Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-01-19
A Splendid Message

L ument. It's brevity is eloquent. Con-
vinced of the accuracy of his own diagnosis
that we are over instead of under-lawed,
Governor Brumbaugh confines his recon-
mendations to few vital enactments"
which the people need and deserve. AS
speedily as may be, this we should do, and
when this is done the Legislature should
adjourn"
BY far the most important Of these recon-
mendations relates to local option, the de-
mand for which was voiced in the Gov
ernor's personal platform, but was spectacu-
larly omitted from the Pittsburgh decara-
tion of principles On this point the Gov
ernor is bold outspoken and determined, as
there was every assurance he would be
when he declined to use money for his cam
paign which notoriously was contributed to
the general fund by arrogant and shame
less liquor interests. II am unequivocably
for county local option" There is the chal-
lenge, there the fight, and on its outcome
will hinge not only the destiny of Governor
Brumbaugh, but the destiny also of the Re-
publican party in this State
The Governors insistence on a comprehen-
sive highway program was anticipated, and
his plea for the abolition of toll roads, which
have become an intolerable irritation, will
be indorsed heartily. Particularly sIgnif-
cant is the call for efficiency in road con-
struction and upkeep. "These supervisors
should be licensed roadkeepers and not po-
litical accidents" If the Governor can trans
late that conception of the public interest
into fact success will be written all over his
Administration
Tie Governor favors a practical civil serv-
ice; feels that the school code needs little |
revision, although more funds for education |
are desirable; advocates the submission of !
the woman suffrage amendment; is opposed |
to appropriations for charity unless the su-
pervision of the State follows the appro-
priations; stands firmly and without hesta-
ton for just workmen's compensation act
and the abolishment of child labor pleads
for coordination Of agricultural agencies
and the separation of the teaching and ad-
ministrative functions, which now overlap
and are confused; points out the value of
the States natural resources, the necessity
of conserving them and the wisdom of re-
forestatlon.
OF particular Importance to Philadelphia is
the Governors plea for home rule for cities,
his idea being that "our urban population is
so complex that it scarcely knows how to
only learn by having full responsibility put
squarely on it's shoulders.
The message might have been written In
closter by man whose whole horizon was
limited to humanitarianism yet withal, the
program outlined is riddled with practicable
ity. There is nothing Utopian in 1t, nothing
that cannot or ought not to be accomplished.
1t is a program which any man, irrespective
Of party, can heartily indorse. It represents
the definite conclusions which most of the
people of Pennsylvania have reached on the
great issues before them.
Can he carry 1t out? The whole Common
wealth will watch him in the fight, and the
whole Commonwealth of decent men and
NOhlSl WIN DaSh MIN Up III IT, his voice lS !
he voice Of millions, his determination their
his success their success. His
Message is better than his platform-more
ure, more certain. It's simplicity, its rock
POTION logic, it's limitations of purpose, make
great program, Woe be to the man or
let of men who may endeavor to rip it open;
or Doctor Brumbaugh is the prophet of the
lew Republicanism. and If he is stabbed in
he back there win be nothing left of the I
,arty hut the carcass.
Good morning and good luck. Mr.. Gov
rnor.
There is nothing to the ship purchase bin