Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-02-26
IN THE HoMESTRErcH

THE General Assembly enters next Mon
l. day night at Harrisburg on its conclud-
ing stages. Up to this time the legislators
have done nothing, in sense, other than
mark time and prepare for whatever is to be
finally enacted into law.
This means that the state so far has gained
nothing; perhaps it is equally true that
nothing of legislative Importance has been
lost. At least. such vicious proposals as
are embodied in the Sewers "underworid'
bill. for example, have not been slipped
through the House and Senate. Nevcrthc-
less, in point Of time and money, much has
been wasted.
News reports tell Of conferences between
Governor Sproul. Senator Penrose and other
leaders, presumably with the object Of reach
ing a general and harmonious agreement on
n legislative and financial program. 1t is
10 be hoped that these conferences will so
speed UP the machinery of the Legislature
that the contemplated adjournment by the
end of April may be had.
Governor Sprouts recent statements,
which are in accord with his message to
the Assembly. clearly indicate a desire to
consider Legislative matters on a business
rather than a political or factional basis.
He says in effect:
'lf you want TO develop certain Of the
vital arms Of the government you must pro-
Nlut lll' SlUC"S Win WulCn TO curry on tnpSe
enlarged aCtivitics.'
Considering this suggestion in their confer
cnces and in their legislative proposals. the
leaders may we'll see n clear cut opportunity
for service. They are faced by conditions
which may seem paradoxical. AS matter
of fact, these very conditions constitute n
challenge to whatever of craftsmanship there
is in the councils Of the Legislature. If the
people of Pennsylvania want anything from
this session they want something that spells
progress, not reaction. They want this,
remembering at the same time that the eco.
nOmic structure of the country is passing
through 4 well defined period Of reorganiza
tion and readiustmcnt. Taxpayers are surely
crtiticd TO exercise their privilege of insist
ing, especially at this time. that now rcvc-
nu"S shall be raised in ways that shall not
hamper development and prosperity. OF
course. il now taxes are hamperng there
may be no increase in revenues.
As against this general proposition the
members of the Legislature will have to
consider series of progressive measures
calling for the expenditure of considerable
Sums Larger appropriations will be re.
QUired. for instance. for the state wide i'm.
provcmcnt of the school system. And as the
Governor pointed out the other day, five
million dollars will be sought from the state
as this years contribution to the Delaware
river bridge project.
The people Of Pennsylvania will be glad
of a chance TO travel forward. They cannot
ho criticized If they urge that the rate Of
fare be as reasonable as possible.
II is a splendid idea to promote the ap-
plication Of economy. But legislators must
also diFcrCntiatc between the cries Of special
plcadrrS and the arguments Of constructive
critics. There Is wide chasm between
business like economy and that kind Of econ
omy which is advanced for political or selfish
reasons.
IT is time that the Legislature swung into
action. II is up to the members and their
leaders 20 decide whether or not the session
If 1921 is to pass into history az onr notable
il not distinguished for n record Of pro.
GrcSSvr legislation. combined with the adop-
tion of n sound financial policy. Let the
wa'rhword be. "Not how much. but how
good "