The New York herald., 1921-01-06
MILLER MESSAGE
TO LEGISLATURE
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"
above mentioned in which the greatest
| increases have occurred are the Secre-
tary of States Office. the Comptroller's
office, II Department Of Health, the Ed
ucat!onal Department and the Agricul-
tural Department.
New Administrative Expense.
The administration Of new tax laws
accounts for the principal increases in
administrative expense In the first two
named, and Is covered by what has been
said on that subject. New activities
have been added to the other depart
ments named and that doubtless ac-
counts in considerable part for the in
ereases. Still those increases have been
so great as to suggest the need Of a
careful survey. OF course, nothing
should be done to impare the efficiency
Of those departments. But I have no
doubt indeed the mere examination Of
the budget convinces me that better
correlation of effort, greater efficiency
and substantial economies cen be eff
fected in ALL Indeed, make that OBJ
servation with relation to every depart
ment of the State government, and we
must accomplish those results sfther
with or without the aid Of department
heads.
/ think the present organization of
the Agricultural Department unsound
upon it's face. The Council ,of Farms
and Markets may serve to keep the de-.
partment out of politics, and for that
reason can properly be continued, out
1t Is not suited to discharge and should
not be clothed with any administrative
function whatever. There is no reason
that ! can perceive for a divided depart
ment. and l believe that econ ony and
efficiency of administration will be pro-
NOTED by single head to be appointed
by the Council Of Farms and Markets,
and I recommend that those changes be
made. / also recommend that chllges
be made in the law So as to safeguard
the payment Of compensation for the
killing Nof diseased animals
We have been adding new activities
so fast that the time has now arrived
for making q survey of their results
and methods of operation.
Department OF Education.
In the Department of Education the
physical training work last year in
volved an expenditure for salaries and
travelling expenses, allowance to teach
for physical training teachers of more
than 100000. and we may be sure that
there were collateral expenses running
into many thousands of dollars.
There was also appropriated for
Americanization work for 1920-1921. in
items that are capable Of segregation.
over S250.000. to say nothing OF the col
lateral expenses included in other items.
Increases have been asked this year Of
A s,< IT ,Rxrutr tpa ft,iy,
and S99,100 for the administration Of
the Americanization law. am in
formed. however. by the Department Of
Education that substantial reductions
may properly be made.
do not minimize the Importance of
An1ericanization or physical training.
and in dealing with such subjects
would not err on the side Of economy
But our necessities require US to be
practical about these matters. and I
doubt that much OF the work SO far
done has been practical ! believe we
have started with too large an over
burden at the wrong end. Such work
can only be done with effectiveness To-
cally. and then only in harmony with
local circumstances and conditions. II
cannot be forced upon people. and be-
lieve that there has been too much CEN
tralization of administration In the State,
which has added to the burdens of both
State and local government. The ele-
mentary schools do not have the facili-
ties for physical training such as exist
in the secondary schools. and such work
In incompetent hands produces more
harm than good
The first duty of the State is to pro-
vide an elementary education for all our
! boys and girls. and nothing should be
permitted to interfere with the full dis
charge Of that duty. A proper elemen-
| tary education given, the children Of the
| foreign born will do more than any
other one thing to advance the work of
Americanization, and l have a very
strong feeling that compulsory physical
training should not be allowed to inter-
fere with the essential work OF elemen-
tary schools. and that Anericanization
work outside OF the schools can best be
done through voluntary local effort and
| industries whose selfish interest properly
aroused should stimulate such work. I
invite careful study OF this subject.
do not wish to be dogmatic. and I real
ize that those who have become imbued
with theoretical and prospective accom-
plishment feel that 1t will be a step
backward for the State to curtaii any of
its present activities.
I recommend that substantial amend
nents be made to the physical training
law. at least In respect OF It's compulsory
| features.s IL appears to me that the
rural schools should be relieved of the
burden placed upon them and that the
cities and villages maintaining second
ary schools should have the responsible
| ity placed upon them OF giving such ply
sical training as circumstances and con-
ditions may warrant. BY all means. let
1 the elementary teachers be trained to
look after the health and physical we'll
being of their pupils. And let the Depart
ment of Education continue In a prac-
| teal way to advance the cause of edu-
| cation, both me onta1 and physical OF
course, you will hear what those charged
with the administration OF these laws
have to say. / recommend that the items
| Of appropriations hereinbefore referred
to be eliminated or that they be reduced
TO their very lowest terms A reduction
Of at least 100000 In these items alone
should be made.
Military Training Com mission.
From what has already been said, II
must be apparent that I am OF the
opinion that the Military Training Com
mission Is one OF the departments that
can be eliminated. Its appropriation
last year was s323.1s5. II is request
ing this year ss07,4so.
I think all agree that up 10 date.
It's work has not warranted It's cost. I
| do NOT r1fuirnfxa tle valua Of such work