New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-11-01
New York States Opportunity.

New York States opportunity.
The voters of New York State who &c
to the polls tomorrow really desiring
progress in government and real efficiency
and economy in state affairs will vote for
the new constitution.
This issue far transcends in impor-
lance that of any election in recent years
Indeed. submitted together with the ques-
ton of votes for women, it makes this the
most important election in this generation
The question is not whether certain me-
chanical features of government shall be
altered. this way or that. 1t is whether
the people Of the State Of New York, rec
ognizing that their affairs are in a slough
are willing TO unite TO lift them out of
that slough. 1t is whether the people
understanding that basic principles, both
as TO governmental processes and partici-
patton in government, are now set nj
naught, are ready TO take long step in
advance and bring them into conformity
with present day conditions and contempt
rary thought.
The state government at present is waste
full; Is is inefficient; it is not responsive
in any adequate degree, to the demands
of the people. 1t runs like watch filled
with dust. Selfish interests, political and
financial, have tinkered with it until they
have made it so confused and complicated
that they, the professionals, can get out
of it what they want but the plain citi-
zens. amateurs in the political game al
ways. cannot get what they want. The
Governor, who is the state administra-
ton" so far as the people are concerned,
is hedged around and handicapped by all
sorts Of limitations. He may initiate
policies which have complete public ap-
proval. but he has no power to carry them
out. An antagonistic Legislature or an I'M
friendly department head can prevent it..
Thereupon the public visits its indignation
for failure" on the Governor, when the
system of government, not he, has failed.
Under the new constitution the Cover
nor will have powers commensurate with
the responsibility he must bear. The de-
partment system will be made simple and
coherent. The Governor may appoint and
remove the heads of administrative de-
partments, subject only to confirmation by
the Senate in the case Of commissions
whose members exercise legislative and
judicial as we'll as administrative func-
tions. The Governor will be directly re-
sponsibe for the states financial condi-
ton. He, an official elected by all the
people, will have to prepare and submit
2 budget for state expenditures, together
with an estimate of the states resources.
This will be open for the study of the
public, instead of being prepared in secret
and passed, as are the Legislatures ap-
preparation bills, without any persons
knowing all they contain.
The Legislature, in turn, instead of
being deluged under local and special de-
mands so that it has little time for con-
sideration Of questions Of statewide i'm
port, will be freed from such matters. II
will be able to study and deliberate on
general laws instead of small fry matters
Cities will be able, under general pro-
visions, to handle their own affairs ade
quately instead of being ruled completely
from Albany.
All these reforms mean tightening ny
of government so that waste diminishe:
and efficiency is increased. Power goe'
with responsibility. The government vii
be so visible, the public servants will be 81
responsible, that there will be small chance
of success for the attacks of "invisibl
government"
These things are all fine and highl.
desirable; they outweigh the minor flaw
unacceptable in any human product con
structed as is state constitution.