart says he made it short in order that the
suggestions are not hidden in v%erbosity; they stand out,
sharp and clear; he who runs may read them easily. We
believe the message will be more thoroughly read than was
ever a governors message in Montana before.
We. believe, too, that the message will be generally COM
mended. The people Of Montana are tired Of the evasion
of promises by the men they elect to office and they will
approve the position of a man who demands that pledges
be fulfilled. Governor Stewart goes on record positively
as believing that the party should fulfill its campaign con-
tracts to the letter.
The governor, too, directs attention to the fact that there
is nothing to prevent the democrats from carrying out their
contracts. The conditions attending the Thirteenth as
sembly are just right for efficiency and accomplishment
He outlines some of the important clauses in the cam
paign contract which the democrats OF Montana made with
the people. He asks the lawmakers to inform themselv yes
as to the states financial condition and then to proceed to
do things, bearing in mind the fact that the p%eople-o the
state have declared Enthusiastically that certain reforms must
be forthcoming. :
his list of suggested laws, the t~ax-commission plan, This
is, by all means, the most important question which the leg
islature will have to consider. Proper taxation, following
that without affecting the small taxpayer. The governor
believes the extension Of the powers OF the board OF equal-
zation will meet the needs in this respect. But ne suggests
two other possible methods. 1t is for the legislature to de-
termine which is best Of all and the problem is important.
1t is a question whether or not the railroad commission
could assume the duties Of a public-service board without
interfering with its efficiency. Governor Stewart thinks
this could be done all right. Certainly such a public
service board would be better than none.
A new road law, a plan for protecting the forests from
fire, an employers liability law, and a blue-sky law-these
are all included in the governors suggestions and are, as
he says, matters which have received the Endorsement OF
all parties. There should be no difficulty in securing the
enactment of laws which will bring about the reforms
which are demanded by the people.
Three typewriter lines of the message deal with the
necessity for a law regulating the use OF water TOR power
purposes. But those three lines are enough. They call
the attention Of the legislature to the fact that it is neces-
sary to protect the present generation and to conserve
the future
The right of referendum on the part of the governor is
urged; it is also asked for the legislature in the case OF
vetoed bills. 1t is also set forth that the governor should
be given the power s%ummarily to remove officers who neg
lect or refuse to do their duty. The governor Will ina
many people who agree with him in this respect.
The creation of the office of dairy commissioner is asked;
the legislature is counseled to provide tor the inspection
and classification Of grain; the establishment OF a distinct
state department Of agriculture is recommended mus
are the AGRICULTURAL interests of the state recognized.
The message cordially approves the proposition to e-
tions Of higher education. The submission of an equal
suffrage amendment is likewise recommended.
We believe the message will receive commentator from
all quarters. 1t outlines a program OF efficiency tor the as
sembly. 1t is now up to the lawmakers. The trail mas
been blazed for them. -