The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-02-02

rather than continually seek new
subjects of taxation. involving
added burdens on our people. To
this end l advocate the inaugu-
ration of what Is known as an
executive budget"--that is. an
appropriation bill tentatively pre-
pared by the governor and sub
mitted to the legislators at tho
opening of the session OF the gem
eral assembly.
The appropriation bill thus pre-
sented would be based upon esti-
mates furnished by heads OF de-
partments and that OF the auditor
Of public accounts. 1t would pro-
vide a survey OF the public effort
OF thu state. it's financial condt-
ton, its income. and its proposed
expenditures. It would offer a
study for the public and for the
legislature OF the working of each
department OF the state. TO the
end that their operations may be
slmplified and economy end eft-
cheney assured.
OF more Importance still woul
be the center!ng OF public opin-
ION OF proposed expenditures,
The discussion OF the press would
engender among our people
healthy interest In our states
finances. This tentative appro-
prlation bill would be persuasive,
illuminating, it would not i'm
pinge upon the constitutional
powers OF the legislature.
Few of our citizens realize that
our state appropriations are ar
rived at In the most artificial
fashion; they amount TO $4,000
900 for every two years. The gen
eral assembly OF Virginia meets in
biennial sessions of sixty days; IT
~ overwhelmed with business
during this period: committees
having In hand the appropriation
bill are frequently composed OF
men OF limited experience in
financial matters; they are mem
bers Of many other con. mittees,
ard are expected TO he in regu-
lar attendance upon the sessions
81 the legislative body; they have
brought to bear upon them all
the influence that the stronger in
stitutions cnn muster. while hum
bier Cndeavor, such as the ele-
nentary schools. are as a rule
without enthusiastic champions.
1sHE4ElGtoEH ara Gstlihd ukOI ab SAP
last days OF the session 10 vote
great sums Of money with little
II any knowledge Of wha. they are
voting for, vet we wonder at lack
Of efficiency In government and
submit 20 increased taxation, Oft
times nee eSsitated by waste and
extravaganza.
The governor OF Virginia. be
FyE. ss.E a
edneSs and political searles%n ess,
should have the confidence OF the
public. and his recon mendationS
in. regard 10 the appropriation bill
would go far 10 bring about. those
administrative reforms necessary
TO economical and efficient public
service.
An executive BUDGET simply
applies To government the prin-
clples that obtain in business sue
Cessfully conducted.
Government has been aptiy nkenet
, a great business interest, Of which
le legislature is the board of direc
IRIS, the people are the stot kholders
nd the governor is tho general maa
ger. The dividends declared by such
public adventure should be the pro
,ction of the weak against the strong
la education OF the people, and TIL,
onservatism and development OF tn,
saources Of the stste--her agricul
iral, commercial. Industrial and pro
life.
Uncontrolled Agencies.
From time to time bureaus ant
ate agencies have been added to tn.
st OF our public activities. and II ha.
cen the endeavor OF their creators
place them beyond tina supervision
the governor and 10 permit them
! dlsburse the funds collected hy
lem. as we'll as practically to audit
leir own accounts; they hold them.
lives entirely Independent of the gen
al assembly. ana conduct little gov.
-nments OF their own. This state
affairs should be remedied by
rompt Legislation. All funds should
> paid into the treasury subject to
precipitation by the general assem-
~. and should be audited by the
iditor OF public accounts. who should
ave vouchers for every expenditure
his is an elementary principle OF
emocratic government. but for some
applicable reason remedial legisla
on has hitherto been withheld
state Purchasing Agent
Again, the purchasing by various
ate institutions and departments OF
rye quantities OF materials and sup
les without any special co-ordina-
on OF effort 10 secure Try purchasing
volume the boat material at the
west price, ia of necessity wasteful
Id extrayagant All great business
,ncerns have purchasing agent.
no buys In quantities IN those mar
ITS that are most available, and |
II especially anxious to see this bust
,ss principle applied to state govern
emit in Virginia by the establishment
central purchasing agent. who
iall serve under etate purchasing
'mmisston, all appointed from the
It OF our present state ofacers, who
ould serve without additional com
! am persuaded that an
iormous saving can be made in pur-
lase% FOR the state by adopting this
an, which obtains and Is success
lly ccaduoted In other states
The report of the comm ,ssien on
onomy and efficiency IS ole and in
ruetlVe, and presents fruitful field
I helpful legislation. which WIZ do
UGH 20 place the state upon bust
SIS basis OF administration,
Farm Labor.
Virginia has vast and varied re-
urces; her abundant crops crown
Hey and hilltop from mountain TO
9ewater; her rich coal and iron
Ids, her magnificent manufacturing
ID industrial establishments. her
eat harbors and fisheries, present a
OF interest and oppor-
nifty unequalled elsewhere: her ell
ate is admirable, and the great mar