Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-01-03
GOVERNOR MECHEM'S ADDRESS.

cept for the inaugural ball, in which Gov
Mechem tolerantly allowed the committee on
gements to have its own way, the inaugural
onies were of that rigid simplicity character
If the new governor.
lving maintained almost complete silence since
lection, the utterances of Governor Mecnem
8s inaugural address were awaited with inter-
n the people of the state. Never before in the
NV of the commonwealth were issues brought
.rd into first place in campaign Inc at
here of the new administrations induction into
~ was therefore rather one of policies then OF
& although great interest surrounds the chief
;ntments of the regime.
erhaps the shortness of the inaugural adj
may prove disappointment to some. 1t may
rgued in reply however, that his message to
ew legislature may provide better vehicle for
IMPRESSION of opinion upon the legislative pro-
4 of the new administration.
Except for a single paragraph Governor Me-
is short address was confined entirely to en-
izing his dominant policy of retrenchment The
governor showed himself possessed of keen
ical sense by his emphasis upon this subject.
s was said by him upon the point in his cam
a than he said aSturday, but at that time the
h of economic conditions in New Mexico was
SO pronounced and the need of rigid economy
so outstanding in the minds of the people
Within sensible bounds. where it will no doubt
onfined, the key policy of the new CHIEF mag
te will be extremely popular Taxes have mount
B absurd and unbearabe levels. A remedy must
tound and Governor Mechem is quite right in
ng that rigid retrenchment and economy is para
Mt
fhis policy must not go to the length, however
icing a step backward in the course of things
initial to the progress of the state 1t must strike
essentials with intelligence, carefully conserv-
all institutions which the general welfare makes
erative.
rhe temptation to overwork economy Will lie IN
fact that the great mining interests VIII lend
very encouragement. When money is being spent
PURGE must be found from which to derive the
me. In the face of imperative necessity for
icy, these interests can not hope to escape ade-
to taxation They have no doubt emphaticay
outraged Governor Mechem's economy program
he belief that it will greatly lessen the pressure
CHI they must combat if they escape paying their
re of the taxes.
Two remedies lie open to the new administra-
i for tightening the burden of taxes for the
ple both of which must be taken. Economy is
Derative. But 1t is also necessary to bring upon
tax rolls every manner of property in the
% which is now untaxed under-taxed. An
nomy which would decrease taxation will no
lbt lessen the cutlery of the people against the
ling burden of high taxes but it will not de-
ase the injustice, if they are left to bear all
burden without these non-taXed or under-taxed
,rests being compelled to equtaby share the
i.
Perhaps the present pressure from these inter-
to make retrenchment instead of re-distribu-
of the burden. the prime policy of the admin
alton will be largely offset by the counter
ssure created by necessity during the session Of
legislature.
Filat Governor Mechem does not intend to give
administration over to these gentlemen who
& thus shrewdly pressed retrenchment as a
I'd policy, is shown by the following paragraph
his address:
N ain regard to the pledges of reform contain
d In the platform of the party represent,
hey are each and every of them to be
ept to the letter and in the spirit of complete
R1fillment. The time is past for discussion
their wisdom expediency. and
nere are many matters of great importance
thich will claim attention. The recon-
,endations of the special revenue commission
Re entitled to careful and intelligent consd
ration 1t is not desired to minimize the i'm
orfance Of any of these matters by not dis
l1ssing them at this time and place, but what
J desired is to put especial emphasis upon the
act that a reduction of taxation is the para
.ount obligation resting upon at this time"
II this declaration is materialized into law new
rces of revenue will be developed which will
, the relief necessary to reasonably lessen the
aen OF state taxes without destroying any neces-
7 function Of the commonwealth
This statement of the governor is as emphatic
direet as any could wish and omens well for
*r<tl,re. The people will await with interest his