The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1914-09-03

q constitutional amendment giving
women an equal righ, Of suffrage with
men be submitted 60 the voters Of this
commonwealth.
Importance of Good Roads
Again We emphasize the prime inn
/ portance 20 the state Of good roads.
Our development socially and indus
trially demands the maintenance Of
a policy that shall keep US fully
abreast Of our sister states in respect
10 highway Improvement We believe
the present administration OF our
highway system commcndS itself 10
all our people, as embodying maxi
mum Of efficiency at a minimum ex-
pense.
1--WE have thus far prosecuted our
department highway work within our
income, thus avoiding the creation Of
a bonded indebtedness, conservative
policy eminently wise in principle and
efficient in practice. We pledge our
selves to its continuance, recommend
ing only such further legislative ac-
ton as the General Assembly may
deem necessary TO supplement exist
ing laws on the subject.
Agriculture
ave recognize the fact that agricul-
ture continues to be the predominant
industry of our commonwealth. The
farm is and must continue TO be the
foundation head of our material pros
perity, the corner stone of the New
Vermont All measures, therefore,
looking to the upbuilding of agricul-
ture both in method and practical re-
suit, are commended to the favorable
consideration OF the General Assem-
bly,.
"We believe that nowhere in the
United States are there greater agri-
cultural opportunities than in Yer
mont, land values, proximity to the
most ample markets and all other fac
tors considered We believe that the
efficient work Of our state publicity
department in giving the widest pos
sible publicity to these undoubted OPP
portunities should be continued, not
only as an encouragement to our citi-
zens to remain upon the farm of Yer
mont, but as an inducement TO the
farmers Of other states TO seek homes
within our borders.
"The teaching of practical agricul-
ture should be prosecuted with vgor
and efficiency Without disparage-
ment or neglect Of the other educa-
tional interests Of the state, we be-
speak for agricultural instruction
through existing agencies the most
liberal and effective encouragement.
"We believe that the agricultural
extension work inaugurated by the
last General Assembly whereby prac-
teal instruction in method is carried
from the state agricultural college to
the farm, is Of great value to our
farming interests and should be given
generous financial support.
"We also suggest that in addition to
his other duties the commissioner Of
agriculture establish in his Office de-
partment of markets and depart
ment Of farm labor.
State and Municipal Economy
eve express our deliberate convic-
lion that national, state and municipal
extravaganza is one of the most cry
ng evils of the present day. To an
,icipate the future by the creation of
/ permanent bonded Indebtedness is
o mortgage the future, policy eco
lomically unsound and socially UNI
wise, except to meet the most pressing
'ivic demands. SO also, to live be-
yond current income so as TO necessi-
ate temporary loans, which gradu-
lily accumulate until an increase in
he tax rate almost inevitably per-
nanent, must be resorted to for relief,
5 equally unsound municipal fnan-
iering.
Insofar as this tendency towards
public extravaganza can be held in
heck by the establishment of uni
orm system of municipal accounting,
" the encouragement of efficiency
n the expenditure of the public reve-
ue, and by further limitations upon
he debt creating power of our towns
nd cities, we commend these meas
res to the favorable consideration Of
he General Assembly.
eve pledge ourselves to a policy of
economy in state expenses, and to that
nd we recommend thorough inves-
Igation of the official duties and
of the various state com
MISSIONS, and all state executive and
ldicial officers, with a view to their
uDoii a JUDI
ess basis. We are opposed TO the es-
ablishment of new salaried commits
ions unless absolutely necessary to
AIRY out essential state policies.
Budget Recommended
ITO further promote economy in
tate expenses we submit three
Decifc recommendations: First, that
t or prior to the opening Of the next
.ssion Of the General Assembly
ldget be prepared by the fiscal off
,rs Of the state showing the esti-
iated income of the state for the
ext ensuing biennial period, the fix
! charges upon its revenues during
Ich period, and such other data as
i'll most effectively aid the Legisla-
ire in making its appropriations for
he support Of existing institutions
nd the establishment Of such new
overnmenta agencies as may be
,emed for the best interests OF the
ate.
Flat Salary for Legislators
Second, that the per diem basis Of
for the members Of the
legislature be abolished and a fat
Ilary for the session be substituted
erefor; and third, that the next
legislature as soon as may be after
convenes, take steps TO investigate
e compensation Of the clerks. secre-
ries, reporters, pages and all other
gislative and state house officials
ii employees ard to adjust the Same