Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-04
THE covERNoR,s MESSAGE.

Once again in an inaugural address
has Governor Holcomb touched upon
matters which are of great import
ance to the state He has called at
tention to some of the accomplish
ments in the past two years In a brief
manner, but he has at length review
ed those which still need to be done.
The governor didn't waste any
words in launching out in his message
upon what the general assembly is
confronted with IN the way of work.
He pays q compliment to the state
militia and points out that steps
should be taken now to see that the
constitution is SO amended that in
case they are again at any time call
ed upon for service outside of the
state it will not be necessary to call
a special session of the legislature in
order to give them the right to vote
I'm an election occurring while they
are away.
He makes an excellent suggestion
regarding the investment of the sur
plus which has been produced over ex-
penses during the past two years, and
he points out why little change ought
to be expected in the way of reduc-
tons in state taxes during the next
two years.
With reference to the insane. epi1ep-
tic, feeble minded and fnebriates he
for their needs, but as he said in his
address to the governors in session
at Washington more ought to be
known about what the federal gov
eminent is going to do with the milf
tia before any more expenditures are
authorized for armories.
As to the demand for a reforma-
tory for women he considers that
there is an increasing need for H. but
suggests that the possibility of such
work being carried on in connection
with the state school for girls ought
to be investigated before action is
taken. He likewise considers that the
conditions of the jails about the state
should be thoroughly looked into, and
that more power should be given to
the state board Of health.
Good results have been obtained
from the consolidation of commissions
in accordance with his recommended
tons two years ago and he sees where
there is chance for a continuation
of this good work.
In view of the many additional du-
ties which have been created for the
secretary Of state by the motor vehi-
cles which are constantly increasing
in number, it is not surprising that he
advises the creation of a motor yehi-
Gle department. It is manifest that
there are duties required Of the state
secretary in this regard which are far
from what ought to be imposed upon
him.
An appeal for permanent highways
is sounded, together with the compile
ton of those sections of the trunk
lines which have never been built, and
he takes occasion to direct attention
to the misuse of the good roads by
the speeding and heavily loaded vehi- |
cles. He is entirely right when he |
says that a reasonable limit should |
be placed upon the tonnage which
carry over our highways and bridges
Now that the legislators are to be |
recompensed for their transportation
expenses, he well says that there is |
no excuse for non attendance and he |
is right in urging such application to
business that adjournment can be |
taken by the first of May, and he |
might even have put it the first of |
A priI.
The word sof warning against ex-
trayagance because of the record of |
the past two years is most timely |
and it is a bit of excellent advice |
when he calls for the exercise of pa
triotIsm rather than partisanship in |
ness Governor Ho1comb has set forth |
III his message many facts which |
should be a guide throughout the ses-
sion OF the legislature.
Now that Newfoundlard has gone
Try It is possible that Maine will feel |
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