The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1914-08-11
MORE ECONOMICAL
ADMINISTRATION
Not Only in State Affairs,
but in Local Expenditures
Build Up Schools


candidate for the Republican nomina-
ton for governor of Vermont, in the
following statement;
| / have been asked and urged by many
people to become candidate for the
governorship this year. | have also been
advised by few to keep out of the
contest Frankly, | should like to be
governor and should esteem it high
honor to be chosen as the Republican
standard bearer, in order to do all in
my power in support of certain princi-
ples | believe to be essential TO the
advance and prosperity of the state of
Vermont.
Particularly should like to be the
candidate this year, when there is no
cut and dried routine of political result
land when patriotic effort toward better
things and improved public service
should occupy so large place in the
campaign.
There are numerous issues under dis
cussion, but many of them are details
to be worked out by the legislature and
success in this direction will be measured
almost entirely by the character, abil-
litv, experience and fitness of the men
whom the people choose 10 represent
them in the House and Senate.
The duties of governor lie chiefly in
consecrating his counsel and influence
toward solving the problems OF the state,
He should have judgment and courage
| in the use of his now enlarged veto
power in curtailing schemes Of selfish
interest and to guard against the ex-
eesses of the visionary and lncompe-
tent.
In this connection, it seems to me well
to consider few of the real issues that
Vermont must face and to study the
remedies proposed.
These issues are those which affect the
prosperity, efficiency, character, intelii-
gence, and welfare of our people.
have put prosperity first, as the higher
standards are seldom reached unless nur-
tured by at least fair degree of pros
perty.
The great need of Vermont at the
present time is greater efficiency in
state and local government. The state
and the several towns are increasing
their tax and debt burdens too rapidly
and without getting adequate return
for the money spent. The fact that this
money is raised and expended in an hon
est attempt TO advance should spur us
to achieve better results. The state can
aid itself and the towns by legislating
toward efficiency. The state and the
town raise money enough now to meet
all their needs if it were wisely and
prudently expended.
Local Efficiency
To promote higher degree of eff
cheney in town and city government, !
suggest the following legislation;
a. Forbid the towns to assume bond
ed indebtedness except by two-third vote
at a meeting or election at which at
least 25 per cent. of the voters are
present,
~ Permit the town and cities at
their own option to secure local eff
cheney, by putting their business affairs
in the hands of business manager un-
der the supervision of small commits
sion elected by the voters of the town.
(3) Provide a uniform system of town
accounting and permit town to cooper
ate when they desire in securing com
petent road builders or in other impor-
tant public work.
State Efficiency
To increase the efficiency and economy
of state government few important
measures are most essential. though
many lesser ones are desirable;
III Make no appropriations, except in
case of emergency, unless the income
of the state will meet the appropriation
without any new tax levy and without
going into debt In other words, make
the state live within its income.
f2) FiN a fat sum payment TO MEM
beers of the legislature. This can he
done only by the voters positively in
structing their representatives and sen
ators. Then dilatory methods and delay
will not add to the state burden.
t3l Simplify court practice and re-
duce court expenses by following the
suggestions of Chief Justice Powers.
Aid the course of justice by giving the
supreme court power TO order terms of
court held when the business of a coun-
ty demands such a term. Provide that
two or three Of the junior justices of
the supreme court shall assist in the
circuit work Of the county courts. Re-
duee the number Of superior judges TO
three, not by removing any now in serv-
ice. but by filling no vacancies until the
superior bench shall consist Of but three
judges.
a. Prepare to amend the constitution
in 1920 so that the legislature shall con-
sist only Of the House Of Representa-
tives. No business. corporation, or or
ganizstion could prosper with two
boards Of directors, each having power
TO veto the action Of the other, and
often jealous and suspicious Of each
other The legislative system OF two
houses is tremendously expensive and
the experience Of other countries has
proved il 10 b. less efficient than
single house system. such change
would obviate the necessity q new
stat building that viii cost the people
Of Vermont from quarter 70 . hall
million dollars.
Suggestions for Prosperity
To increase the prosperity Of the state
ard neoule. I sureest a few things that
seem % mo desirable
ui Agriculture in Vermont should
s,frr.,-t f,Ttv a hundred thousand people