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 and Roberts of Montgomery, but another was introduced in the house and the two houses failed to agree. The end of the session was approaching and I was informed the movement had failed. Then I sent a message saying:

Throughout the whole of the session, I have refrained, as you have no doubt observed, from all attempts to affect legislation by personal influence, pressure or solicitation exerted upon the members of your honorable bodies. The constitution provides, however, a method for the presentation of the views of the governor upon that subject which is as follows:

“He shall recommend. . . to their consideration such measures as he may judge expedient.”

I feel that the time has come when my duty requires me to indicate my view upon a measure now pending before you. In my opinion the most important subject you have had to consider during this session is that of providing a system for improving the roads of the commonwealth. The measures affecting the government of cities and extending the privileges of railroads and other corporations, grave as they may seem to be, are of much less consequence and can much better be deferred. To reach a conclusion with regard to roads I believe to be essential. I have read with great care the bill which recently passed the senate and failed to meet the approval of the house and, while not perfect, it seems to be a bill which, if it became a law, would go far toward the accomplishment of the purposes intended and be of great benefit to the people. I, therefore, earnestly recommend its passage with assurances that whatever the governor can do to have it executed so as to be fair toward all parts of the state will be done.

Then I summoned the entire committees of both houses before me, listened to a full discussion of their troubles and dismissed them with the statement that I expected them to come to an agreement. The bill was passed and this important step in the way of progress taken.

As had been recommended in the inaugural message, an act had been passed and approved uniting the cities of Allegheny and Pittsburgh.

And now the session of the legislature ended and that 294