New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-06-22
THE NEW CONSTITUTION
Changes Which Convention Could
Make in State Government.
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: There is certain constructive work the
Constitutional Convention can and should do.
l. II should compel the Legislature TO re-
organize the administrative departments in
up-to-d date fashion. segregating and co-ordi-
mating these which have grown up hnphazard,
slop over and are unwieldy, and making the
structure Of each compact and cohesive
This has been put up to every administra-
ton for years and little accomplished. 1t is
not possible save with change in party and
power, land has not proved feasible even then
being sufficiently busy recognizing the Of
fceholders, they get no further. The Lcgis-
lature in ordinary will not initiate such
wholesale reform, nor are those who in office
seek to continue apt to make it whoesomely.
! II is only 10 be done By such specially ere
lted body Of high character, in being indie
pendent 1t is their job
For example, it would be desirable TO ere
ate department Of public highways, embrac-
ing all now under the State Engineer the Su-
perintendcnt of Public Works the Highway
and Public (quasD Service commissions and
the conservation law.
These meet at stations, terminals, crossings
and in interchange of traffic. power, heat and
light and general intercommunication. They
can and should be co-ordinated, and head
big enough to dominate the whole sweep of it
can be in place.
.. Provide for q state budget.
8. Determine the state policy on taxation.
The indirect system is fairly rational and
scientific, and can be so perfected that it
meets the ordinary expenditure and will grow
81, in atI
wealth.
II not only relieves the home and farm and
all realty of any state tax, but that which is
less understood, it leaves on realty only local
taxes that go to its safeguard, improvement
and comfortable holding, and the assessment
levy and expenditure is by the local officials
so elected.
II therefore provides absolute home rule
in taxation aside from the indirect; and it
makes no difference outside to any other To-
calty or the state at large what that is or
the assessment at what rate, or whether they
levy on personally not segregated to the
state; and also rids the state therefor of all
problems including equalization.
The one fault in the indirect system-its
tendency to promote extravaganza will be
obviated when it is so perfected that reve-
nues therefrom will meet the reasonable or
binary expenditure, and it is so fixed and
understood any administration transcendng
will thereby be indicted Of extravaganza
4. Provide home rule for cities and coun-
ties
Relieving the state of detail legislation
thereupon. This irrespective of attempting
any new form of government therein.
The administrative entity and homogeneity
Of the county should be fostercd. 1t is the
golden mean between the town and state ac-
ton and will avoid their otherwise inherent
faults At the county seat urban and rural
interests meet. Every man knows his county;
few much outside.
5. Fortify the right of sovereignty under
the constitution, including right of eminent
domain, for all purposes within puryiew Of
the conservation law.
This way would adjust the ways and means
of the commonwealth. JOHN KING.
Buttcrnuts, Otsego County, n. Y, June 5,
1915.