New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-03-28
CLOSER RELATION OF GOVERNOR
AND LEGISLATURE RECOMMENDED

examination, the asking Of awkward questions
which would be possible if the Governor and his
cabinet were admitted to the floor Of both
housed. The Governor. taking advantage Of his
position as popular leader, might assail the OBJ
structionists, and they might answer, not open
ly, but by means which experienced politicians
know how to employ. And finally, while the par
tcular subject of disagreement might be set
tied. the referendum would have had dire
influence in correcting the evils which have goI
so far in discrediting the Legislature.
Another proposal has been made, and with il
creasinc frequency Of late, that the Governor
and his cabinet should be permitted to appear
in both houses not only to explain and defend
administration measures, but also to answer
questions relative TO public business.
Consider what advantage would proceed from
the presence Of the Governor and his cabine,
in the Legislature even without the right to
vote. Consider the improvement in administra-
ton. For the State Engineer and the State
Treasurer (this may recall recent events it
would be perpetual grand jury proceeding
with searching and pertinent questions which
they could by no means cvade. Constantly sub
ject to criticism, the department heads must be
men familiar with legislative ways and able to
defend themselves in debate. They must always
be olive to the duties Of their Offices. 1t would
no longer be possible TO appoint mediocre law
yer as Attorney General.
INEVITABLE IMPROVEMENT FOLLOWING
GOVERNORS PRESENCE IN LEGISLATURE.
And consider the inevitable improvement IN
LEGISLATION. No one doubt that the Governor
would assume a far more important role IN this
direction lie would present a coherent pro-
vramme which the electorate could fairly Judge
on its merits, because debate would take higner
level and attract public attention in new way
The members would be infinitely better informed
because openly and of right they could ask Ior
information from the heads OF departments ana
be sure of getting direct and straightforward re-
plies The personnel would be greatly improved.
Remember that in view Of the new position OF
cabinet officers only men Of previous experience
IN the LEGISLATURE would eventually be appointed;
that good men would come into the Legislature
and stav there with the expectation Of receiving
such an appointment and that the minority
party would therefore have at its disposal men
who had held or expected shortly to hold cabinet
Office end who would take authoritative part In
debate. With competent, recognized leaders on
beth sides--like the front benches in the Com
rnons-opposing arguments would be cogently
PRESENTED for the Legislators and the voters TO
weigh.
l. is also probable that the leadership OF the
Governor and cabinet representing the people
of the whole state, would extinguish that all
pervasive subservience TO local interests when
is so generally decred. Better still, new mem
hers. coming up full of good intentions, would
find reputable leaders TO follow and would no
longer have to choose between being relegated to
oblivion and accepting affiliations which their con-
sciences could not approve.
And what are the objections to this closer as
so,iation Of Executive and Legislature? Like
the objections to the short ballot they are rather
elusive and not always rational when discovered.
Nothing more damaging has been said than that
the independence Of Executive and Legislature
would be endangered. Perhaps so; personally
view the danger with profound indifference sep
ara.jon Of powers. though time -honored theory
Of American government is now worn pretty thin
especially IN our cities and theory never counted
for ruch beside practical eXpediency among men
Of solid political sense.