Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-03-16
BYRD MAKESPLEA
FOR BIG REFORMS
Virginia Special Session
Urged 10 Adopt Reed and :.
Prentiss Reports.
Bv the Associated Press.


RICHMOND. Va, March 16.-Noth-
ing less than the adoption of the es.
sential recommendations of the Reeo
and Prentiss commissions will enabi
the fulfillment of the pledges made bX
Gov Harry Flood Byrd on the night
of his election. he told the General
Assembly convened in extraordinary
session here today :,
I'VE are here to serve to the pest
of our ability with the consciousness
in our hearts of the progress OF the
whole Of Virginia. free from all sec
tional prejudice and political con-
sideration," he said in part. seek
no additional power for myself. TO
the contrary. an analysis of the recon-
mendations made will disclose that
NV patronage will be substantially
reduced by adjustment of positions
10 which appointments are now maze
by the governor.
"'Two notable reports of two COM
missions and report by business
SPECIALISTS offer the General Assembly
the opportunity to Simplify govern
mental processes and enable suostan-
tial savings of public funds. ne said.
This saving will not be made at the
cost of efficiency. but the changes
proposed will promote efficiency.
A saving of time in initiation OF
nroDosed amendments to the Constr
tuition was emphasized as one OF the
impelling reasons why the session was
called.
Amendments Held Needed.
1.-The enactment of some Of the laws
necessary to carry out. the recon-
roendations of the Reed Commission
require amendments to the Constltu-
tion." the governor explained, and
two years would be lost were we to
defer action upon constitutional
changes until the regular session con-
veninG next Winter.
"The notable record for constructive
legislation which the Assembly mace
at it's last session was commenced by
the governor. who urged the contlnu-
ance of Virginias progressive pro-
gram
Discussing "simplification and re
trenchment," Gov. Byrd said: MY
experience in business and In the
State Senate convinces me that sun.
stantial public funds can be saved ana
efficiency promoted by a simpllncatlon
of our State and local government
machinery. He briefly reviewed the
history Of the survey made toward
this end by the New York Bureau OF
zens' Efficiency Commission.
Reform of local governments must
in the main await constitutional
amendments, the governor asserted
The report of the Bureau or Munlc-
ipal Research on local government
has not been received, he said.
Additional recommendation to the
report of the commission to Suggest
constitutional revision were MADE Dy
the governor, who would prohibit
bonds being issued by counties or dis
tricts unless approved by the voters
in a referendum. He also would pro-
hibit the appointment in recess or any
person who has failed of confirmation
in the General Assembly.
Cost OF a Convention.
Pointing out that a constitutional
convention might have cost the State
$500 900 and probably more. Gov.
Byrd said the expenses of the Prentiss
commission have run. to date, to
about 81. 900. The appropriation made
to cover it's expenses was $4,000, he
recalled.
1.-THE fears of those who doubt the
wisdom of the pending amendment to
the constitution to prohibit State
tax on land and tangible personal
property" should be allayed by the
success of the segregation tax plan,
the executive declared. Virginia is
reducing her taxes and dealing with
her tax CONSIDERABLY and justly" he
added.
Economy must not be destructive"
the governor said. mo employe
should be required to work for less
than fair compensation, No essential
agency of the lState-educational or
otherwise-should be starved; but the
saving should be found in consolida-
ton and simplification of govern
mont"
A gain in the financial condition of
Virginia OF 1867 ,3S0.15 in one year
was reported.