The Governor Tells Olympia to Tighten Its Belt

Olympia, Jan. 15.—Special.—At 2 o'clock both houses met in the hall of representatives to hear the governor's message. The hall was filled to overflowing with ladies and gentlemen. Ex-Gov. Ferry and wife occupied seats on the floor of the house at a little to the left of the speaker's platform; Mrs. McGraw sat near Mr. and Mrs. Ferry. Ex-Speaker Shaw and many others were also present. To the right of Lieut. Gov. Luce, the presiding officer of the joint convention, Speaker Morrison occupied a seat, and to the left of the presiding officer sat Senator B. C. Van Houten, the temporary president of the senate. A few moments after the convention had assembled, Gov. McGraw was received with hearty applause. As soon as the applause had subsided the governor was presented by Lieut. Gov. Luce, and was once more greeted with applause. The governor did not hesitate a moment, but at once began the delivery of his message. The reading occupied precisely one hour and ten minutes. The governor was in magnificent form, and spoke distinctly and with perfect enunciation.

The message was listened to with marked attention. At times the most profound stillness reigned, and at others the speaker was interrupted with spontaneous outbursts of prolonged applause. This was particularly the case in his reference to the remission of tax penalties, the abolishment of municipal courts, the exorbitant charges of sleeping car companies, the necessity for adequate laws in dealing with railroads and the abolishment of the mileage system; and when at length he concluded by intimating that the duty of electing a United States senator was 'incidental rather than paramount' to the legislative duties which the members owed to their constituents, and that therefore this question should be quickly disposed of so that they might devote their time and attention to needed legislation, the assemblage broke into tumultuous applause.

At the conclusion of the reading of the message scores of members crowded around the governor and in terms of unmistakable sincerity offered congratulations. Tonight the message and its salient points have entirely overshadowed the election of a senator, and on all sides are heard a tone of the sincerest commendation. In short, the Democrats and Populists are as completely captured by the message and its retrenchment recommendations as the Republicans, and it may positively be predicted that the message will form the basis of legislation during the present session.