Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1917-01-11
THURspAY. JANUARY II, 1917.
GOVERNOR MILIER's MESSAGE.


another part Of paper publish the full text
4 Of Governor Mlllers message to the Legislature
which has convened in biennial session. We feel
sure that most Of tho recommendations contained there
in viii meet with widespread public approval. That is
especially with respect to the revenues OF our
State. Governor Miller shows clearly that while he
feels that changes should be made in the assessment
and taxation methods In vogue in this state. he also
feels that whatever changes to be made should be
deliberately and only after careful considera-
ton
IL will be seen that he recommends that the matter
OF establishing State budget system be deferred
until years hence by which time the Maryland sys
tenn will have been tried out and other sys-
tenn may be adopted here. Nor does Governor Miller
stop with that lie recommends that his successor be
authorized TO appoint a non-partisan commission OF
least Eve representative to take up, carefully
study and deliberate upon and report TO the next ses
sion Of the Legislature IN relation 10 the revenue in
come Of the State. He recommends further that this
commission be made permanent and that the term OF
member shall expire every two years That will
at all times large holding-over membership
that the duties and the aims OF the
mission. II IS made clear by the message that the
governor is not in sympathy with those who would
take snap action upon present taxation system.
Wage earners cannot fan to be pleased with the
platic declaration in favor Of O compensation law for
the benefit OF working men, who injured in the
course OF employment, without imposing unjust and
unfair burdens upon employers. The suggestion that
the law should be so simple and easy OF interpre
lstlon to avoid litigation also will recommend it.
self TO the public.
Another important part Of the message has to do
with school finances The favors readjust-
ment Of the taxing system it will distribute the
payment Of taxes among the people In accordance With
their ability TO pay. No reasonable person. imagine
viii take issue with him in his contention that the
present pay OF the County School superintendent,
$1,000 each Is grossly inadequate the service they
perform. or resent the suggestion that the annual
salary Of each OF those officials be increased to $1,000
The recommendations that there be on economical
and the time, an efficient health inspection OF
the school children and that school houses be better
heated and ventilated also will appeal strongly to the
public. The appeal 10 the Legislature for careful and
just consideration OF the legislation proposed by the
State Board OF EsducatIon IS timely is also the
further recommendation that the laws defining the
and duties OF school officials be revised made
clearer and oodlhed Recommendation OF an appro-
priaton OF $4,000 to be used in Wilmington and the
New Castle district for the education OF adult for
egners will be hailed with pleasure by those who are
sctive in the Americanization movement.
The praise OF Delaware College and Of the women's
College OF Delaware contained In the message are well
deserved. That also Is true as regards the Expert.
mental Farm. Agricultursts horticulturists down
~~'-tN~
geston that for their benefit. another experimental
farm be established in Sussex county
The State Library Commission the state College
for Coiored Students the Delaware State Hospital for
The and several other institutions and stat,
bodies supported in whole in part by the State
come in for praise in the message.
Several phases OF the automobile situation ar,
treated briefly but pointedly by the governor He
favors doing away with the headlight and spotlight
glare nuisance and menace and urges that vehicles Of
all kinds which the public roads be compelled e
carry lights More drastic legislation for the punish
ment Of automobile thieves also is suggestion tha
Will meet with the favor OF automobile owners No,
does be fail to urge upon the Legislature the wisdom
Of making It msdemeanor. with forfeiture OF Office
for any constable to receive money from an automo
bllist untn after hearing before Judge or iust,o
Of the peace. He also insists that drivers of auomo
bnes should have opportunity produce drivers II
censes before being hned but that for defensive Dur
5oses such license, when produced must ante-dat
the date Of the arrest for alleged driving withou.
license. An equitable adjustment OF dealers license
Is another recommendation Nor does the person VIII
becomes an automobile owner late in the year fan I
receive the governors friendly consideration He su,
gests that the present auto license law be amended
that for any license granted after September in an
year the fee shall be onehaf that charged for the pr
vious eight months OF the year. Action looking to nal
ing uniform among the States the reciprocal cou
fssies exchanged also is favored.
IN view Of the recent experience with infantle par
lysis among humans and hoof and mouth dises
among cattle It is not surprising that the messal
the Secretary OF state be clothed with sufficient none