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"A comprehensive, collaborative elections resource."
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Governor John Bigler Inaugural Address January 7, 1854
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| Parent | Parent Candidate |
| Contributor | Thomas Walker |
| Post Date | , 12:am |
| Description | FELLOW CITIZENS:
Having subscribed the solemn oath required by the Constitution, at the commencement of a term of office, I avail myself of the occasion to express my profound gratitude to the people of California, who, after the most rigid scrutiny into all my official acts, have a second time, by their free suffrage conferred upon me the highest office in their gift. At the commencement of my first term, conforming to revered custom, I took occasion to proclaim the principles which should be my guide in the administration of the government, as well as to explain the more important measures believed necessary to the rapid development of our vast resources.
The principles then set forth, and the measures advocated, are still cherished and approved; — time and experience having demonstrated, as far as tested, their entire practicability and correctness.
On this occasion, I may be permitted to assure my fellow citizens, that hereafter, as heretofore, all my energies will be steadily exerted to secure, not only a faithful and efficient, but an economical administration of the State Government. And if, heretofore, there has been a failure to accomplish desired objects, and effect radical reforms, I entreat you to remember, that in the only manner authorized by the Constitution, I have, again and again, performed my duty in the premises, by urging upon the immediate representatives of the people, the great importance of adopting judicious measures, to secure a speedy liquidation of the debt of the State, and of devising a thorough system of retrenchment and reform.
The power to abate evils complained of; — to lessen public expenditures and taxation on the people, the Constitution has wisely vested in the Legislature—not in the Executive. The Governor can, and, indeed, it is his constitutional duty, from time to time, to recommend measures which meet his approbation, and to express his views on subjects, of general importance; but here his power ceases, until his recommendations shall have received force and efficacy, by the action of the Legislature. The Executive, though often censured in relation to public expenditures, has, in fact, no further control over the Treasury, than is exercised in the approval or rejection of acts of the Legislature, appropriating public funds. |
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