Evening journal., 1915-01-07
THE eoyERNOR's ADMIRABLE MESSAGE.

~ ovERNoR MlLLERs message to the Legislature is
" patriotic forceful, comprehensive and we'll
written public document
In its treatment Of what has occurred in State
since regular OF two years ago It is fea-
tured by intelligence and moderation.
In its promise and suggestion for the future, it
breathos the hope and desire OF the public and the
spirit Of the Republican party and its organization
that the financial and other affairs Of State
should be placed upon sound business basis and
kept there by public and party WILL in the face Of all
efforts by selfseeking organizations and individuals
to drag them to a lower level
The members of the Legislature should meet the
Governor more than halfway in bringing about the
forms he suggests, with such onargements or modih
cations as may seem wise after illumination of the
several subjects has been obtained by honest and
intelligent exchange Of views.
Governor Mler's appeal for hearty cooperation be-
tween the two the members thereof and for
the early fixing of a time to put up the bars against
introduction Of business should appeal strongly
to those who have gone 10 Dover imbued with the
thought that the business of the State fhoud be trans
acted in busness-like way Nor is il likely that his
recommendation for the early correction of papahle
defects in existing laws will go unheeded it must
be recognized that such early action will valuable
time and prevent embarrassment and confusion in the
buster periods of the session.
Among the most important portions Of the message
are those which deal with the State finances and ap-
propriations and the legislative expenditures Those
portions illuminated by concise and easily under
sandable financial statement Il is taken from the
books the Treasurer and goes to the legislators
week or two in advance the regular report that
official The statement gives comparative figures with
respect to receipts expenditures past years and
sees of carefully conservatvely prepared estimates
bearing upon the receipts and expenditures for the
current fiscal year. In other words the Governor has
given to each member of the and House at the
outset OF the session. financial digest and guide that
should of ncalculable benefit to him in shaping his
course when financial matters under consideration
That is something done heretofore doubtless
Establishes precedent that will he followed in fu-
ture sessions.
In discussing State finances and appropriations, the
Governor calls attention the fact that extraordinary
appropriations made in 1913 and the expenses the
extra legislative session held in 1914 make It mpera
lively necessary that business prudence OF the highes
order be exercised by the Senators and Representa-
tives in passing upon legislation affecting directly
Or indirectly. the State treasury. He suggests tha
he Senate and the Houses designate joint committe
10 confer with him with respect the States hnanoia
matters Executive opinion is expressed that if a pla
be adopted whereby the executive and legislatv
branches frequently during the session rea
tive to appropriations proposed. mutual benefit vii
result and the State and its people vii
be better safeguarded. In opinion such sugges
ton will make strong appeal 10 public favor bot
theexecutive and the legislative departments have