774 Gubernatorial Messages 



wise, is deserving of hearty support; but it can not 

 be too deeply impressed upon us that such attempts 

 can result in permanent good only in proportion as 

 they are made in a sane and wholesome spirit, as far 

 removed as possible from whatever is hysterical or 

 revolutionary. It is infinitely better when needed 

 social and civic changes can be brought about as the 

 result of natural and healthy growth than when they 

 come with the violent dislocation and widespread 

 wreck and damage inevitably attendant upon any 

 movement which is revolutionary in its nature. 



At the same time a change should never be shirked 

 on the ground of its being radical, when the abuse 

 has become flagrant and no other remedy appears 

 possible. This was the case with the taxation of 

 local franchises in this State. For years most of 

 these franchises escaped paying their proper share 

 of the public burdens. The last Legislature placed 

 on the statute book a law requiring them to be treat- 

 ed as real estate for the purposes of taxation, the tax 

 to be assessed and collected by the State Assessors 

 for the benefit of the localities concerned. This 

 marks an immense stride in advance. Of course at 

 first serious difficulties are sure to arise in enforcing 

 it. The means for carrying it into effect are very 

 inadequate. There may be delay before we get from 

 it the substantial additions to the revenue, which will 

 finally accrue, and there may be disappointment to 

 the enthusiasts who are so apt to hope too much from 

 such legislation. But it will undoubtedly add largely 

 to the public revenues as soon as it is fairly in opera- 



