The Lincoln County herald., 1870-01-13
Tho Goyernor,s Messaxe.

1t Is rendible document, but not very
bitter, coming as il does from one who has
always been considered proscriptivc
Radical. As We haven't room for the
message, and are little pressed for time
we will simply give the remarks Of the
ST. Louis Republican 10 this connection,
which fairly states tho positions taken BY
Gov. McClurg:
Governor Meetings. message, opening
with the usual expression Of gratitude
for the blessings Of peace and plenty,
mentions as q parcticular proof Of the
restoration Of order to the State the
peacefulness with which special elections
we're conducted ia Jackson, Audrain,
Dunkiin, Wayne, Oregon, Ripley and
Shannon counties. The Legislature. st
i,s last session, declared the regular elec
ton Of November Sd, 1868, IN these
counties void, on account of improper
registration. A new REGISTRATION and a
special election we're ordered in each, and
both we're effected without the slightest
disturbance. The Governor seems to
mention the fact ss an illustration of the
cessation of disloyal disorders in the
State; but an easy inference would make
his language q rebuke to tho Legislature
for annulling elections in counties which
were just as orderly in 1868 as they are
in 1869. "There is no county in the
State" says His Excellency, "where or.
ganized resistance to the law exists, and
where the Sheriff cannot procure o posse
to aid in the enforcement Of the laws"
On the important question Of suffrage,
the Governor expresses himself in favor
of two things: the removal of the dsa-
bilities from the disfranchised whites, and
the eniranchisement of the blacks. He
suggests that the Legislature invite dis.
cussion Of the former in tho election Of
next fall, so that, if that election shall in.
dcatc the popular desire for the restora.
ton OF the ballot to the disfranchised, it
may be effected early in 1871. At tho
same time he recommends the submission
to the deople, next fall, Of special
amendment to the Constitution giving the
ballot to colord males.
Another amendment to the Constitution
is recommended Ono striking out the
clause which makes stockholders in cor.
poratious liable in double the amount Of
their stock for the debts of the corpora
ton. This feature he regards as one un.
necessarily onerous, encouragement to
the investment of capital in enterprises
and clog on industrial spirit Other
amendments may be necessary, but the
the Governor entrcats tho Legislature
not to call convention. His reasons
are that it would cost tn people something
and that it would disqulet the State. All
needed amendments, he thinks. can be
made by separate submission Of them to
the people. HIS Excellency fails to show
how this separate submission of several
important and needed amendments at Is
many different elections would be any
less costly or disquieting than the calling
of convention to make all the amend
ments at one time.
The finances Of the State are said to be
in manageable condition" At the
beginning of 1868 the debt was S18, GA.
900, eighteen millions Of which consisted
Of bonds to railroads, maturing in 1872
and 1887 and the intermediate years
The January and July interest Of 1868
on this debt was paid, $48, 900 Of the war
debt due to St. Louis banks was also paid,
ane 100000 still left iu the Treasury.
During 1869 the State debt was reduced
to 18,595,000, the current expenses Of
the State government, including S92, 600
in warrants issued to take up certificates
Of Indebtedness, have been paid, 1866, 900
remitted to New York to pay the present
January interest on the debt, aud $442,
27s left in the Treasury. The collections
Of revenue in 1869 amounted to $720,
600 and it is estimated that 81 ,450, 900
additional revenue for that year will be
returned. After paying the expenses Of
the present session ofthe Legislature and
the next July interest. there will be left
in the treasury q balance Of $65, 900.
The assessed value Of taxable property in
the State in 1868 was S470,773,119, and
for 1869, e508, ,27e, 1850 showing an in.
crease of nearly 8 per cent. As there
are State bonds to the amount Of $477,.
900 maturing 10 1872, and $3.50, 900 ma.
turing in 1873, the Governor says that
only by the striotest economy can We
spare enough from tho revenue to pay
them. OF the whole State debt there is
only $50, 900, the interest on which the
holders expect in gold; no demand for
gold has been made ON the States fiscal
agent in New York. %
During the year 1869, 800 miles Of
railroad have been built 10 the State, and
there are now 1,035 miles iu course Of
construction. In this connection, the
Governor iutimates pretty plainly that
the support Of future enterprises Of this
sort should not rest on State aid, bul
upop individual enterprise and industry
The inference is clear that he will not ap
prove any legislation to release the Han
uibal aud st. Joseph railroad from il
obligations to the State, in view Of tht
building Of branch roads or.feeders of tha