The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1915-01-07

ton. let me refer to our highway depart
ment-the department with which / am
most familiar Por several years there
has been an irresistible demand that the
state assume more complete control of the
construction and maintenance OF our prin-
eipal highways. This we have gradually
done, during the last eight years. making
an advance at each session, pot by taking
over our state roads entirely and bonding
the state for their construction as other
states have done, but by retaining the
town as the unit, recognizing the towns as
partners, and aiding literally such as will
help themselves, thus encouraging individ-
, ual effort and stimulating town pride
until every town in the state but two
have taken advantage OF the law at some
/ time since its passage. This plan is pro-
dEeing live, competent road men in every
part of the state, and has developed a
growing, healthy sentiment. which no
/ doubt has resulted in a greater improve
ment for the money expended than would
! have hecn possible under complete state
control
The tendency towards larger degree of
state control IN this and in other depart
mentS brings foreibly To our attention the
matter of state expense. This has steadily
grown in volume during the past ten
wears, and has been given wide publicity.
by some this increase Is deemed too large
from every standpoint by others it is
deemed none too large, if value is re-
eeived
\ careful perusal of the reports of the
different state departments will reveal the
fact that almost every department is
growing. and many of them viii need
larger appropriations, if we permit their
growth and meet the demands
Vermont is not backward in its views
Our people viii not balli at expense that is
necessary. They do not want to 90 with
out those things that build for a better
: citizenship. or for the states best pros
perity- We need not hesitate to build
well for Nermont-as well as our finances
viii permit. But this fact eonfronts us
IN our deliberations-this year is about
the turning point in our state financial
situation. where increased expenditures
from whatever cause will have to be met
by a direct state tax Rigid economy is
/, absolutely essential to favorable balance
: sheet. Every unnecessary expense should
be cut ont, and items of new expense to
: the state should be carefully serutinized,
even though their purpose is entirely laud-
able and desirable. / am reminded here
of the phrase in our State Constitution
e which reads And previous to any law
being made TO raise n tax, the purpose for
e which it is to be raised ought to appear
e evident to the legislature TO be of more
T service to the community than the money
: would be il not collected" This might
7 we'll be orr guide in making appropria.
tons. | am confident that the good jude
Il ment of this body can he depended upon
e to handle this matter satisfactorily.
e The expense of our meeting here j,
h heavy under the most favorable circ,,m
: stances This fact should not hoxvavar
$ deter ms from the fullest dcliberation over
: all important measures.
/ Inadequate or ill-considered Legislation
: might be productive of more harm TO Tho
I state than increased expense.
: Let ns each endcavor 10 eliminate all
j. Continued on Page 81