Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-06
Why Not a state Survey:

THE Bureau Of Municipal Research has
l done fine thing for the city of Rich
mond in its comprehensive review OF the ci,y's
governmental machinery. Many Of the lesser
suggestions in the 1.2oO-page report already
have been put into effect; others OF far
reaching character may be adopted after con-
sideraton. Still others may he found not
adapted to local conditions. The report itself
will prove for years to come valuable
manual of city affairs. and its influence on
shaping future legislation will be meal
culablc.
Would it not be distinct forward step if
the General Assembly which convencs in Jan
uary would arrange for a survey of State de-
partments at the seat of government and OF
State-supported institutions? This same
bureau has recently accomplished such an
undertaking for the State Of New York and
already the economies effected are reported
to have amounted TO many times the cost
Virginia S departments have been the
growth of many years. often added without
consideration OF existing agencies. Even a
casual glance reveals lack of coordination
and system in the States machinery which
with the best Of officials. must result in waste
The Commissioner of Insurance is elected by
the General Assembly; the Commissioner OF
Banking by the State Corporation Commits
sion. Banks and insurance companies are
corporations. and there seems no good reason
why these departments should not be sub.
sidiary bureaus of the Corporation Commits
sion. The Governor appoints the Adjutant-
General; the people elect the superintendent
OF Public Instruction. The Commissioner of
Agriculture is elected: the Commissioners CT
Health appointed. The average citizen does
not recall by what machinery the Highway
Commissioner is named, or when or for how
long. The State operates four insane
asylums and fceble-minded COLONY; the
-.
rate boards Is attorney living far from
any one of these institutions. Normal schools
have been created by the juggling OF an APP
preparation act. as i'll the closing moments
OF the 1905 session. and the establishment of
institutions has in some instances been more
gratfica ton OF local pride than to fulfill
State need.
The last report OF the Secretary OF the
Commonwealth lists foriy-siy separate boards.
some named by the Governor. some elected
or nominated in other ways some eX-of1icio
and all serving for varying periods Not
until the new Governor has been in Office
two years lacking two weeks will he name a
member OF tho Corporation Commission. and
not until two weeks before he goes out of
oflcc will he name ma jor;y of that body
Every Governor is held responsible for and
TO greater or less extent is handicap ped by
the work OF boards commissions aud Of
.icials he did not appoint
systematic survey of the States ma
chinerE would not he made in a spirit critical
OF any official or department. 1t need lead
10 no revolution in the States affairs II
would criticize no official who is performing
We'll work worth the doing. But it would
give the succeeding Legislatures valuable
manual of information that would prove 2
OASIS for future legislation. Greater economy
OF operation would be inevitable and in the
creation OF future departments as they NAV
DC needed. constructive work could he done.
giving TO the administrative departments and
institutions OF the State more OF business ef-
hciency and less OF the appearance of crazy
quilt.