Omaha daily bee., 1919-01-10
PROGRAM FOR THE LEGISLATURE.


Governor Neville going out and Governor
McKelvie coming on have laid before the state
legislature an extensive program, much of
which must be laid over for detailed discussion
at another time. The messages are in agree
ment as to the ratification of the prohibition
amendment to the federal constitution. as to
equal suffrage, restrictions to be placed on
foreign languages in the public schools, and
vocational training for school children.
Governor McKelvie has more important
bill of particulars for the lawmakers than is
suggested by these generalities. He asks that
a sweeping change be made in the system of
state administration, whereby more compact
and efficient government may be provided This
plan contemplates the abolition of various
boards and commissions, and the substitution of
cabinet therefor. Many officers, whose
duties overlap or duplicate effort, would be
eliminated, responsibility would be brought
more definitely to the head of the department
concerned, and generally the good of the state
would be conserved, the governor thinks, by the
adoption of his plan.
Accompanying the suggestion for cabinet
government is another for an executive budget,
for the management of appropriations and ex-
penditures. The advantage of such system
has been thoroughly established, and the gov
ernor urges the legislature to give these pro-
posed reforms effect Immediately, without wait
ing for the adoption of new constitution. On
the subject of the constitutional convention,
he asks that the call be issued for the earliest
possible date, that the work may be undertaken
without delay.
As might have been expected from him,
Governor McKelve gives much attention to the
agricultural and stock raising industries, and
puts decided emphasis on his recommendations
for legislation in the interest of these important
factors in the states life. His familiarity with
the needs of the farmers and stockgrowers,
the dairymen and Others engaged in food pro-
duction, supported by his recent consultations
with groups of interested individuals, should
give weight to his proposals. While his pro-
gram on these points is elaborate and inclusive,
he especially puts stress on the creation of a
Department of Agriculture, which shall be man
aged in the interests Of the states chief indus
try. Under this all the food producing and
marketing activities of the state will be pro-
NOTED.
The question of land ownership and tenant
farming referred to in the message, may have
further consideration, as it is one of vital i'm
portance to Nebraska.
One recommendation for law, which will
meet popular approval, is to do away with nepo-
tsm. Another deals with highway legislation,
on which topic good advice is offered the law
makers Steps for the building of new state
house also should be taken, according to Gov
ernor McKelvie's views.
Governor McKelvie properly urges the
legislators to redeem every promise made in
the republican platform. In this way they will
but follow the example of the legislature con-
trolled by the republicans in 1907, when every
pledge was enacted into law, and the state was
given the benefit of the most noteworthy set of
progressive and constructive statutes ever
adopted at single session.
Cooperation between the members of the
legislature and the executive harmonious in pur-
pose, should bring great benefit to Nebraska.