The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-01-09
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE


The message of Governor Nestos
to the general assembly of the
state is a business-like document,
replete with practical suggestions.
and quite unmarked by any appeal
to factional spirit. 1t is devoted
entirely to consideration Of sub
jects which are CT prime interest
to the state, and which demand at
tention at this time.
Among the outstanding recon-
mendations are those for the Gre
alton. of separate, non-pOlitlcai
boards for the management OF the
state mill and elevator and the
Bank Of North Dakota, respective
ly; the liquidation Of the Home
Building association separation
of management of educational in
situations from that Of penal and
charitable institutions; financing
of dormitory construction at state
institutions by system OF BOND
issues rather than by immediate
tax levies; revision of tax laws so
as to provide for taxation of pro-
perry which now escapes taxation;
enactment of grain grading law
which will be in harmony with
supreme court decis ions; general
survey of the educational situation
with a view to conservation and
economy; four year terms for cleo
tive officers Of the state and its
larger subdivisions, with four
year terms for state represents
tives, eigh-year terms for senators.
Quadrennial legislative sessions,
and ten-year terms for members or
supreme court; amendment or
workmen's compensation and mine
inspection laws; a general pro-
gram Of efficiency and economy in
the administration of all public
affairs; provision for adequate
financing of mill and elevator, and
provision for meeting interest on
all outstanding obligations of lathe
state as they become due.
That locks like a. sane and mod
crate program. 1t is not to be ex-
pected that all the items on it. will
he endorsed Immediately by all the
members of the legislature. We
assume that the governor has no
such expectation. 1t Is quite likely
that there will be vigorous opposi-
ton to some of the proposals
made. as for instance, the extern
sion of the terms of officials and
provisions for sessions of the leg
islature only every four years.
There is a decided difference OF
opinion among good citizens as to
the relative merits of long and
short terms of office, and while
The Herald is inclined to take the
governors view of the subject, it
has no quarrel with those who are
of the opposite opinion.
The important thing, as The Her
aid sees it, is that the governor has
presented a series of recommends
tons of an exceedingly practice
nature, dealing with subjects which
require attention, each of which
may. and should be. considered
frankly on it's own merits, without
tIUASHI VI 1Ay IHiiS Oue SAAC AiAe''A
ner in which the proposed action,
if taken, will affect the real inter-
ests Of the state.
If the right spirit prevails, and
If the discussions are kept free
from factionaism which can ac'
compish nothing but evil, We shall
expect 10 see men who have been
classified as leaguers vote for bills
intended to carry into effect par
ticular recommendations provided
that action in the judgment OF the
individual member is wise and use
full; and We shall expect to see
such measures opposed by those
Independents to whose considered
judgment they do not appeal.
IL that spirit can be maintained,
we need have no fear that the SEES
sion will not be constructive one !;
and the governor has set the pace
by presenting his recommendation
in spirit Of calmness and fairness