The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-01-07
GATES TAKES OATH;
FLETCHER'S TALK
-. -, =.
FAIRLY BRISTLES
Continued from first pagc.)

our courts, ana ponce powers, ana OF on
public health, and to certain degree, o
our schools, and state highways.
"On the other hand, | believe we will
all agree that II would be most unfor
tunate to have our people entirely re
lieved of the active responsibilities o.
citizenship, with the exception of Tho
election of the necessary officials. Sucl
a condition, it seems to me, would de
stroy the greatest safeguard we have tc
our body polite individual activity, re-
sponsibility and independence. Vermont
has not gone far astray in this matter
and has wisely chosen a course between
the two extremes. To emphasize this
point by way of illustration, let me re-
fer to our highway departmental de-
partment with which am most familiar
For several years there has been an ir-
resistible demand that the state assume
more complete control of the construc-
ton and maintenance of our principal
| highways. This we have gradually done,
during the last eight years, making an
advance at each session, not 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
individual effort and stimulating town
| pride, until every town in the state but
two have taken advantage of the law at
sometime since its passage. This plan is
producing live, competent road men in
every part of the state, and has devel-
oped growing, healthy sentiment, which
no doubt has resulted in a greater i'm
provement for the money expended than
would have been possible under complete
state control.
'The tendency towards larger degree
of state control in this and in other de-
partments brings forcibly to our at
tention the matter OF state expense.
This has steadily grown in volume dur
ing the past ten years, and has been Civ
en- wide publicity. BY some this increase
is deemed too large from every stand
point by Others it is deemed none too
large, if value is received.
"a careful perusal of the reports OF
the different state departments will re-
veal the fact that almost every depart
ment is growing, and many of them will
need larger appropriations, if we permit
their growth and meet the demands.
Vermont is not backward in its views
Our people will not balk at expense that
is necessary. They do not want TO go
without those things that build for a
better citizenship, or for the states best
prosperity. We need not hesitate to
build well for Vermont--as well as our
finances win permit But this fact con
fronts us in our deliberations this year
is about the turning point in our state
financial situation, where increased ex-
penditures from whatever cause will have !
to be met by direct state tax. Rigid |
economy is absolutely essential to fa- |
vorable balance sheet Every unneees-
sary expense should be cut out. and |
items of new expense to the state should /
be carefully scrutinized, even though |
their purpose is entirely laudable and |
desirable. | am reminded here Of the /
phrase in our state constitution, which |
reads, And previous to any law being 1
made TO raise a tax, the purpose for
which il is 70 be raised ought TO appear
evident to the legislature to be OF more
service to the community than the mon
ey would be II not collected This might
well be our guide in making appropria-
tions. | am quite confident that the
good judgment Of this body can be de-
pended upon to handle this matter sat. Il
"The expense Of our meeting here is
heavy under the most favorable circum-
stances. This fact should not, however.
deter MS from the fullest deliberation
over all important measures. Inadequate
Dr ill-considered legislation might be pro-
iuctiye Of more harm to the state than
increased expense
let us endeavor to eliminate all un.
necessary legislation, and undue delay Of
proper legislation. Let us claim credit
or the number OF bills we DO not IN.
reduce, rather than the number we do
introduce. In short. let This session. the
irst 20 be held under the change in our
constitution. be conspicuous for the quail
~ Of lis work completed in the shortest
line consistent with thoroughness. and
ve viii best serve the state. and our ef.
orts are certain 20 be appreciated.
Il deem ii unwise az this time 70 20
nto detail on the various subjects that
ill engross our attention. such as direct
primary, workmen's compensation. the
hAtttai - tAhNaliHNs akiltultuffs ana
uch changes in our statutes az are nee
ssary 20 conform 20 our changed consti.
ution. Educational MATTERS on account
{ their importance will demand our spe
ial attention. and. in this connection.
4 me refer 20 the most liberal proposal
hitch We have received from the Hon.
'hcodore y. Vail Of Iyndonville. who 81.
rs the Lyndon Agricultural school and
peedwell farms fully equipped. a. a
-ee gift 20 the state for educational pur-
ases. Your favorable consideration Of
Ne Offer u most earnestly recommend
A.
y win ~ glad a. communicate with
pa later a. occasion may require. and
connection with az these matters
-omise you my lost Efforts and shall
ed your Kind Consideration and assist
lce. J request you individually 20 give
? e any time such views az you may
ish 10 express On legislation 81 inpor-
.nrr
- extend 81 you my hearty good
shes for the sucerssful outcome % this
ssionr