New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-01-03

The message of Governor Smith to
the Legislature is intelligent, sugges-
tive and stimulating. Considered as a
legislative programme it perhaps over
reaches itself by suggesting more gen
eral ideas than one Legislature can pos
sibly write into satisfactory law 1t is
to be viewed rather as an outline of
aims and principles which it remains for
Mr.. Smith to develop into concrete and
detailed proposals.
The problems of reconstruction result
ing from the war are obviously inchoate
as yet, and Mr.. Smiths announce
ment of a reconstruction commission to
examine them and recommend legisla-
ton is sound and sensible He does well
to stress above all else the question or
land allotments for returning soldiers,
already raised by Secretary Lane This
looks in two directions, inasmuch as the
DEVELOPMENT of our farms is the most
important factor in the solution of our
food problems. We shall hope that Mr.
Smiths commission will measure up to
the tasks confronting it,
1t is plain that the Governor is alive
to the importance of the milk and other
food problems and his general analysis
is uneXceptionable. That his remedies are
hopelessly vague is natural in view of
the fact that no one has discovered solu-
tons for any of the problems of high
food costs. If Mr.. Smiths milk COM
mission can reduce the cost of milk to
the consumer, while encouraging the
dairymen and the general farming stu
alton, it will deserve immortal fame
Also he pleads for reduction in mar
keting costs. But how?
Mr.. Smith is on surer ground in his
discussion of the states financial prob
lens, and with his great practical ex-
perience as a legislator he is in an ex-
tremely advantageous position to effect
economies and arrange an equitable sys-
TEN of taxation. All his suggestions for
saving are sound we believe, with the
exception of his demand for ending the
State Police. This service has album
dainty justified its existence, and the
Legislature should resist Mr.. Smiths
attack upon this highly necessary and
useful force making for public order
and safety.
Among the more radical changes urged
are the granting to cities of full power
to own and operate all public utilities;
the ending of the Public Service Com
mission in this district and the substtu-
ton for it of two individual commits
tO ho Of
new railways, the other to regulate oper-
alton; health and maternity insurance,
and minimum wage commissions All
of these are moot questions and raise
issues that will need investigation and
debate
There has unquestionably been much
to criticise in the record of the Public
Service Commission. The whole prin-
ciple of commission egulation-nvolv-
ing much executive as well as legislative
and judicial activty-is open to some
doubt 1t is entirely conceivable that
one commissioner (and the right one)
could cope with our transit situation
better than any commission The per
sonality of the individual is the main
ISSUE however, and that question, un-
fortunately, is not answered by Mr..
Smiths very intelligent and suggestive
analysis of the general principles in
volved.
1t remains to be seen how far Gov
ernor Smith can win legislation for his
proposals from Republican Senate and
Assembly. There should be ample and
open discussion. There should besa COM
plete avoidance of any secret bipartisan
combination. On the other hand, we
hope and assume that the Republican
majorites will be glad to cooperate with
the Governor in every just and progress
sive measure. Above all else if they
can unite with Mr.. Smith to achieve a
new economy in state finances they will
lay foundation of benefit for the whole
community beyond all else in Importance.