Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/385



HE legislature met again in session on the 3d of January, 1905. My message to it at this time I insert in an appendix entire for the reason that after two years of experience it represents my ripe thought as to the needs and interests of the commonwealth and the judgment of my public work must largely depend upon its recommendations. Many of them, the constabulary, Greater Pittsburgh, the apportionment notwithstanding the impracticable provisions of the constitution, the tax upon coal, and others, have been accomplished. Some, like the exercise of eminent domain only upon the actual ascertainment of the public need, the application of the law of public nuisance to the habitual publication of falsehood, the extension of a park from the front of the Capitol to the Susquehanna River, await the further enlightenment of the people of the state.

There was no consultation with any of the politicians in the preparation of this message, and it was seen by nobody prior to its presentation to the assembly. As was to be anticipated, the suggestion of further action in restraint of “yellow journalism” was like stirring up a cage of wild animals. The newspapers met the suggestion, as usual, not with argument or reasoning, but by objurgation and a strained effort to make still uglier pictures. I did not attempt to influence the members of the legislature in any way and contented myself with having pointed out a method by which this great evil could be controlled should they choose to adopt it. Senator James P. McNichol came to me and said he proposed to vote for the measure if it Rh