Smyrna times., 1921-03-30

ministration of public finances in Del
aware should result from the passage
of two measures by the General As
sembly during the closing hours. We
refer to the State Budget bill and the
act recognizing the duties of and pre-
Scribing additional duties for the State
Auditor. The Budget Bill is the mea-
sure prepared by the State Survey
Commission, and the Auditors Bill
also is the result of the labors of the
same commission. 1t was drafted by
Henry Ridgely, of Dover. The Will
mington Evening Journal comments
by saying:
"Budgetary reform is subject that
has been agitated consistently in Del
aware for several years, but particu-
larly during the last two years. Henry
P. Scott, as chairman for Delaware of
the Federal Budget Committee, has
done quiet but effective work, particu-
larly among bankers, in advocating
the enactment not only of a national
but also of State budget bill. The
State Bankers Association devoted
several session at its annual meetings
and regional conferences to consider
alton of it. The Survey Commission
distributed publicity material, through
the Delaware State Program, pointing
out to thousands of citizens through
out the State the need for such law.
The bill, as enacted, has been pronoun-
ced by those familiar with similar
laws in other States, a good one. 1t
was approved as to form by William
S. Hilles before it was presented to
the Legislature.
at is also a matter for congratula-
tion that in this important matter
Delaware leads the Federal Govern
ment. While the National Admins
tration still is wrestling with the
problem, Delware seemingly has solv-
ed hers, so far as legislation can
solve it. With the careful admins
tration of the act that we can expect
from Governor Denney, never again
will Delaware Legislature be called
upon to pass appropriation bills ag-
gregating millions in such haphazard
fashion. To have seen the Legislative
mill grind out appropriation measures
at the rate of several an hour as was
done last Friday afternoon and night
lis far from edifying. The member.
of both the House and the Senate re
belled time and time again. Confront
ed with the claims of persons advocat
ing this and that grant of Stat
money, often the members were com
PEELED to form snap judgment as t
the intrinsic justice of the appeal fo
State aid. 1t is no wonder that sew
eral members, as they openly state
they would do, voted mo" on ever
appropriation measure on last Friday
Gin the future, under the bulge
law, an executive budget will be pre-
isented to the Assembly almost as 500
as it convenes. 1t will include detail
ed estimates for every item of Stat
expenditure except for the State jud
ciary and the expenses of the Legisl;
ture itself. The governors budget e
Inmates are arrived at only aft,
months of preliminary study and CO.
ference with every State officer, boar
commission and agency. The Leglsl
rture, of course, can change the go
ernor's estimates in any way it d
sires, but such changes will have to
made in the light of full informati
and under the glare of publicity. In
word, system is to be introduced in
our present chaotic State fnanci
scheme. The House Of Represent
- xsa did 1ssely "a friday sight