Date: March 31, 1919.
Location: Boston, MA
(Original document available here)
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives.
In accordance with the authority conferred by the Constitution of the Commonwealth, a bill “authorizing the city of Boston to raise money for the improvement of East Boston ferry service,” which is Senate, No. 155, is herewith returned without approval.
This is a time for the application of economy in the ordinary and established public expenditures. The taxpayer is already overburdened. This does not mean that the functions of government should stop, but it does mean that they should proceed in the regular and orderly way, and that those who are responsible for expenditures should make them without outside interference.
The very laudable desire which prompted this bill is perfectly apparent. It is, however, a matter entirely within the province of the authorities of the city of Boston. It does not appear that the city has requested or supported this measure, and there is no more reason why direction should be given to the city of Boston regarding the equipment and operation of its ferry service than there is of its highways, schools, lights or other public works. This measure does not come within the permanent policy that directs the raising of a certain sum each year for the support of certain municipal departments.
There are no doubt other objects as much in need of additional outlay as the ferry service. Such objects should be considered as a whole, if at all, on the application and with the support of the city of Boston for an increase of the tax limit. This is clearly a service which the city is bound to provide, and differs in no way from other required expenditures which should be made within the tax limit. While this may be a reason for raising the tax limit, it is certainly no reason for making expenditure outside of it. While in terms this is an enabling act, the form is the same as all authorizations for increasing tax limits, and is in effect compulsory.
Citation: Vermont Historical Society
The Coolidge Foundation gratefully acknowledges Isaac Oberman who prepared this document for digital publication.