Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-01-07
n WAS SHORT, ANYWAY.

6VV6IAVE . INc6Sd6Ss " las CAS AA0AAs
Of brevity. The governor apparently
had little to nay. and he did hot waste
a lot Of words in saying it.
Aside from a vtry few specific rec
concentrations the governors advice
to the legislature is to pass the neces-
say appropriation bills and adjourn
That looks quite simple. But quite a
lot is included in necessary approprt-
ations." One member OF tho budget
board, who can scarcely be acchsed of
padding the estimates for partisan
purposes, thinks that the expense bud
get for the next two years will exceed
eight million dollars. That is quite, a
tidy sum. Details concerning the es-
Inmates will be presented, Of course,
by the board, but some discussion OF
the subject of finances demonstrating
that the head Of the executive depart
ment has a comprehensive grasp Of
the subject might have been informa-
tive and reassuring to those legislators
who, in their innocence and inexperi-
ence, are inclined to look tv the gov
ernor of the state for leadership.
The governor Jumps a number Of
highly important subjects under the
term industrial Program" and as
serts that in spite Of difficulties and
opposition, that the program has made
a good showing to date. He urges
only essential adjustments, the neces
sary appropriations, and adjournment.
If the assembly is to make adjust
ments its members must know some
thing of what they are t. adjust, and
why, and how. They will doubtless
expect information from other sources,
but a summary of the facts, presented
by the one state official who stands
forth IS the sponsor for that program,
would have aided the members in ap-
preaching the subject intelligently.
The state has recently put into ope-
ration laws creating several new and
important industries and departments.
We have created a Mill and Elevator
association, a new system of grain
grading, a state banking institution, a
home building enterprise, and have
made provision for workmen's. COM
p%ensation and state hail insurance.
Are these enterprises to be maintain
ed as they are, expanded, contracted
or abandoned? Whatever the decision,
definite, affirmative action will be
necessary. The legislature cannot
merely look abroad, pronounce every
thing good, and let it go at that. What,
in brief, are the facts with reference
to each Of the enterprises mentioned?
What legislative action in each Ease
is likely to be the most beneficial to
the state?
The subject of good roads is promi-
nently before the people of every
state. Some of our neighbors have
already taken a very definite posi-
ton on that subject. What is the wise
course for the state Of North Dakota
to pursue? A review of the conditions
in this state, based on authoritative
information, might be helpful.
Large sums of money are needed for
the maintenance Of our state Institu-
tions. Can the states interests be
served better by providing for these
needs by the levy of a special mill tax
for some Or all of the institutions, or
by continuing the present policy?
Again, leadership in the executive Of
flee might be useful in giving direc-
ton to legislative thought.
1t a scarcely be said that the gov
ernor's message is a disappointment,
for disappointment implies expecta-
ton. But it is unfortunate that when
sane and constructive work is so bad
ly needed, and when practical sugges-
ton in furtherance of it from the
head of the state government would
be so likely to meet a ready responce,
the best that the governor has to Of
fer is advice to pass the necessary ap-
preparations and adjourn.